After the bustle of the holidays is over, it is time to sit by the glow of the twinkly tree lights and reflect and plan. Have you heard those Semisonic lyrics, “Every new beginning comes from some other beginning’s end”? I like to think about the new year in terms of what I want to make space for; what must end in order for something to grow. Here are a few areas that will kick off 2023 in the right direction.
Goodbye + Hello
I’ve never been good at setting resolutions for the new year and keeping them. I have been more successful at reflecting on what I want to say goodbye to and hello to more in the next year. Often you need to create space to begin or grow new parts of your life. This means saying goodbye to people, activities, thoughts, or things that no longer serve you well. Be able to answer the question, “Where do I see myself this time next year?”
Reflect on Accomplishments
Don’t forget all that you’ve accomplished in the last year. Reflecting on all that you’ve done can influence your future goals and might encourage you to be a bit bolder with your plans. Make note of accomplishments, awards, travels, professional and personal wins, and major learnings. Our “I Rock” tool is a great place to keep track of things.
Resume Glow-up
Once you have documented your accomplishments, it is good to transfer the pertinent information to your resume. The beginning of the year is a good time to touch up your resume, not just when you are in a job search. It is much easier to make minor updates to a resume each year when things are fresh on your mind. Believe us, it is daunting when people haven’t touched a resume in 10 years and then try to make major changes.
LinkedIn Updates
Don’t forget about your LinkedIn profile. Make updates based on the changes you made to your resume. But more importantly, ensure that your profile still reflects your brand and the image you want to portray. People will be viewing your LinkedIn profile many more times over the year vs. your resume. Does the picture need to be updated? Is the “about me” section up to date?
Networking Goals
Set some networking goals that will coincide with your Goodbye and Hello themes for the year. How can your network connections help you further your goals? What new connections could boost your chances of success? Are some networks or groups not serving you well any longer? Assess how and with whom you want to spend time over the next year.
Career Goals
Where do you see yourself professionally in a year’s time? Many people let years pass by without asking the question, and then all of a sudden wonder where the time went. Start with the final goal, then work backward. Detail the monthly tasks, resources, supporters, and timelines.
