What Is Your New Year's Career Resolution?

It is hard to believe, but 2020 is right around the corner. All of us go 100 miles an hour in our jobs and usually have no time to reflect on what is ahead of us. This year, for me, has been especially fast, and my job did not let up until Christmas. I typically take the week off before the new year to rest and recharge my batteries. During that time, I also seek to create new year career resolutions.

The Balance Careers notes that new year’s resolutions top many To-Do lists during the holiday season. A new year is a beginning, so new goals and resolutions naturally fuel your thoughts. The author’s resolutions include: Do something you love every day; give yourself credit when you deserve it; make professional contacts and network; listen more than you talk; take up a new hobby or activity; do something just for you; learn something new every day; practice professional courage; track your To-Do list; and take yourself a little less seriously. Keep resolutions simple and meaningful.

Popular job-seeking website Monster asked experts to provide practical ways to advance careers. Suggestions include: Keep a journal and evaluate your thoughts; have regular meetings with your boss to enhance your performance evaluation; connect with other people in your network that you do not usually see; expand and enhance your knowledge by attending meetings and reading publications; improve your personal branding and manage what people think of you; evaluate your big projects and spend less time on things that do not matter and stay focused; and learn to navigate every stage of your career.

Goodwill Greater Washington says that ringing in the new year means many people want to improve some aspect of their lives. They see professional advancement as an opportunity to set new goals. Six resolutions from this blog include: Get a promotion and/ or a raise; get a new job; further your education; improve your relationships both inside and outside your office; find ways to facilitate a better work/life balance; and if it isn’t working for you, drop it. The key is to take a thoughtful and creative approach to your career and life.

Work It Daily states that the beginning of a new year is the perfect time to set yourself career goals; be alert at work and seek to grow and develop; expand your skill set on the job; organize your personal workspace; be proactive by taking training opportunities; be patient and work steadily toward the next career step; network to learn new opportunities; leave a job you are not happy in; be willing to take risks; and be happy by looking and feeling good.  Do not wait for things to happen. Be proactive, and see everything as an opportunity.

Seek to learn and grow your career in 2020. I suggest prioritizing your resolutions for next year and keep the number of resolutions reasonable. Look one year ahead in your work career. Where would you like your career to be heading on January 1, 2021?

Strive to make 2020 a launching pad for long-term success. As many of us need to work, we should strive to make our jobs incorporate the best experience possible. Strive to obtain continual performance reviews, and seek ways to improve your job performance. If you are happy in your job, the organization will reap the rewards.

I wish you a Happy New Year and continued success. After reading this article, what is your new year career resolution?