Roberta Matuson* has some advice for those who kicked off the year full of energy and ambition, but now find themselves doing what they have always done.
When 2023 dawned, the chances are you got super-excited and resolved to start the year off right.
You promised yourself that this will be the year you advanced your career like never before.
You jotted down some resolutions, and off you went.
However, before you knew it you were quickly back to doing things the way you’ve always done them and getting the same results.
Sounds familiar? If so, you’re not alone.
A study by researchers at Scranton University in Pennsylvania has found that only 19 per cent of individuals keep their resolutions.
Most have probably been abandoned already.
So, what can you do to stay on track and achieve your goals? Here are a few tips to help you build momentum and ensure this is your best year ever.
Build value every day
Work is all about high-trust relationships. In the age of social media, it’s easy to forget this.
People do business with people they trust. The same holds true for promotions at work.
Those who are well respected and trusted are more apt to be promoted than those who have failed to build strong relationships at work.
Take responsibility for your own success
It certainly can be a help financially if your organisation is willing to invest in a coach for you, or reimburse you for development opportunities.
However, don’t let the fact that you need to pay for this yourself stop you from improving your skills. There is no better investment than in yourself.
Forget perfect
Are you one of the many people who are wasting a bunch of time trying to ensure that something is 100 per cent perfect? Stop it!
When you’re 80 per cent there, move forward. The time and money you spend trying to achieve perfection won’t make that much difference.
Stop complaining and instead do something
Maybe you’re not making as much money as you think you should be. Or perhaps, you’re not feeling fulfilled in your job.
It’s time to stop complaining and instead, do something.
Have a conversation with your boss about your compensation. Ask what you can do to increase your earnings.
Volunteer to take projects off your boss’s plate so that you feel more challenged at work.
If none of this sounds appealing, find a new job.
Say “yes” when you want to say “no”
If you want to increase your possibilities, options, and opportunities, think twice before saying “no”.
All too often serendipitous benefits arise when we show up.
Rather than waiting for opportunity to knock, start to actively seek opportunities to connect with people, learn new skills, and learn more about your industry.
If things aren’t going according to plan, ask for help
There’s no shame in admitting you need assistance.
Here’s to a great rest of the year.
*Roberta Matuson is President of Matuson Consulting which helps Fortune 500 companies and high growth businesses create exceptional workplaces leading to extraordinary results. She can be contacted at [email protected].
This article first appeared at matusonconsulting.com.
