Turning Career Resolutions into Realities
A resolution without a plan is just a wish.
We’re in the time of year when we all make resolutions. Great! We should have something to aim for—getting healthier, cooking more, and changing jobs.
Often, though, we make these in the heat of the moment, looking at the calendar and going, “I gotta make this resolution before the calendar flips.”
And we don’t make a plan for how we’re going to see that resolution—that wish—become reality.
If you’re looking at making a career change this year, this idea hits especially close to home. A new career can feel like the ultimate resolution: exciting, aspirational, and completely life-changing. Without a roadmap, however, that big dream can feel overwhelming—or worse, unreachable.
Start with “Why”
Before diving headfirst into job boards or updating your résumé, take a step back and ask yourself: Why are you thinking about making this change? What is the dream, the vision, that is driving you?
Maybe you’re longing for work that aligns with your passions, a role that challenges you, or an environment that values your growth. Or maybe your current job feels stagnant or out of sync with your values.
Whatever your reason, let’s get clear on it. Your "why" is your compass—it will guide your decisions and keep you motivated when the going gets tough.
Build a Plan You Can Stick To
We have to know why we’re making the resolution in the first place and what we expect to happen as we’re making that resolution become reality.
If you’re serious about switching careers, you should treat the process like any other big project. Break it into smaller, manageable steps that feel achievable.
Here are some examples:
Research new industries or roles: Spend time understanding what’s out there. Talk to people in the field or read industry-specific blogs and articles.
Identify transferable skills: What strengths from your current role can you bring to a new one? Often, the skills you already have are more adaptable than you think.
Set short-term goals: These could be as simple as updating your LinkedIn profile, signing up for a course, or applying for three new roles per week.
While you’re doing this, give yourself the space to adapt. Your plan doesn’t need to be perfect from day one. Give yourself room for discovery, recalibration, and even some trial and error as you learn more about what you want.
Surround Yourself with Support
If we’re serious about our resolutions, we need to have a plan, and we need support to get there.
Navigating a career change can feel lonely, and it doesn’t have to be. You’ve got a network—friends, mentors, former colleagues—who can offer guidance, encouragement, or connections. So don’t be afraid to lean into it. Consider joining a professional group or working with a career coach for additional support.
Most importantly, give yourself grace. The career change you are embarking on is a journey, not a race. Small wins, like learning a new skill or landing an informational interview, are just as important as the big milestones.
You Can Do This
Now, I want to say here—I’m not knocking resolutions! It’s great to have a dream and a goal. And, let’s know how we want to accomplish what we want to accomplish.
Changing careers isn’t easy, but it’s absolutely possible. With clarity, a plan, and the right support, you can make this year the year you take control of your career adventure.
The calendar doesn’t define you. Resolutions made on January 1st are no more powerful than the ones you make on March 15th. What matters is your commitment to taking the first step—and then the next.
Every step you take, no matter how small, will bring you closer to the career—and the life—you truly want.
I’m Richard Taliaferro. I’m a certified health and career coach specializing in helping mid-stage professionals gain clarity on their career journey. I’ve written a guide on how to escape the work hamster wheel.
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