January is the month of goal setting. At the start of the year, we set personal goals for ourselves, whether it be health-related, kicking a bad habit, changing our outlook on things, etc. But what about career resolutions? At the workplace, our employers set goals for us in service to the company, but we should also be setting our own personal career goals. There are many kinds of goals we can set including a change to our work habits, work ethic, our career growth, or perhaps even a career change.
The trick is to have that big picture in mind, but to start small. Imagine career goal achievement in terms of the "snowball effect." Making small positive changes to your work habits is where you begin. They are small, easy to visualize and easy to stick to. The accumulation of achieving these small goals will give you the momentum to achieve those bigger goals down the road like a promotion, pay raise, or new job as they will not only give you the confidence you need to pursue those bigger dreams, but also the recognition.
Whatever your big career goal might be, conquering such goals always starts the same way and that is on your current self. Below is a list of ways you can make small positive changes to your work habits. This list is by no means comprehensive. There are many ways you can improve yourself at work. Hopefully a few of these will speak to you or provide inspiration.
Of course. don't try tackling too many goals at once. Focus on one or two small goals at a time and once you are satisfied, move on to new ones.
10 Work Habit Resolutions
1. Step Out of Work Comfort Zone
Go the extra mile when tackling a project, take a risk, or contribute to a project that you aren't directly responsible for.
2. Be Informed
Follow a podcast, follow a blog, or read news from your industry each morning.
3. Stay Organized
Organize your desk, your electronic files, your emails, stick to a time management plan, keep a calendar, and allow time to prepare for meetings
4. Meet People in your Industry
Attend one network event each year, make one connection per month, or ask one person (colleague or another professional) out for coffee/lunch each month.
5. Volunteer
For your community or at work.
6. Learn Something New
Learn a tech skill, a soft skill, a skill related to your work or completely unrelated to your work.
7. Read a Book
Read something that will encourage thought, teach you something, motivate you or inspire you.
8. Update Your Resume
Add a bullet to your skills, update your online profiles and get in touch with your references.
9. Work On Communication
Listen more, engage with coworkers, respond promptly to phone calls/emails, and thank people.
10. Achieve a Work/Life Balance
Avoid burnout and decrease stress by booking time off for a trip or stay completely unplugged for one weekend each month.
We all know that setting goals is the easy part. Sticking to your goals is a whole other game which requires perseverance and motivation. Last year, in January 2018's Newsletter, we covered how to hold onto your motivation. Check it out for tips on how to stick to your goals. You can do it!
