Resolutions for Your Best New Year

As we reach the end of this crazy, crazy year, and with January 1st right around the corner, that means it’s time to start thinking about your resolutions for 2021. Have you given any thought to the professional resolutions that can take your work life to the next level?

If you’re looking for inspiration, here are a few ideas for work resolutions that just might enrich your professional life in 2021!

• Designate Device-Free Times – If we learned one thing in 2020, it’s to slow down and be grateful for all we have, like family and our health. We all feel guilty sometimes about being attached to our phones instead of being in the moment with family or friends. When is the last time you were more than 6 feet from an electronic device? Designate a certain amount of time every day (or some time each week) to step away from your screens and focus on offline stuff, like reading a book or cooking with your kids.

• Get Active on LinkedIn – Today, social media is a must for effective networking, and the place to be is the professional networking platform, LinkedIn. Keep your profile current, spend some time on the site daily or weekly, and engage with others. Building solid relationships on LinkedIn is a good investment of your time.

• Step Outside Your Comfort Zone – It’s easy to fall into a rut, especially if your job consists of processes that you repeat all day, week after week. Make an effort to take on projects that stretch your abilities. If there are tasks or projects that aren’t regularly offered to you, ask for them! That alone will probably take you outside of your comfort zone.

• Learn How to Ask for Help When Needed – We all want to be self-sufficient and enjoy the pride in doing something ourselves. That said, no one can be an expert at everything. This year, resolve to ask for help when you have a question. Collaborating with someone whose knowledge complements your own, or asking an expert when you’re not sure, is how you learn.

This year, self-evaluate, set attainable goals, and be prepared to adjust your goals year-round, not just one day a year. If you slip up, fear not! Think of missteps as a chance to reflect, pivot, persevere, and learn.