Career-based New Year’s resolutions that you should stick to

Making resolutions at New Year is as much of a tradition as eating turkey at Christmas but sticking to them is more of a challenge; more than 80% of us fail toachieve our goals. Common career-based pledges — I will get a promotion, I will manage my work-life balance better — often do not materialise because, like the former, they are not specific enough or, like the latter, they are not measurable. In some cases they are just not realistic.

1. Expand your network

The one thing about business that never seems to change is that the people you know can play a pivotal role in your career advancement. So if you're looking to transform your career, one of the best resolutions you can make is to grow your professional network . Consider joining a professional organization, college alumni group, or volunteer organization that will expose you to new people. Or go for quantity over quality and try connecting with someone at the top of your field who might be willing to serve as your mentor.

2. Step into a leadership role

Taking on a leadership role--whether at work, in a professional organization, or as part of a volunteer opportunity--offers several career benefits : It provides you with additional skills, responsibilities, and accomplishments to add to your resume. It can provide you with an opportunity to gain skills beyond your industry--which is particularly helpful if you're looking to change careers. And it's a great opportunity to network with industry leaders both in and outside of your company.

3. Update your profiles

One survey found that 93 percent of recruiters scope out candidates social profiles before deciding on whom to offer the job. So if you're looking to advance your career, that means you need to put your best foot forward on digital platforms. Use the new year as a catalyst for updating your LinkedIn profile , social media profiles, and personal website to reflect your most recent accomplishments. While you're at it, update your resume so you'll be ready to apply should a new career opportunity present itself.

4. Grow your skillset

Learning new skills can enable you to take on new roles and responsibilities at work. That can lead to career benefits in the form of raises, promotions, or looking more attractive to potential employers. Communication skills, leadership skills, and skills related specifically to your job duties are in high demand among employers , so consider professional development opportunities that can give these skills a boost. As an added bonus, growing your skillset can also increase your confidence and sense of fulfillment at work.

5. Identify career obstacles

The new year is a great time to take stock not only of where you want to go, but also of what's holding you back . Are you so overloaded at work that you're too exhausted to pursue new opportunities or come up with creative ideas? Does your boss sabotage you at every turn? Resolve to think critically about the factors that are currently inhibiting your professional growth. Then develop a game plan for removing (or working around) each of those obstacles.

To do by the end of January: read through the Research Ready guidance, which aims to build knowledge about what is required and what is recommended to take part in research studies, and assign a research lead — this could be yourself or a colleague.

To do by the end of 2019: complete the Research Ready training and, if appropriate, sign up to take part in a study.