5 ‘Resolutions’ for Your Personal & Professional Goals in 2021
The same argument about resolutions is made every year: Do you really get to everything (or even a single thing) on your list? We know those “failures” usually stem from unrealistic goals like getting super-fit by the end of January (yes, in one month) or earning a bombastically larger salary by the end of the year.
But this year was different. “Unrealistic” looks very, very different this year. As we reflect on our goals, we’ll make sure they’re realistic, manageable. However, let’s also be gentle with ourselves as we begin a new year. The COVID-19 pandemic, followed by watching our government’s inability to lead, and gaslighting from irresponsible peers and family has made this year traumatic - on a global scale.
Nothing about our lives is normal. The little things we took for granted pre-pandemic are still nowhere near our reach. The benefits of in-person mentorship in the workplace or conference connections made over a coffee date, while they’re technically possible virtually, it really isn’t the same. And that’s okay.
Flexibility and grace are some of the things we need to keep as we enter this new year. So as we think about resetting our personal and professional goals for 2021, these resolutions are here just to keep you engaged and open-minded.
December 25, 2020
MAKE “VALUES” YOUR PRIORITY
We learned very quickly that jobs, conferences, scholarships, internships, etc. could end at a moment’s notice. We’re inclined to say we want one or more of these things by the end of the year and we have full confidence you have the capabilities already within you to get them; however, instead of making your resolution something like, “Get a job at Microsoft,” think about what value you want to add into your professional life. In your professional life thus far, have you felt appreciated or included? Has your work reflected what you want to give back to the community? Do you want something more interpersonal or more solely data-based?
Before looking making a list of companies company names or titles, think about what matters most to you. What did you lack at previous jobs and what satisfies you when you come home from a long workday? If your next role doesn’t meet your “value” requirements, chances are you may not enjoy it and feel like you have to approach the job search again. We talked with Ayan Jama about feeling included in a workplace and she emphasizes that there are certain values you should think about as you venture into a new job or field.
2. RETHINK YOUR BARRIERS
As Muslim women trying to navigate our careers, there’s an implied tension that sadly exists between our identities, religion, and culture. While it’s clear religion and culture are totally separate things, things like family and social pressure could still find their way into your decision-making process. This might especially be the case this year if the pandemic forced you into living situations you weren’t prepared for.
So for 2021, and for any time for that matter, whatever you choose to do, make sure it’s truly your choice. Set a consistent schedule that you can follow consistently. When you do, others will respect it too. If this year has breached more boundaries than you realized, take the steps to put those barriers back up again. This goes for all parts of life, personal and professional.
3. PICK UP SKILLS ONE AT A TIME
We’ve had to adapt so much this year and in doing so it opened up more channels of information and education online than ever before. In the new year, think of skills or processes you want to refine, and slowly start to learn little by little via classes and certifications. Google, JP Morgan, and other big companies have expanded their free course offerings online with skills that can easily transfer to a variety of fields.
There are also many career advisors sharing their tips on how they refine their skills. Our conversation with Tazeen Raza was an eye-opening one on how she and others like her adjusted to the pandemic and what skill-learning tips she shares to help other MWPs get ahead.
Still, at the end of the day, don’t overwhelm yourself. Pick one class or a couple, keep your focus steady, then move on to more at your own pace. Again, the job market is only slowly improving, so no need to rush educating and bettering your knowledge for when things really pick up again.
4. LEARN TO BE MORE DATA-DRIVEN
Be analytical about your work, no matter what field you’re in. More likely than not there is some metric that measures your performance. It’s important to do a review of your performance and consolidate where you can improve and where you’ve excelled. Google Analytics, Facebook, and other platforms like Tableau that may be in your workplace can help you quantify what your work has produced, whether that’s sales, client reviews, or social media engagement.
Instead of going straight in and applying for new jobs with the old resume you have, take this time to spruce it up with updated data-driven accomplishments. Just remember: don’t conflate your professional performance with your personal worth. The caution comes with making sure you’re not number-obsessed to where it’s detrimental to your self-esteem.
5. KEEP YOURSELF INFORMED
Ultimately, most of these goals are reflective and education-based, and that’s because this year, misinformation has cost many livelihoods at a grand scale. It’s important that, as you prepare for a new year, you keep yourself informed to understand your field’s complexities best.
As MWPs, again, our unique experiences have seldom been talked about when it comes to career navigation. Only this year did a study come out by Shehla R. Arifee on what’s called, “glass chains,” the Muslim women version of what we could call a glass ceiling. Only the “glass chains” phenomenon has to do both with institutional and familial or social pressures that impede on Muslim women’s career growth specifically.
Make the start of this year one where you go in as educated and compassionate as possible. There’s much to learn about ourselves’ and others’ experiences in professional growth, so make it a goal to keep yourself engaged.
This year has put immense pressure on us to succeed in literally traumatic circumstances. These tips will guide you on your unique journey to starting a new year. Be sure to check in with your mental health, find your own special ways to stay motivated, and look for community and connection as we head into 2021. We hope here at MWP, we create spaces for you to find that connection. We wish you the best of luck this 2021, and may the best opportunities come to you in good health, iA.
