A new year is upon us, and as much as I loathe the whole pomp and circumstance of making resolutions, I do see value in setting certain goals, or ridding yourself of poor habits in order to live a better life. And when it comes to our careers, we should always be striving to be a better functioning professional in our areas of expertise. So while you don’t have to wait until the beginning of the year to make changes, starting the New Year with a new set of career resolutions can be a positive shot in the arm so to speak.
Making personal resolutions like losing weight and eating more healthy are important, professional goals are also key to living a more prosperous and fulfilling life. So I’ve got a list of 5 successful career resolutions to make for the New Year that you can utilize for an awesome year professionally.
Time Management
Many of us often complain of not having enough time, but in reality, an 8 hour day at work is enough in most instances to get the job done. It all has to do with how me manage our time effectively. Multitasking is a myth, as it often causes us to finish things at slower pace, since we are doing more than one thing at a time. Instead of multitasking, focus on one task for a certain amount of time before moving on to the next, and continue to do this until the job is done. Delegate when and if you can, and allow yourself to concentrate on a structured and regimented to-do list daily for maximum impact. This will help alleviate stress, working overtime, or taking work home with you—one of my Work Life Management no/no’s.
Work. But Build Your Own Empire Too
If you are a professional working for someone else, make sure that you are also allotting time out of your schedule to work on your own endeavors too. Thou shalt not build someone else up without thou building themselves up, too. Carve an hour or two daily to work on your side hustle or book or website or whatever it is that you makes your moguldom come out. The grind isn’t just for your employer—it’s for you, too.
Use Your Vacation Time
Successful people are all work and no play? Lies! In fact, successful people operate with self-care. They understand their limits and that breaks are necessary to be able to tackle their workloads. Having all of that vacation time that the company owes you sit on the books because you want to look like a team player is so 1995. In fact, your boss, and their boss, your bosses boss take their days off and they are higher in the company than you are. So do as a boss does and use your vacay and personal time.
Reinvent Yourself
If you are becoming stagnant, or you want to break out of your current shell and be a proven authority in your field—reinvention is necessary. Write a book, collaborate, attend conferences. Do your best to really stand out amongst the rest so you can truly fulfill your potential and greatness. Need some ideas? Read Ten Ways to Create Synergy for Career Success.
Underpromise. And Overdeliver
This has been my motto for the past several years, and while I am not where I want to be professionally, I have gotten pretty far using this adage. Work on being a high performer. Excel at your tasks and go above and beyond duty. Many of us want the cushy job and six figure salary, but few of us are willing to do the work to get there. That work is hard and arduous. It’s not for those who slack or cut corners. Begin to work in excellence and get of the mediocrity mindset, and you will see positive results.
So here’s to the next year—for promotions, salary raises, bonuses, and much more. Apply these 5 successful career resolutions and watch ’em work!
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