Mapping Success: Crafting Your Career Blueprint for 2024

How to Set Career Plans for the New Year

Dec 18, 2023

Heyo 9-5 Entrepreneurs! Dave here, your guide to navigating the twists and turns of career growth. Today, we're diving into a crucial conversation as we gear up for the approaching year – "What’s your plan for the new year 2024?"

But first, I would like to address the bad vibes that sometimes come along with “planning and the new year.”

"Don’t think of planning for the new year as a New Year's resolution-type thingy. Instead, view it as a personal map for navigating the new terrain, which is 2024.

Planning for the new year doesn't mean waiting until the new year before taking action or stopping some habits. It’s simply about strategizing and determining the methods we will use to pursue our goals in the coming year.

Just like how a new day brings freshness and renewed energy, the new year comes with a high that we can ride to push ourselves closer to our goals.

Okay, now that we have established this,

let me take your mind on a journey on how to go about this process so that on the eve of 2024, you’re not just counting down the seconds until the clock strikes midnight; you’re envisioning the planned steps that will elevate your career to new heights.

Here are Eight steps to help you get Started

1. Reflect on the Journey So Far: Take a stroll down memory lane – the victories, the challenges, and the lessons learned. What worked? What didn’t? Reflecting on the past year can provide valuable insights for crafting your future.

I started this year excited about my newfound love for marketing and building businesses, and at the end of the year, I’m still as excited about marketing. I'm currently directly involved in the building of two startups, and have helped several SMEs think and approaching marketing differently

2. Define Your North Star: What’s the ultimate goal? Whether it’s climbing the corporate ladder, launching your own business, or mastering a new skill, having a clear vision acts as your North Star, guiding your career decisions. It’s not the destination but the journey.

The destination for our mortal life is death, but it’s the things you do on your way that make life worthwhile.

A North-star for me would be switching full time to a Marketing and Analytical Role in the first Quarter of 2024.

Up by 5, Work by 8, close by 5………I never get to lay my bed, The vicious circle never ends, rinse repeat is that all there really is to it?……..

— A special poem for 9-5ers see resource section below

3. Break It Down into Steps, Systems, and Milestones: Big goals can be overwhelming. Break them down into steps, systems, and achievable milestones. These are like checkpoints on your career roadmap. This is often where the work is, and the truth is everyone’s journey is different. Depending on what your North Star is, there are different frameworks and systems you can adopt, and we will talk about them extensively in the coming episodes. So, if this interests you, kindly hit the subscribe button.

4. Invest in Learning: In the ever-evolving professional landscape, continuous learning is non-negotiable. Identify areas for growth, whether it’s acquiring a new skill, pursuing certifications, or staying updated on industry trends. I invested a lot of time studying viral tweets and learning about X Ads (formerly Twitter) because I plan to use X as a marketing tool and share as much value on there.

5. Network with Purpose: Your network is your net worth. Cultivate meaningful connections within and beyond your industry. Attend events, join online communities, and engage in conversations that expand your professional circle.

I think I need to dedicate an episode to talking about how networking helped my journey this year. But I recently met with Frank Edoho last weekend, and I’m excited for our conversation on navigating career paths(if he agrees lol )

6. Seek Mentorship: I’m going to be very honest here. I don’t really do well with one-on-one mentorship, and I've failed to keep a healthy mentor-to-mentee relationship in the past. But what works for me is learning from multiple entrepreneurs online and offline from the network I've created.

For instance, I needed guidance navigating the product side for the NYSC Experience Hub, and I reached out to Remilekun Ajayi who had a wealth of experience with branding and creating digital products.

If you thrive with a hands-on approach, identify someone whose career journey aligns with your aspirations and seek their insights. Mentorship is a powerful accelerator for personal and professional development.

7. Embrace Adaptability: In the dynamic world of work, adaptability is a superpower. Be open to change, embrace challenges, and view setbacks as setups for comebacks. Your ability to adapt will set you apart. In fact this steps requires you to think of as many setbacks as possible and how you plan to overcome them

8. Prioritize Work-Life Harmony: Okay, let's be honest. You spend 45-50 hours at work, 18-19 hours in transit weekly, and this already takes off 64 hours. You have 104 hours for life.

You might think, well, damn, this surely should be enough. Then you remember to take off sleeping hours, and the number left for life feels like a joke. There’s not enough time for you, and you need to be intentional about experiencing life. Plan enjoyment into your calendar and be intentional about it.

Remember, your career is a journey, not a destination. So, as we step into the new year, let’s not just plan for success; let’s journey towards it, one intentional step at a time.

What are your career plans for 2024? Share your thoughts, and let’s inspire each other!

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📰 A 9-5 Rendition

Mornings echo with the alarm's demanding call,

I wake up and I ask myself, Am I really gonna do this for the rest of my days or def,
Roll up my sleeves and pack up the shelves, I ask myself when is this gon end?
Through the bustling streets, I navigate with skill, Dodging danfo buses, and the traffic's mighty thrill.
Arriving at the office, where my skills will be embraced. The emails pile up, like a mountain they must enclave.
With deadlines looming near, it's a race that I must face Meetings fill my schedule, each one more than the last,
As I strive to make my mark, in a world that moves so fast. As I tackle endless tasks, with every ounce I take,
The coffee becomes my fuel, to keep me wide awake, Ah mean I could barely get any sleep last night.
Up by 5 work by 8,
close by 5,
home by 8
I never get to lay my bed, The vicious circle never ends, rinse repeat is that all there really is to it?
I’m a 9 to 5er
I’m the one with no social life, the one whose relationship life declines
I never really get to see my kids, by the time I’m home they all asleep.
Mummy’s gon play with you on weekend Buh that’s the only time I get to rest and reset
Do I really rest tho? I mean there’s chores and errands that stacked over the week.
I’m drained by Sunday , Buh Monday I’m up again
and I say to myself ,another week!
I’m a 9 to 5er
My family haven’t seen me in years, They think that I don’t care
Buh I’ve just been busy working the 9 to 5
Hell I’m doing what I can to stay alive I even had to add a side hustle to keep up the strive.
Not really sure how much Long I can keep up with this,
sometimes I’m stuck, I feel lost
Many times I even wanna quit my job!
But amidst the hectic chaos, I find moments to reflect,
On the purpose of my toil, and the goals I hope to protect. Why am I really doing this?
I dream of a life beyond, the confines of the clock, Where passions can be pursued, and freedom truly unlocked.
In the hopes of a better life, for my loved ones to share. If I don’t do it who else will care?
I’m a 9 to 5er
The days turn into weeks, and the weeks into years, As I climb the corporate ladder, overcoming all my fears.
I face the power outages, the fuel scarcity, and more,
Yet my resilience shines through, like the Nigerian spirit we adore.
Yet, day after day, I persevere with unwavering might,
Knowing that my efforts contribute, to a future shining bright.
For within the struggles of the 9 to 5 grind,
Lies the strength and resilience, of a worker's determined mind.
So here's to the 9 to 5 workers, warriors infact, who face each day anew,
May you find fulfillment and success, in everything you do.
Remember, amidst the challenges, your spirit remains alive,
And your dedication and hard work, will help you truly thrive.
— by GodCares

That was it for today. Have a great week and I'll see you next Sunday!

— Dave

PS: Help me out by Liking and sharing this with a friend who'll find it useful 🫶 dont forget to comment your career plans for 2024? Share your thoughts, and let’s inspire each other!

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