WITH the new year round the corner, surely, all of us would be contemplating and planning some heavy duty resolutions, to discard those old habits that die hard; to forge and infuse certain changes, for the better! If change is the spice of this season, why not implement some of them, in your professional lives too?

Here's your 'New Year Resolution Guide', to rejuvenate and pep up your experience at work!

Sit back and judge: This is the perfect time, to relax, sit back and have a close assessment of where your career is heading. Where do you see yourself in say, around the next new year, is this exactly how you would like to see yourself and is the path you are treading at the moment, en route to that goal you eye... These are the questions that you should explore and analyse, to reach a conclusion, about where you like to head, in your career path.

Self-analysis: Your current job position needs some assessment. Check and recheck, if your skills and your job complement each other, if you usually deliver what is expected of you, at your workplace.

Work on your goal: Once you have assessed your goal and whether or not your current position is complementary, in achieving that aim; you need to start working towards what you have imagined yourself in.

Love your work: It is extremely important to love the work you do and to possess some fiery passion about progressing on this front. If you do not enjoy what you do, no amount of monetary compensation or perks would give you that wholesome happiness. It would also make you less visionary and ambitious about your career.

One day at a time: Try to take one day at a time and make the most out of the twenty four hours, at your disposal. Make a rough plan about your itinerary for the next day. As you enter into the new day, review what you would like to take on, on that particular day. Think about how the tasks you have set for yourself, for the day would take you a step ahead towards that goal you have been eyeing.

Connect: Besides possessing those extraordinary work skills, meeting the right kind of people and making your presence felt, at the right places and among those who matter, does the trick for you. Do not lose touch with your colleagues and immediate friends and co-workers, in your quest for some high-profile contacts.

Check yourself: Go down the memory lane and reflect on those errors and mistakes you have committed. The best aspects about committing mistakes, are the indispensable lessons you derive from them. Taking the cue, endeavour not to repeat the same gaffes.

A pat on the back: As much as you criticise yourself for those faux pas you have committed, you need to be equally appreciative about those achievements that shine through your career. Interestingly, these achievements, too, offer you lessons. Learn and attempt incessantly, to keep up the good work in the year ahead.

Learning is a skill, too: Life's a learning process and with the dynamism of workplaces and market conditions, you need to keep track of the changes that take place, by the day. Keep striving to incorporate as much as you can, to develop and improve your resume and skills.

Take time out: Sometimes, your activities, unrelated to your career, could have an impact on your professional life. Learn to deal with stress and overtimes, but never give up your zest and zeal for life! Take time out to enjoy those little activities and hobbies that give you joy. Watching a movie, enjoying a day out with your family or even curling up with a good book could de-stress you.

Little steps contribute to great achievements... . follow these simple guidelines, for a smooth progress into the new year. May the coming year unfold ensuring success and prosperity in your careers and lives!

Published in the hindu

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