January is the month where we look back on the past year, reflect on our decisions, and make plans and resolutions for the future. These resolutions can range from aspects of your personal life to your friendships, your physical well being, and your spiritual health. A popular and logical place to focus your attention on is your career path. Here are some resolutions that you can incorporate into your professional life, regardless of your job description:
Improve the balance between your work life and your personal life. Being successful at your job while mitigating stress at home requires a careful harmony between work and relaxation. You can strike this delicate balance by setting aside specific times each day for both aspects of your life. If you’re feeling abnormally stressed out, ask yourself if it is self-induced or if it is coming from work sources (supervisors, coworkers, etc.). Make sure that you’re not placing too much pressure on yourself, because no one person can do everything! A great way to reduce stress is to schedule thirty-minute workouts three or four times a week. This serves as a great de-stresser, letting you take some time away from your duties and come back with a fresh perspective.
Work on building relationships with your boss and your coworkers. It is important to have a clear-cut definition of your role within the organization as well as understand the roles of those around you. To make sure this happens, you can take control of building the relationships. What are your company’s business objectives, and how can you help achieve those with your boss and coworkers? Keep in mind that the relationship between the employees and the employer is not a one-way street: you have to be ready to manage upwards in order to excel. Don’t assume your manager is paying close attention to you: be proactive, get on his calendar, catch his attention, and make sure you’re in crystal-clear agreement on what you’re doing. These efforts also will reinforce those traits that help define your personal brand.
Focus on networking. Networking skills come naturally to some, whereas others may need to put some effort into honing the talent. If you fall into the latter category, don’t worry: social media sites such as Facebook and LinkedIn have become tremendously advantageous tools for personal and professional use alike. Many people who are apprehensive with networking in general find that online communication can be much easier and less nerve-wracking. If you’re comfortable with face-to-face talks, set up networking meetings or join a business group. Try connecting with like-minded people that are associated via trade clubs, user groups, discussion forums, or fan clubs. Philanthropy and working as a volunteer, advisor and/or board member is also a great way to build your network while at the same time helping a very deserving organization. Opportunities and good ideas tend to flow much better when you are with people in the same mind frame as yourself.
Improve your communication skills. If you are a poor communicator, you will have serious difficulty improving professional relationships. There’s no shame whatsoever in taking classes on presentation or communication skills. Use your friends and colleagues as “guinea pigs” to test your communication approaches. Make sure you’re stepping up to the plate when it comes to e-mail and voicemail, as well. Return phone calls and e-mails in a timely fashion. Get in touch with the people that you’ve had meetings with, and above all else, keep your inbox as clear as you can! You can only “get” good communication if you are willing to “give” it in a highly effective and positive way.
Look towards the next step in your career. Always make sure that you’re looking for the next rung on the ladder! Shoot for that bonus, raise, or promotion. Be hungry! Understand what skills are in demand and which ones are becoming obsolete, then strengthen yourself as you see fit. Focus on training and development and make sure that you’re an invaluable part of your company. Be restless- push yourself to be better!! Lastly, understand the reality that you may not be at this current position until retirement. If you feel like your job isn’t a good fit for you, it may be time to move on. Keep an eye on better job opportunities and be ready to move if it benefits you personally or professionally.
