There is no denying just how challenging these past couple years have been. It can be difficult to focus on your own personal and professional growth with so much uncertainty in the world. With this in mind, we wanted to share some tips to help guide you as we welcome the new year.
Be conscious of your perspective
“It’s not what you look at that matters; it’s what you see” – Henry David Thoreau
Mindset and perspective are powerful tools in life. Oftentimes we are not conscious of our inner dialogue and it simply speaks freely like a constant white noise in our lives. This seemingly harmless flow of thoughts has immense power over your perspective. You could even be hindering your own success if you find that your inner dialogue sounds eerily similar to Eeyore! Numerous studies have discovered a direct correlation between positive mindset and improved overall health and happiness. A positive mindset can also help manage stress which in turn can increase your productivity and ultimately your success both personally and professionally.
Consider additional education
Recent events have led to greater opportunities for remote learning. What better way to advance your career then to earn a degree at home! Higher education can help you to stand out from your peers and get your resume to the top of the list. College can provide you with networking opportunities and a chance to explore different areas of interest as well. The financial benefits from earning a degree are also quite substantial. According to a 2020 report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, workers with an associate’s degree earn $157 more per week than those with only a high school diploma whereas those with a bachelors earn $524 more per week! If you’re not quite prepared to commit to enrolling in a degree program, certifications can also add value to your skill set and resume.
Actualize your dreams
If these past couple years have taught us anything it’s that life is too short to not chase your dreams. Whether it’s learning a new skill, traveling, landing your dream job, or improving your health – chase it. Write down your dreams and then create small goals as the stepping stones towards actualizing those dreams. After you’ve written everything down, take that paper and put it somewhere you will see every day to keep you motivated and focused. Remember that personal and professional growth is not without its challenges, but if you refuse to accept defeat then soon you will see your dreams become a reality.
Schedule time to decompress
Your mental and physical health can be an easy thing to overlook in today’s society. It can often seem as if there is simply not enough time in the day to accomplish your to-do list much less to take a moment for yourself. Functioning in a perpetually rushed and stressed state will eventually take its toll on you though. One way to avoid this outcome is to schedule relaxation time into your day. In the wise words of Benjamin Franklin – “if you fail to plan, you are planning to fail.” Planning your days will ensure a higher level of productivity and a lower level of stress all while honing your time management and organizational skills. During your relaxation time, try to avoid electronics and instead opt for spending time in nature like taking a walk outside or reading a book in a park.
