Personal development goals you should set for 2023

Ahead of the new year, most of us are thinking through and assessing our personal development goals for the next 12 months. Rather than making resolutions, setting goals can be a more proactive choice especially for those considering moving into management. As a leader, thinking about your personal development goals is an important way to move into the next phase of your career. However, even if you’re not hoping to move up, personal development goals are always valuable and can lead to enhanced self awareness and emotional intelligence.

If you're new to setting personal development goals and wondering what the benefits are - it enables you to enhance your skills, stay motivated, and continuously strive for growth, leading to increased job satisfaction and career advancement. Aligning your career goals with your personal goals sets the foundation for a fulfilling and harmonious life, where you can find meaning and purpose in your work while also nurturing your overall well-being and happiness.

Here are our best examples of personal development goals for work:

Cultivate a growth mindset

A growth mindset, as opposed to a fixed mindset, is one that approaches problems with the attitude you can learn the skills necessary to overcome them - a superpower personal development goal that will not only help your career development but in all areas of your life. In short, a growth mindset believes change is possible. A fixed mindset, on the other hand, is the belief you’ve done all the growth and learning you’re capable of. Growth mindsets are an essential foundation for personal development goals at work because individuals with this mindset know that they can develop new skills, outlooks and knowledge. No matter what new skill you want to learn and develop, your self-belief will serve as the driving force that propels you forward, fuels your determination, and empowers you to overcome obstacles along the way, ultimately unlocking your true potential.

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Improve your presentation skills

A skill that will stand you in good stead wherever your career takes you is public speaking and presentation skills. This is particularly true if you want to move into a leadership role, or if you want to simply build your confidence in the workplace and acquire a new string to your bow. This is one of the best examples of personal development goals as it’s a stretch and challenge for many people, but leads to true self confidence. Having great presentation and public speaking skills also improves your communication skills which can also open doors to new roles and promotions, so it’s a good one to be able to demonstrate.

Get a better work-life balance

Yes, work-life balance is part of personal development goals. It can be a lifelong project to work out how to be as productive as you need to be at work while also taking the time to enjoy life, maintain your health, build and maintain personal relationships, and take part in your community.

This might involve learning to say no, becoming more efficient at work, changing your commute, learning time management skills, taking up a team sport or speaking to your manager about your workload. Make sure you add it to your list of personal development goals at work, even if it might be about spending less time there.

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Apply for a leadership position

If you’ve been looking to move into management for a long time but haven’t yet made the leap, perhaps it’s time to set a concrete goal to do so this year. You can break the steps down into smaller actions, like updating your CV, talking to your manager, doing a management course or learning necessary leadership skills.

Whatever stage of development you’re at in your career, there’s always room to improve and develop your soft and technical skills and your leadership potential.

Make a career change

Most of us will have a varied career path and multiple jobs throughout our lives, but consciously deciding to make a career change can seem like a daunting prospect. That said, if you can’t see yourself working in your field much longer, this could be the year to embrace new beginnings and put the wheels in motion to make a change.

If a career change is on the horizon this year, start now: look into upskilling and reskilling, scope out jobs in different industries, work on building your professional network and put together a personal development plan for getting your foot in the door.

Learn stress management techniques

In the fast-paced and demanding world we live in, stress has become a common companion. By acquiring effective stress management skills, you can cultivate a sense of balance, resilience, and overall well-being. In the workplace, stress management skills can enhance productivity, concentration, and decision-making abilities, allowing you to perform at your best. By investing in stress management techniques, you can create a healthier, more resilient foundation upon which to build personal and professional success.

The personal growth you experience when achieving personal development goals will be instrumental in unlocking your full potential, expanding your horizons, and paving the way for a more empowered and fulfilling life, both in your personal life and professionally.

Have you set personal development goals and are ready to make a change? Talk to a Michael Page consultant about job opportunities that match your skills, experience and personal development goals.