Five career resolutions to set and act on every year

Executive overview

Most people make personal resolutions but never apply the same discipline to their careers. Without a written plan and a clear destination, professional growth is left to chance.

Write a vivid, detailed picture of where you want to be in three years — then reverse-engineer the steps to get there.

Share your vision with everyone around you so they can help you reach it.

The five career resolutions

1. Write a vivid vision — a 3–4 page document describing your life in three years: career, finances, fitness, family, and faith. Reverse-engineer it into a plan.
2. Live the company core values — know them before you join, then show up each day fully aligned with them.
3. Find a better way — when you have a problem, arrive with one or two potential solutions, even imperfect ones.
4. Show up five minutes early — if you're not early, you're late. Leave your phone at the door.
5. Commit to personal growth — find a mentor or coach, and read books that move you toward your vivid vision.

Keeping the vision alive

• Update your vivid vision every three years, looking out to December 31 of the third year.
• Each sentence of the vision becomes a future state; find one or two actions to make each come true.
• Share progress with peers, family, and coworkers — accountability accelerates results.