The first week of January is often fraught with the typical resolutions like shedding a couple extra pounds, spending less money, giving up a vice, etc. However, few people extend their resolutions to one of the most important aspects of their life: their career. There are many small changes one can make in their professional life to further develop their skills, elevate their status, and improve overall well being. Here are Interior Motions’ picks for 7 of the best New Year's resolutions for your career.
Standing is not only beneficial for your physical health, as it burns more calories and improves blood circulation, but it does wonders for your mental and emotional health as well. Standing forces your body to remain alert and awake which increases your mental clarity while working. Furthermore, people who frequently stand up at work normally experience less fatigue, less anxiety, and overall better moods. Therefore, prioritizing standing at work is an easy way to alter the course of your day. But exactly how often should you be standing? Experts claim that “the ideal sit-stand ratio lies somewhere between 1:1 and 1:3.” If you do not already have a desk that allows you to alternate between sitting and standing positions, you can browse our in-stock selection.
Humans are innately social creatures, so building a strong social network at your workplace can increase your overall job satisfaction. If you enjoy the people you work with, you will likely look forward to going into the office, welcome opportunities for collaboration, and be more motivated to perform well. Thus, try reaching out to a new coworker and carving out a specific time in your schedule for social interactions.
No matter how old you are or how high up you get on the corporate ladder, there are always opportunities to learn and grow. Oftentimes, the best way to do that is by seeking out a trusted individual who can help you get from point A to point B. You can find a mentor by joining professional groups on Facebook, attending networking events, or simply reaching out to someone via LinkedIn.
There is a wealth of knowledge to be found in every book, especially one pertaining to your field of work. Ellen Parry Lewis, a fiction author, explains, "reading is a very necessary habit for every successful businessperson. It broadens your mind, helps with your written and verbal communication skills, and gives you a certain level of understanding and empathy."
LinkedIn is a wonderful platform for connecting a diverse array of professionals in every field. Like any networking opportunity, it is important to put your best foot forward on LinkedIn. Some key elements to include in your LinkedIn profile are a professional and up-to-date headshot, a compelling summary, a complete catalog of your industry experience, and a list of skills for endorsements. You can make your profile standout further by checking out these tips.
Not only is office clutter bad because it increases your chances of losing important papers, but it takes a significant toll on your mental health. Studies show that cluttered spaces correspond to higher levels of cortisol, the stress hormone. Therefore, you should kickstart your 2022 with a deep clean of your cabinets and desk space.
A little bit of gratitude goes a long way. Choose a coworker, employee, manager, etc. who has made a positive impact on your month and write them a thank you letter. It will make them feel both seen and heard–– and it will most likely make you feel good too.
While none of these things are necessarily life-altering changes, when done consistently, they can help you achieve your long term goals and advance your career. Make 2022 your year!
Also read: Exercises for Fostering Innovation in the Workplace
