From Resolutions to Strategy: Your 2026 Career Goals

Last week, I talked about shelving the Resolution Mindset in favor of a Mini-strategy Model for your 2026 goals. The same approach works beautifully for professional development. Break your goals into manageable parts and build from there.

Start with your Big Hairy Audacious Goals (BHAGs). Let’s say you want to enhance your skillset with AI training to stay competitive in your industry. Here’s how to break it down:

How will you know you’ve been successful?
Maybe success means completing a program that teaches specific skills within a set timeframe. Maybe it means applying those skills immediately or becoming more qualified for certain positions. What will you do with the credential or knowledge once you have it?

How often will you check your progress?
If you enroll in a program, the schedule is mostly set. Choose one with timing and flexibility that works for you.

How will you approach the goal and stay on track?
Think about how you’ll make time for classes and study. Can you leverage your current responsibilities for assignments? What topics genuinely interest you and can be used in your coursework?

How will you stay accountable?
Tell a friend or two about the program. Even better, can one of them join you so you can stay on track together?

If you have a lapse, how will you recover?
Will you set an alternate study window? Add extra time to your next session? Have a plan for getting back on pace.

If the course isn’t working, what’s next?
Can you adjust something to make it work better, or do you need a different option? Look back at the other programs you considered — maybe one of them fits your needs now. And consider whether giving yourself more time would make a difference.

If you’re ready to set meaningful career goals for 2026, I’d love to help you build a strategy that moves you forward. You can start with a free Discovery Call to explore what’s next for your career.  Or, if you’re ready to take action now, schedule a 75-minute goal-setting and résumé review session to clarify your direction and position yourself for the opportunities you want.

Reach out and I’ll share next steps.