Need a career reset? 3 ways to start

SET BETTER GOALS: It's easy to become stagnant when it comes to professional growth, but with the right approach, employees can set reachable career goals and excel year-round.?Fifty percent of people will set a career goal for their year, according to Gallup , and while the new year is the most typical time to get those ambitions in order, it's important to regularly revisit what you hope to achieve and adjust accordingly.?

"One of the reasons people don't end up achieving their professional goals is that they only visit it once a year," says Sarah Doody , career strategist and founder of Career Strategy Lab , a career coaching platform. "Doing this on an ongoing basis, and not just two days before your performance review, is a way to help ensure that you actually make progress."?

Here's how to make a plan for your career that will actually stick: Spring clean your career: How to set work goals you'll actually reach

TAKE A BREAK: Around half of Americans worry that taking time off will hurt their work — a sentiment that Jen Mahone Rightler , founder and CEO of HR and DEI consulting firm Elements2Inclusion, believes couldn't be further from the truth.?Rightler has become a big proponent of "mini" sabbaticals, which allow employees to take at least 10 days off completely disconnected from work, with the goal of focusing on their well-being so they can return to work refreshed and re-engaged.

"I want to be really clear to say that sabbaticals are very different from vacations," she says. "It's not like I'm sitting around in a spa and eating bonbons. I'm relaxing, but it's relaxing with a purpose. I may meet with a therapist or a wellness person to help me get re-centered."

Here's how constructive time off can help your well-being and career: Not just extra PTO: How mini sabbaticals boost productivity

CONQUER THE JOB SEARCH: According to a survey from career platform iHire , almost half of respondents said that their job search was negatively impacting their mental health. It's important job seekers pace themselves and recognize when their search is taking too big of a toll, says Lori Cole, a career coach at iHire. Then individuals can strategize on the best way forward.?

"If you're unemployed, finding a job is your full-time job," Cole says. "But you have to recognize when you have hit your wall, and be sure you're making time for your hobbies and self care. This really helps maintain a sense of control."

Follow these steps to ease the anxiety of job-hunting: 9 ways to take the stress out of your job search