Written by Michael J. Weltman, as originally published in The Reverse Review.

As we begin a new year, I always take a hard look at what I have achieved in the previous year and how I plan to raise the bar in the 12 months ahead. This self-analysis helps me decide how I will improve myself, my career, my life and my income, and continue to holistically grow as a professional in as many ways as possible.

Case in point: One year I decided that I needed to do more speaking engagements and write more about reverses, and within a fairly short period of time, I became a regular contributor to The Reverse Review and booked speaking engagements at state conferences and conventions. You can do this too. If you set goals for yourself and make their completion a priority, you can take positive steps toward your own professional advancement. You know the adage: If you don’t know where you are going, how are you going to get there?

Here are some ideas to help you set your own goals for professional advancement:

ONE: Step up to the board If you are active in a group, whether it be civic, networking or other, think about joining the board of directors, running a committee, or taking a leadership role in the organization in some way. The more involved you are, the more you can learn and grow.

TWO: Take a class Check out the offers at your local college. Consider courses related to sales management, leadership training, marketing or technology. Also, consider the following classes that relate directly to the business of reverse:

CAPS: A three-day course taught by the National Association of Home Builders in conjunction with AARP on aging in place, universal design, reverse mortgages and other topics relevant to senior homeownership

SRES: A one-day course taught by the National Association of Realtors on buying and selling homes that are senior-friendly, and dealing with the real estate concerns of seniors

THREE: Google “self-help” Research books on personal advancement and buy one that appeals to you. So many amazing authors, so many great topics—there is always something new to learn to help you grow as a salesperson and in your personal life.

FOUR: Check out Franklin Covey This global company specializes in performance management. Through webcasts, online courses, events and more, it helps organizations achieve results that require change in human behavior.

FIVE: Look into Toastmasters International This nonprofit educational organization operates clubs worldwide for the purpose of helping members improve their communication, public speaking and leadership skills.

SIX: Learn from Tony Robbins An American businessman, author and philanthropist, Robbins is well known for his infomercials and self-help books, like Unlimited Power, Unleash the Power Within and Awaken the Giant Within. His website will direct you to books, events, his leadership academy and much more.

SEVEN: Listen to Dale Carnegie An American writer and lecturer, Carnegie has developed famous courses on self-improvement, salesmanship, corporate training, public speaking and interpersonal skills. The best-selling author of How to Win Friends and Influence People, Carnegie has created an organization that offers online training and courses designed to inspire professional advancement.

EIGHT: Volunteer Getting involved in your community gives back to those in need and can have the bonus of growing your sales base by allowing you to interact in new circles.

NINE: Join the MBA and NAMP The Mortgage Bankers Association and National Association of Mortgage Professionals provides nationwide access to your peers in mortgage banking and mortgage finance. Many local chapters need a partner in reverse mortgages to explain the nuances of our wonderful program, as many are unfamiliar with everything reverses can do for their prospects.

TEN: Network with other professionals Reach out to local chapters of the following national groups to enhance your referral base: -The Financial Planning Association-The National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors -The National Institute of Certified Public Accountants -The National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys -The Home Care Association of America