At the beginning of a new year, many people make resolutions. Why not leverage that drive for a fresh start by making career resolutions? Decide what you’d like to achieve this year, make your goals clear, and move toward them purposefully.
The confetti is in the air, the balloons have been released, and the band has started playing—we’ve officially entered a new year. You probably already have people asking you what your new year’s resolutions are. And whether you believe in making resolutions for your personal life, it’s a good idea to identify ways to make the most of your career growth this year.
Career success is all about strategy—and now is a perfect time to set those strategic plays in motion. Here’s what to do right now to launch the new year in your work life.
Check Your Mindset
Consider your outlook and your attitude toward your current role. Are you satisfied where you are? Are there changes you want to make? What steps could you take to minimize thoughts that are potentially holding you back? What practical ways can you turn your focus to the positive elements of work? Take time to exercise, socialize, network, and do things that bring you joy, so you’ll have more energy to put toward your career.
Assess Your Current Tasks
Resetting your workload and approach to job tasks can be beneficial, and the start of a new year is a perfect time to do it. Consider what your role entails and identify the top priorities, as well as the tasks that require a lot of time and effort. Are these things helping you move forward in your career? Do you enjoy them? If the answer to these questions is no, then it may be time to make a move. You deserve to put your energy and time into projects that will build your career.
Set Some Practical Goals
Now that you’ve thought about your attitude toward work and your current role, it’s time to start forming a vision of where you want to go and how you’ll get there. Identify what you want to achieve this year: A promotion? A new job? Greater expertise in your field? Understand why those achievements matter to you. Then, get specific about what it will take to reach those targets. Make your goals clear, achievable, and realistic, so you can start moving toward them.
Say Yes to New Opportunities
The path of anyone’s career is likely to have twists and turns, ups and downs, and the unexpected. That’s normal, and you can lean into it in order to enjoy the process of self-discovery and adventure that comes with it. While you don’t have to say yes to literally everything, there are certainly opportunities you should accept. Weigh whether the ask will give you a way to learn something valuable, meet new people, or bridge a gap in your skills. And sometimes, it’s a good idea to say yes simply because the opportunity will be fun or fulfilling—like arranging a work retreat or volunteering to serve your community.
Find Sources of Inspiration
As you move forward into the new year with your new career goals in mind, look for tools that will help you reach your destination. Of course, a mentor can help, and so can career-minded friends. But so can books, courses, podcasts…you name it. Do a little research to find people who are talking about things that align with your career goals, and make time each week to learn from them and be inspired to grow.
Refresh Your Workspace
Your work environment can have a strong effect on your overall mood, outlook, and productivity. The beginning of a new year is a perfect time to look at your workspace and think about what you can do to improve its atmosphere. From practical steps like labeling last year’s files and putting them in storage, to fun ideas like bringing in a new plant and reconfiguring your furniture, you can give your desk or office a simple makeover that boosts positivity and encourages you to get things done.
Invest in Personal Time Too
Keeping a balance between work and other areas of your life is vital, because all the areas of your life overlap. Career success is great, but not at the expense of other areas like your health and your relationships. Assess the different areas of your life, and if you notice you need to create more balance between work and your personal life, do it. Maintaining your physical, emotional, and mental well-being will equip you for success in your career as well.
Join a Great Talent Network
Your career journey is helped along by the people you know and spend time with. Even if you’re happy in your current role, it pays to keep your options open and stay connected with your community. After all, you never know when you’ll need to make a career move. Participating in local talent networks (like ours!) can also keep you in tune with the employment market and help you stay in-the-know when those dream career opportunities arise!
Summing It Up
At the beginning of a new year, many people make resolutions. Why not leverage that drive for a fresh start by making career resolutions? Decide what you’d like to achieve this year, make your goals clear, and move toward them purposefully. And remember, inTulsa is here to help you grow in your career in tech. Sign up for our Talent Network, and stay tuned for this year’s networking events. We’d love to help you achieve your career goals.
