The new year always brings a host of new possibilities with pledges to do better. In other words, what we traditionally call “New Year’s resolutions.” While many of us pledge to get fit or quit bad habits, job seekers and professionals alike also have some pledges to make in the new year. Whether your goal is to find a new job, new career, or move up the career ladder, there are a few New Year’s resolutions that will help you revamp your career this year.
Take a look at the best New Year’s resolutions for your job:
1. Resolve to say thank you more often at work.
Amp up your appreciation in the workplace this year by saying ‘thank you’ more often to your coworkers. Many of us get so wrapped up in projects and the daily grind of the office that we forget to say thank you for the simple things at work. Instead, this year make it a point to thank your coworkers for the little things at least once a week.
2. Resolve to land a raise or promotion.
If it’s time to move up the career ladder, then your resolution should be to land that raise or promotion this year. This will involve some sub-goals for you to achieve, such as identifying open roles and business opportunities, targeting job connections, and having discussions with your boss. But if this is the next step for you, reach for the stars this year!
3. Resolve to focus on professional development.
Whether your employer provides new training opportunities or you choose to branch out on your own, learning new skills and refining your current skills is a great way to revamp your career. Make it your goal to attend a conference, webinar, or read more industry research once a month.
4. Resolve to improve your networking strategy.
Although some of us may not even have a networking strategy, consider amping up your networking game in 2013. Take a look what you did last year to connect with your professional network and make a game plan for connecting with new and old faces.
5. Improving work-life balance.
If you found the past year to be overwhelming and unbalanced due to your work and home life coinciding, it might be time to rebalance. If this resolution is best for you, it may benefit you to cut back on unnecessary communication on the job or at home, organize yourself, or plan breaks into your week.
Whatever you decide to improve this year, keep in mind the New Year’s resolution is a great way to motivate yourself into a better, happier lifestyle, even at work.
What are your New Year’s resolutions this year? Do you plan on improving your career this year?
