S.M.A.R.T Resolutions for 2023

As the New Year approaches, it's time to start thinking about our goals for the coming year. Project Managers everywhere are contemplating their 2023 plans for career development. Amongst all of this reflection, one thing is certain; adopting the SMART goals method is key!

The reason that many of our new year's resolutions fail is that they are not detailed enough, we can't measure whether we have attained the resolution or not, and when we think about our new year's resolutions we are not instantly aware of how they are connected to our bigger life goals or our new year's resolutions are open-ended and never put down on a calendar! For those interested in developing their project management careers, setting SMART career goals is vital to expanding and achieving more significant career dreams!

What are SMART Goals?

SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Let's look at how we can apply the SMART goal-setting approach to advancing our project management careers in 2023.

Specific: A successful goal should answer the questions “What?” and “Why?”. Start by clearly defining what you’d like to achieve and why it’s important. For example, “I will become a registered project management professional (PMP) by December 2023. Because doing this will grant me an international passport and opportunities to work on projects in almost any country.”

Measurable: A successful goal should have a way of determining progress over time. For example, “I will take 3 PMP practice exams. 1 per month and achieve a score of at least 70% on each one, finishing the last one by the end of November 2023.”

Achievable: A successful goal should be realistic, given the resources available and the timeframe. For example, “I will attend a PMBOK? Guide Edition 7 course to get a firm grip on the latest updates in the project management field, by the end of the second quarter” is a realistic goal.

Relevant: A successful goal should be relevant to your overall career development. It should contribute to the achievement of larger goals. For example, “I will attend at least 2 project management training courses and read one project management development book by December 2023. In order to receive *45 PDUs (professional development units) to maintain my PMP registration.”?

*Please note that: 15 PDUs are automatically granted to you if you have engaged in project management roles during the last 3 years.)

Time-bound: A successful goal should have a defined deadline. For example, “I will have passed the PMP exam by 16 December 2023.”

SMART Career Resolutions

Too often career resolutions lack detail or schedule but no matter how small, they can make a huge difference when aiming higher in 2023! As such we needn't only rely on sheer willpower, we could take active steps such as investing in a project management training course.

At Classic Seminars, project managers can choose from a variety of top-tier training. These cover the current and essential project management practices and techniques. Whether you’re new to project management (Project Management Foundations course) or a seasoned professional (PMP Certification course), there’s a class that’s right for you. Think case studies from real-life scenarios, taught by experienced professionals that come with applicable templates too!

Join the SMART training culture

The courses at Classic Seminars are designed to be interactive, engaging, and informative. You’ll gain valuable insight into best practices and the latest trends in the industry. Plus the invaluable chance to network with fellow project managers from different industries also pursuing their SMART goals through training. The classes are developed and delivered by experienced industry professionals and instructors. This allows all our delegates and project managers to learn from the best in the business.

By setting SMART career goals with well-defined planning, a commitment to those goals, the right resources, and excellent mentors – our SMART career resolutions will be well within reach in 2023.