The end of the year isn't just about closing books; it's about opening the door to your future. For any young financial planner, this is the crucial moment to shift from simply doing your job to deliberately shaping your career. This structured reflection will guide you in assessing this past year's goals and setting impactful intentions for the next.

Did I Hit My Target?

Pull up the professional goals you and your firm set 12 months ago. Be honest and specific in your assessment.

• Quantitative Goals:
  • Review all measurable objectives and score your success. Did you achieve all of your goals? 75% of your goals?
• Qualitative Goals:
  • Assess if you improved on any soft skill goals that you set. While these can be subjective, you can gain evidence by looking at performance reviews, emails, and feedback. Did colleagues or managers notice the change? Where did you still struggle?

Why Did Things Happen?

Understanding the why is more valuable than knowing the what. This analysis helps you avoid repeating mistakes and double down on successful strategies.

• Success Factors:
  • What systems, habits, or people helped you achieve your goals? (e.g., "Daily blocked time for deep work," "Finding a great mentor," "Consistent use of a project management tool"). Lock these successful practices in place for next year.

• Failure and Stagnation Factors:
  • Was it a lack of resources, time, or clarity? Be precise. Did you fail to start, or did you start strong but lose momentum?
  • Were the goals too vague, or did you lack a clear accountability partner? Goals without deadlines or ownership are often just wishes.

Setting High-Impact Goals for the New Year

The most effective goals are not just specific, but they also need to be aligned with your, and your company’s long-term vision.

Goal 1: The Transformational Goal

Choose one goal that, if achieved, would fundamentally change your career trajectory or professional standing. Think passing the CFP exam or starting to bring in clients in a business development sense.

Goal 2: The Skill Acquisition Goal(s)

Select two or three specific technical or soft skills you need to stay competitive in your field. Think new software for you to learn or master.

Goal 3: The Efficiency Goal

Target one process or habit you will change to reduce friction or save time. Think making a process more efficient or not taking phone calls for an hour in the morning to focus on other work.

Create Your Action Blueprint

Don't let your new goals sit in a document. Break them down into quarterly and monthly steps.

• First Step: What is the absolute first step you need to take in January to move your transformational goal forward?
• Identify Your Partners: Who can help you? Schedule a meeting with a mentor, manager, or colleague to share your goals and ask for support or resources.
• Set Progress Checkpoints: Put recurring review sessions on your calendar (e.g., the last Friday of every month) to assess your progress, and adjust your plan to help achieve your goals.

Each week, everyone on our team sends out their weekly goals to the entire team for transparency, accountability, motivation, etc. It is amazing how well it works!

By conducting this thorough reflection, you move beyond mere wishes and create a clear, documented, and actionable plan to make the next year your best one yet.

If one of your goals is to find a new role in the new year, check out our job opportunities here or submit your resume here, and we will reach out to you if we have a role that could be the right fit.

Thank you for another great year!

 

Your New Planner Recruiting Team*

*AI Assisted