Momentum

It's back to reality: the holidays are over. New Year's resolutions have been made. We're all on track to rev up our careers, our exercise plans, our reading lists, our diets, our quit-smoking efforts, our networks...or are we?

Despite our best efforts, many of us--even the most committed--find reentry after the holidays a slow go. And if we've taken a break from job search or active career management, it's often an uphill battle to get remotivated and hit the streets with fresh enthusiasm.

Job search and career management are tough--success depends upon vast doses of energy and commitment as well as systematic jolts of adrenalin. During a lull--when we allow ourselves to "take the holdays off"--that adrenalin rush slides away. It takes real effort to recommit and regain momentum.

So go into 2007 with a clear vision of what you want to achieve, get your to-do list done, make your contacts count, and find an accountability partner or mentor to help you stay focused and keep your eyes on the prize. If you do, the upside to the hard work of working your plan will be looking backward in January 2008 and counting your wins!