Many women begin the year with broad ambitions. Do more. Progress faster. Lead better. But without a clear career plan, it is easy to get caught in urgency, competing priorities and other people’s agendas.
A strong start to the year is not about doing everything at once. It’s about building a focused, realistic plan that aligns with your goals, values and current season of life.
This article outlines a step by step approach to planning your career for 2026 so that you can move with clarity rather than pressure.
Step 1: Conduct an honest career review
Begin with a structured review of the previous year.
Ask yourself:
- What were my key achievements in 2025
- Where did I make the most impact
- What did I enjoy, and what did I find draining
- Which strengths did I use most often
- Where did I feel underused or misaligned
It can be helpful to look at feedback received from managers, peers or stakeholders, as well as performance reviews or project outcomes. This gives you evidence to build on, rather than assumptions.
Step 2: Clarify your direction
Next, define the direction you want your career to take over the next one to three years. Even if you cannot see every step, you can still clarify the general path. Don’t get caught up on concrete goals, you are more interested in directional vision here.
Consider questions such as:
- Do I want to advance where I am, pivot roles, change organisations or explore something new
- What level of responsibility and scope do I want
- What type of work energises me the most
- How important are factors like flexibility, pay, impact, team culture or location
Write a short career statement for 2025. For example:
“In 2026 I want to position myself for a senior leadership role in my current organisation, with clear visibility, strategic responsibilities and manageable workload.“
This becomes your guiding reference point for decisions throughout the year.
Step 3: Set clear career goals
Translate your direction into three to five specific goals for the year. Examples might include:
- Secure a promotion or salary increase by a certain date
- Lead a strategic project that raises your visibility
- Develop skills in a key area, such as stakeholder management, data literacy or executive communication
- Strengthen your internal and external network
- Explore options for a career transition, with clear milestones and timelines
For each goal, identify:
- Why this matters
- How you will measure success
- When you aim to achieve it
Goals should be ambitious enough to inspire you, realistic enough to be achievable within your current constraints, and not overly stretch your wellbeing.
Step 4: Build your 90 day action plan
Long term goals only become real when they are broken into short term actions. Focus on what you can progress in the first quarter of the year.
For each goal, outline actions you can take in the next 90 days. For example:
- Schedule a career conversation with your manager to clarify expectations and progression pathways
- Volunteer to lead or co lead a project that aligns with your strengths and aspirations
- Enrol in a relevant course or training program
- Block regular time for strategic thinking and planning, not just day to day delivery
- Reach out to three people in your organisation or industry for virtual coffees or mentoring style conversations
Put these actions into your calendar and treat them as commitments, not optional tasks.
Step 5: Strengthen your support network
Career growth is easier when you are not doing it alone. Consider who is currently in your corner and where you may need additional support.
Think about:
- Sponsors and advocates who can speak about you in rooms you are not in
- Mentors who can offer perspective and advice
- Peers who can share experiences and encouragement
- Coaches or programs that provide structure and accountability
Reach out and engage where needed. Let key people know what you are working toward this year so they can support you more effectively.
Step 6: Put your wellbeing into the plan
A strong career plan is not just about progression. It is about sustainability. Include specific commitments that protect your wellbeing, such as:
- Limits around working hours where possible
- Non negotiable time for rest, family or health
- Clear boundaries around meetings and availability
- Practices that help you manage stress and maintain perspective
You will make better decisions and lead more effectively when your energy is steady and your wellbeing is prioritised.
Step 7: Review and adjust regularly
Finally, set a regular review rhythm. A monthly or quarterly check in helps you stay on track and adjust as circumstances change.
During each review, ask:
- What progress have I made toward my goals
- What has shifted in my role, organisation or industry
- What do I need to start, stop or continue
- Are my goals still aligned with what I want
This keeps your career plan alive and relevant, rather than something you create once and forget.
Starting strong in 2026 is less about working harder and more about working with direction and intention. With a clear review, defined goals, a 90 day plan, support network and wellbeing strategy, you create a structure that allows your leadership and career to grow in a sustainable way.
This month, we will be sharing more resources on life vision and purpose, and inviting you to a free community coaching session on these themes in early February. If you are ready to step into the next chapter of your career with more clarity and confidence, this will be a powerful space to do that.