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 post 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 well-being.

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.

• Enroll 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 conversations.

• What Is a Career

• Take our Ambition Test

• Find a career counselor near me

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 well-being into the plan

A strong career plan is not just about progression. It is about sustainability. Include specific commitments that protect your well-being, such as:

Career Essential Reads

• 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 well-being 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, a support network, and a well-being strategy, you create a structure that allows your leadership and career to grow in a sustainable way.