2020 has been a tough year for lots of people. The biggest reason, of course, is the COVID-19 pandemic. This crisis has cost millions of people their jobs, businesses, and health. Even those who were unaffected by illness or financial difficulty have been isolated, which has led to increased instances of mental health problems. More than ever, people are looking forward to the fresh start that a new year brings. One major area where people are ready for change is in their careers. As we start to look ahead and make new year\’s resolutions, let’s look at what it takes to set realistic career goals for 2021.
Be Realistic
Many New Year’s resolutions are grand in scale and ambition, which is a setup for failure. If your goal is to “make a million dollars next year”, or “become my own boss”, it’s important to consider whether those are realistic goals. This is especially true if you’re starting an entirely new career. When becoming an insurance adjuster, remember that the average salary is around $60,000 a year. Many adjusters make much more than that, but they typically need time to build up their knowledge and skill to reach that level. And there’s nothing wrong with that!
If you think your big goal may not be realistic in just one year, don’t just scrap it. Instead, make it a longer term goal. Then, think about what might be a realistic goal to set for next year that could get you closer to that. Examples could include earning 20% more than your current salary or finding a mentor in your new field that can help you avoid new adjuster pitfalls.
Be Specific
Another trap people fall into when making resolutions is making them too vague. Many people set goals such as “lose weight”, or “get a new job”, or “make more money” and are then shocked that they don’t achieve them. The reason is that there is really no way to achieve such a nebulous goal. In order to set action steps, you have to set a specific goal.
For example, you know you want a new career where you make more money, have more flexibility, and get to travel. The first step is to identify careers that meet these requirements. Becoming an insurance adjuster would be a great fit. Once you have that goal identified, set a timeline for making it happen. A great example of this would be to commit to completing your new adjuster training and getting your licencing by a specific date, such as March 1. This would set you up to get started before spring and summer storm seasons begin.
Set Micro-goals and Build Habits
Have you ever heard the question, “How do you eat an elephant?” If you haven’t, the answer is, “One bite at a time.” This is a great metaphor for micro-goals. Micro-goals are smaller goals that contribute to your larger one. For example, if your goal is to get your insurance adjuster license by a certain date, you may break that down into smaller goals.
- Buy 2021 Training for New Adjusters by January 1, 2020
- Break down the number of modules you need to complete and set a goal for each week
- Take and pass the exam by March 1.
This can make a big goal seem less overwhelming and help you see your progress. When you see success as you go, you feel accomplished and gain motivation to keep going.
2021 Training Can Help You Win in 2021
At 2021 Training, we’re committed to helping you reach your career goals in the new year. It’s right there in our name. If you’re ready to commit to a new career path that will challenge you and help others, insurance adjusting may be right for you. Check out our training courses and invest in your first goal today!
