It’s goal-setting season; it’s that time of year when LinkedIn becomes flooded with declarations of intent about promotions, earnings, sales, etc. It’s time to be honest—most ( if not all ) of the ‘goals’ we see publicly are table-stakes, and don’t touch on anything close to meaningful success. Hitting a certain salary number or landing a fancier title might look good on paper, but does it actually make your career more fulfilling?
If you’ve been feeling uninspired or a little “meh” about your job, stop phoning it in on your annual goals. This year, really invest some time into setting INTENTIONAL CAREER GOALS because the reason you’ve tapped out lately may not be because of your role or even where you work. The real issue may just be that you’ve been sitting in the passenger seat of your own career, waiting for someone else—your boss, your company, fate itself—to hand you more interesting work.
Spoiler alert: It doesn’t work that way and you will be waiting an entire career for something that you can MAKE HAPPEN for yourself.
This year, set goals that actually move the needle—not just for your resume, but for your professional happiness and long-term career satisfaction. We decided to kick 2025 with some ideas of MEANINGFUL GOALS that you can steal. Try one or two of these this year and at Christmas next year, check-in to see if your career has shifted in ways you didn’t realize could happen.
Identify an Area to SPECIALIZE In
Insurance is a vast industry with endless OPPORTUNITIES for EXPERTISE. Whether it’s cyber insurance, climate-related risk, or sales, pick an area that fascinates you and set a goal to become more knowledgeable in it. Take a course, attend industry events, or even start sharing insights on LinkedIn.
Expand Your Professional Network
NETWORKING isn’t just for job seekers—it’s for professionals who want to stay sharp, relevant, and open to opportunities. Set a goal to attend at least one industry event per quarter, join a professional association, or connect with someone in a role you admire. These conversations can spark unexpected career growth.
Develop Your Industry REPUTATION
Instead of just updating your resume, think about how you want to be KNOWN in the industry. Are you the go-to expert for complex claims? A mentor to new brokers? A thought leader on emerging insurance trends? Set a goal to establish that IDENTITY—whether through continuous education, speaking engagements, writing articles, or taking on leadership roles.
Take Initiative on a NEW PROJECT
If your job feels stagnant, challenge yourself to create excitement. Set a goal to propose and lead a new project. Ideas could be streamlining an internal process, mentoring junior colleagues, or launching a client education initiative. Being proactive not only makes work more engaging but also puts you in a leadership position.
Redefine Your Career Success
Titles and salaries won’t sustain you through tough days; a sense of purpose will. Set a goal to define what MEANINGFUL SUCCESS looks like for you beyond the numbers. Is it problem-solving? Helping clients navigate complex policies? Building a team? Let that guide your career decisions in 2025.
Drive Your Own Career in 2025
Too often, insurance professionals think they need a new job when what they really need is a new approach. The most fulfilled professionals aren’t just climbing the ladder—they’re designing their own career paths, building their own opportunities, and making work meaningful on their terms.
So, as you set your 2025 goals, ask yourself: Are you chasing a title, or are you shaping a career that excites you? It’s time to stop waiting for the work you want, and start creating it.
