How to make 2012 a great working year

If you are feeling stuck and uninspired at work, 2012 may be the perfect year to get your act together and set some career goals.

It may, according to the Mayan calendar, also be the year in which the world ends, but it is also the Chinese year of the dragon - a beast which symbolises power and superiority.

Kim Meszaros, marketing executive at workforce management solutions company Kelly, said: "If you wish to make progress in the coming year, it's important to take the time to set some well-thought-out and realistic goals ..."

Here is some advice from Meszaros on how to set and meet your goals:

• Big events have agendas so, to make 2012 special, you need to prepare an agenda containing your goals and a description of how you would like the year to unfold;
• Make sure your goals are SMART - or specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and time-targeted. "By using these principles as your framework when thinking about what you would like to achieve by the time the festive season rolls around again, you are safeguarding yourself against failure," Meszaros said. "All that's left to do is make a firm and definite decision to make the most of yourself and your career throughout the coming months and you'll no doubt have reason to celebrate as the year draws to a close;" and
• You can become an important part of your team by trying to be the kind of employee you would like to manage. "Become irreplaceable by adopting good habits such as always being on time, caring about your co-workers, dressing for success and working with and constantly reaffirming your goals. Find time to reflect on your past performance and learn from your mistakes," she said.