The tradition of crafting New Year’s resolutions is right around the corner as we close 2023. Most resolutions revolve around healthier habits like exercising, going to the gym, and eating healthier, but how about ones for our careers? Here are a few for you to consider for your professional development.
Set Boundaries
It’s easier said than done but saying no more often will get you farther ahead in your career and your personal life. Setting boundaries is also a great exercise for your mental health so you can prioritize other aspects of your life that are important.
If you don’t know where to get started, turning off notifications after 6 PM and setting up an automated out-of-office reply during personal days would be a good start. Also, saying no to more responsibilities and new projects to focus on selective, high-priority work could be another goal. It won’t always feel comfortable to set boundaries, but this will be your new norm over time.
Fight For What You’re Worth
If you sense that you've been passive this year, consider this your wake-up call. It's high time to step out of the shadows of complacency and take action to fight for what you are worth. Start by setting up a meeting with your manager to review your performance and be your own advocate in achieving financial well-being and job satisfaction. Remember to factor in your biggest wins and work your way into negotiating a promotion or salary increase that’s due for you.
If you want to get ahead in starting the new year with a higher salary, head over to LinkedIn Learning where I share free tips on best practices for salary negotiations.
Go Into a Job Or Industry You’re Interested In
The new year is the best time to start your job search for many reasons. Companies have just renewed their budgets, recruiters are well-rested after their vacations, and teams are hiring talent to gear up for a big year ahead. If you’ve been thinking about jumping ship to a new role, company, or industry, now’s the time to do it.
Keep an eye out for job postings on job boards in January and dissect the job descriptions to know what they’re looking for, and start connecting with people in the role or industry you’re targeting. It doesn’t hurt to get ahead in the game, so start preparing and updating your resume and cover letters this month with the free career templates on our Workhap website.
The goal for the new year is not to just get another job, but to find a role that actually aligns with your interests and skills. It may take some time, patience, and effort but the results will be worth it.
Make Genuine Connections with People You Work With
Just as we don't choose our family, we don’t get to pick our colleagues. That’s why It is essential to do your part to create a more positive and collaborative work environment. Showing sincere interest in their hobbies and actively listening to them when they share their thoughts are some ways to say that you care about them. Also, acknowledging and appreciating your colleagues’ contributions is another great way to celebrate the team’s success and build a healthy team culture.
If you want this new year to be better for your mental well-being, fostering this kind of relationship with coworkers can get you on track. After all, everyone needs energy and a morale boost now and then to keep the work fun and productive.
Take More Risks
And finally, start the new year by taking more risks toward your ideal career and embracing new opportunities that will challenge you. This could be by taking on new projects, volunteering for leadership roles, or pursuing roles that require a skill set that you’re working on developing.
And even if not every risk results in immediate success, it's always a good learning opportunity. Understand what can be done better, adjust accordingly, and apply those to future endeavors.
As we say goodbye to 2023, get ready to embark on another journey for both personal and professional growth this coming year. Whichever resolutions you decide to take on, keep in mind that success doesn’t happen overnight. Stay committed, be ready to face setbacks, and enjoy the ride. Happy New Year!
Sho Dewan
I am a career coach, content creator, and LinkedIn Top Voice: Job Search & Careers. As the founder and CEO of Workhap, I lead my team that has empowered and helped thousands get hired & paid in careers they love through our digital guides, #1 most watched LinkedIn Learning courses, and signature job search program, Get Hired Academy. I post daily on topics including job search, salary negotiations, and entrepreneurship to our community of 1.5M+ followers across social media platforms. Everything I share is from my 10+ years of experience as a former head of talent development, recruiter, and management consultant. After being featured in major publications including Wall Street Journal, CNBC, Business Insider, and more, I’m now excited to share my best stuff here on Forbes.