With the start of the New Year many people find changing their job is at the top of their new year’s resolutions, but often don’t know how to go about it. Career coach and author, Grace Owen shares some of her tips for taking control and making positive steps towards a new career.

The 21st-century workplace is changing and there are a myriad of opportunities to consider. You can be employed on a full or part-time basis, work on temporary projects, run your own business or even work for an organisation and have a side venture.

Don’t feel overwhelmed by this change, rather see it as an opportunity to take control of where you are in your career at present and determine where you want to be in the short and long-term. To establish how you feel about your career and working life rate your level of satisfaction on a scale of one to ten.

If you are happy with how your career is progressing, that’s great, but if not read on and apply the following C.A.R.E.E.R tips to increase your satisfaction in your work and seek out opportunities for change or development.

C is for clarity – Where do you want to go next in your career?

Being clear about what the future might hold for your career requires energy, discipline, patience and curiosity. It is hard graft, but in the long-term it is worth the effort!

Action: Look back over your entire working life; identify the highlights and low points. What do they reveal about what is really important to you? Think about what kind of experiences, talents, skills or interests you want to take with you on your journey and the values that matter most.

All of these factors will give you the confidence, drive and motivation to take control of where you are going, steer a course to the future and realise your dreams.

A is for attitude – is your glass half full or half empty?

How you feel about your career and working life can lead you to feeling powerless or powerful. Whether you are employed or self-employed, the first impression you make is the most important of all because it only takes a few seconds but lasts for months, even years.

Action: Become more self-aware. What kind of attitude do you convey on a typical working day? What are you thinking about, saying or doing that creates a negative attitude? If you are not sure, ask four people, who will be challenging and supportive, for feedback. Then identify what one action you can take to think and behave in a more upbeat and welcoming manner. A positive attitude makes all the difference at interviews and pitches for business.

R is for relationships — what kind of network do you have?

If it is full of people who are like-minded, but also complement you, and that you enjoy spending time with, great! However, if there are with people who sap your energy or that you want to avoid, there is pruning to be done! Your network, personal and professional, is a valuable source of expertise and advice, so it is vital that the people you need are in place.

Action: Review your address book, mobile phone directory, email contacts, Facebook friends, LinkedIn connections. Identify an inner circle of 12 people you want to contact regularly and make time to see and support them. With others the odd e-mail, coffee or night out will suffice.

Harnessing your network to find out about job vacancies or create strategic business alliances are examples of the benefits it can bring.

E is for equipped – Are you investing in your own learning and development?

Your talents, knowledge, skills and experience are priceless. Utilising, growing and updating these assets is essential in demonstrating your ability to deliver outcomes to a high standard of quality. Who you are and how you perform determines your track record and reputation.

Action: Create a self-development plan for the next 12 months based on things that you want to improve; remember to play to your strengths (rather than trying to correct your weaknesses). Doing this is how you add value, and it will get you noticed.

Developing yourself isn’t all about going on courses. You can learn by reading, joining online webinars, networking and Youtube, on the job, through mentoring, conferences and coaching.

E is for excellence – What does excellence in your work mean to you?

When you make the most of your career other people see you as a role model and want to hear about the successes and pitfalls along the way. Being visible and sharing your story to an individual or group inspires others to be courageous and confident to take calculated risks. Ultimately you can influence people to change and fulfil their potential by being your best self.

Action: Set your standards of excellence by being authentic and completing each of the C.A.R.E.E.R tips. In your heart you know if you’re operating below or above par.

We all have the capacity to be more and do more, our potential is unlimited.

R is for reflection – Are you taking care of yourself?

If you are feeling irritable, fed up or burnt out it is time to get real and get your priorities straight. You have one life and none of us knows what tomorrow will bring, so enjoy all aspects of your life each and every day.

Action: Pause and take time to check out your spiritual, mental, emotional, physical and financial wellbeing. If your work and life is out of balance identify just one key action that will redress this. For example, if you have been working too hard, then organise a night out. Guard your time and enjoy the present moments.

For further information visit the website: www.grace-owen.com