As we embark on a new year, we often take time to reflect on our lives and identify areas that we wish to change and improve by setting New Year’s resolutions. With inflation and an impending recession, setting far-sighted goals for the new year is more important than ever to stay prepared and adaptable in the midst of uncertainties. These resolutions could involve personal or work aspirations, or simply choosing to prioritise your well-being.
Setting goals at the beginning of the year provides you with a clear vision and direction and sets you up for success in the coming year. Identify what you wish to accomplish and set actionable steps toward them to increase your chances of achieving them. Here are four New Year’s resolutions you can consider in 2023:
‘Career Cushion’ Your Job
In recent years, disruptive forces such as digital advancements and the pandemic have significantly impacted the way we live and work. The labour market is also becoming increasingly uncertain in the coming year amid mass layoffs and soaring inflation. Hence, career cushioning can be one way to cope with the volatile labour market. This involves taking proactive steps to protect and diversify your career to reduce the risks and uncertainties of the job market.
The trend of career cushioning has emerged in response to the Great Resignation and quiet quitting. Bloomberg refers to it as “job-searching lite”, a way to maintain optimism and morale in a tumultuous time. In addition to seeking stability in jobs, there are various ways you can explore to increase your value in the job market.
Upskilling can be a way to bolster your market value. A report by LinkedIn found that nearly three-fourths of Learning and Development (L&D) leaders agree that L&D has become more influential over the past year and plays a key role in retaining talents and transforming businesses. You can consider seeking out learning opportunities for upskilling in high-demand areas through professional development courses.
While it’s natural to be creatures of habit, sticking too closely to routine can lead to a lack of motivation and a decline in self-worth. McKinsey believes that innovation is a key driver of success following a crisis.
Being willing to explore new projects will definitely give you a competitive advantage in a fast-paced business landscape. Consider taking on roles that are outside your typical job scope or challenge yourself with new projects to gain valuable soft skills such as leadership and adaptability. New projects can seem intimidating at first but they can also be exciting and lead to lasting gains.
Additionally, career mobility could also be an area of exploration if you wish to diversify and expand your skillsets and build your career path amid the volatile job market. Alternatively, if you have a passion or hobby that you’ve always wanted to turn into a business, the best time to start is now. Online resources are readily available for you to help you take your first steps towards starting a side hustle.
You can also try networking with professionals in your industry to gain a better understanding of market sentiments whenever possible. Attend industry events, join a professional group or association, or reach out to people and ask for advice or even mentorship. Make the most of any opportunity that arises to connect with others in your field.
Prioritise Wellness and Mindfulness
Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the World Health Organisation (WHO) reported that about 15% of working adults have a mental disorder. This issue has detrimental effects on both individuals and businesses. According to WHO, an estimated 12 billion workdays are lost annually due to depression and anxiety, resulting in an annual loss of productivity costing approximately US$1 trillion.
While some might think this might be a big shift, prioritising wellness and mindfulness in the workplace can start with small steps. For a start, try taking 10-minute meditation breaks. There are various apps out there to help you reduce stress and improve focus.
Additionally, you can prioritise wellness in the workplace by incorporating physical activities into your daily routine, such as taking the stairs or going for a walk or a quick run during lunchtime. Build healthy habits such as eating fruits and vegetables, staying hydrated, or incorporating healthier options into your diet. These small changes can help improve overall health and well-being in the long run.
Build a Better Workplace Culture
To bring about the change you want to see in 2023, it's important to take an active role in things that matter to you. This could involve advocating for important issues, taking the lead in projects that you are passionate about, or simply being a positive and productive member of your team. By being actively engaged, you can positively impact your work culture and environment and inspire others to do the same.
With the introduction of new technological tools to increase productivity in the workplace, check out new tools for collaboration that can streamline processes. Even just decluttering your workspace can greatly boost overall workplace productivity for you and your colleagues.
Communication skills are often overlooked but are vital for effective relationships at the workplace. Enhance your communication skills through SMU Academy’s Communication Management programme to better position yourself for career success. Even taking small steps like speaking more clearly, listening more attentively, and writing more concisely can definitely help to boost your conversations.
Seek Improvement through Constructive Feedback
While it's important to receive feedback from the management or your supervisor through performance reviews, feedback from your peers and subordinates are just as valuable. By actively seeking feedback from a diverse group of people, you can get a more well-rounded understanding of your strengths and areas for improvement. To make this process more effective, try to maintain an open and sincere attitude towards self-improvement, and approach it in a casual way to encourage others to be open and honest with you.
Take charge of 2023 by setting resolutions and working towards them. You will definitely be able to spark the right tone and set yourself up for success in your professional life. All the best!
Let 2023 be a better year for your career with the many varied skills courses at SMU Academy.
