Most of you might made New Year’s resolutions related to your career. If not, read on to know at least one of these career — and life-boosting resolutions worth making and maybe even worth making and maybe even worth keeping. Write down at least one of those resolutions on a Post-It note and stick it on your computer frame as an ongoing reminder.
I will answer all email within 24 hours
It’s okay even to respond, “I’m swamped. Will get back to you in two-three.” But not responding at all within 24 hours makes people pull out their hair, and that’s not good for your career. Abbreviated reminder: Answer email!
I’ll talk less, listen more
The old saw is wise, “You have two ears and one mouth, so spend twice as much time listening as talking.” Being a chatterbox hurts you in and outside of work, especially if you also don’t listen carefully to others — a more difficult task than most people realise.
I’ll stay aware of the moment of truth
The key to managing procrastination is to be aware of that moment when you’re deciding, often unconsciously, weather to do that important task or to escape the uncomfortability by doing something.
I’ll involve the wise man/woman within me
Most of us know the wise thing to do but too often opt for expediency. As with the previous resolutions, key is staying conscious, often asking yourself, “What would my best self do now?”
I will look better
Alas, society is lookist, so if you don’t want to start out with a strike or two against you, it’s worth reasonable effort to look your best — clothes, hair and weight.
I’ll focus be competent and nice
Some people try to get away with laziness by being nice. That doesn’t always work. More important, successful, content people generally aim to be as productive as possible, not to get away with as little work as possible.
I will stop being so self-absorbed
Too much introspection can straitjacket you into analysis paralysis. It’s usually wise to not look back to past pain but to accept your basic self, put yourself in situations that accentuate your strengths, and focus on helping others and being productive, a baby step at a time.
I will spend time with important people
Is there someone in your life, professional or personal, who you should see more of? Less of? For example, is a co-worker so odious to you that you should try to get that person transferred or fired? If you’re a boss, is it time to counsel-out a supervise who’s in the wrong job, perhaps helping him or her to find a better-suited position? That can help avoid a painful “wrongful termination” lawsuit.
I will address my substance abuse problem
Most people don’t realise they have an abuse problem. Is your drinking affecting you at work? Is your pot smoking affecting your motivation and/or memory? Then address this problem.
