Should you put a new job on your resolution list?

With 2016 finally upon us, the New Year's resolutions list is on the mind of many people. The turn of the yearly pedometer is the perfect time to reflect on the previous 12 months and figure out where you can make improvements for the next year.

As part of this, incorporating your professional recruitment goals into your resolutions could be a great opportunity to change your life for the better in 2016.

Is a new job an acceptable resolution?

While this isn't on the agenda for most people, finding a different role could help address some other areas of your life that you are more likely to have on your goals list. 

A recent survey conducted by Nielsen found that one of the most popular resolutions for 2015 was to enjoy life to the fullest, a goal shared by 28 per cent of respondents. Other popular resolutions included spending more time with loved ones (19 per cent) and learning a new skill (14 per cent).

In order to change your lifestyle, it is important to consider how your current job affects your day-to-day life. Are you getting a good enough work-life balance? Do you feel excited about your role? Are you learning new skills and meaningful knowledge? If there is any doubt around these questions, a new job could be the change you need to give yourself a fresh start.

How can you make your goals stick?

Recent research from Washington State University found that phrasing your resolution as a question can help you commit to it.

Dave Sprott, one of the co-authors of the research, explained that while it is a seemingly simple method, it can have long-lasting effects for the whole year. 

"If you question a person about performing a future behaviour, the likelihood of that behaviour happening will change," he said.

"It is pretty easy to ask a question, and it can be done in a variety of means, such as ads, mailers, online media, and interpersonal communications."

Another good method for successful goals is the SMART framework. As the University of Virginia explained, this involves setting objectives that are specific, measurable, achievable, results-focused, and time-bound. 

It's all well and good to say you'll get a job in the new year, but without this framework, it can be difficult to see success in your endeavours. For example, you could aim to have a senior role in a small business by March 21 that has great work-life balance.

As we head into the new year, now is the time to solidify your career dreams to make them a reality in 2016.