How to Set Yourself Up for Success at Work in the New Year
The new year is around the corner, and you’re already thinking about how you’ll shine. Undoubtedly, the COVID-19 pandemic will continue to affect the way you work for the foreseeable future, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still have a successful 2021.
Now is the time to start planning for the year ahead, so you can make the most of the next 12 months.
Here’s some advice to help you get started.
Assess Your Current Situation
At the end of each year, it’s important to take the time to reflect on both what went well and what didn’t, so you know where you stand. This will help you better understand what you enjoy most about your job and where improvement is needed. Giving the situation an honest review isn’t always easy, but it’s essential to allow you to move forward in the right direction.
Invest in Yourself
You are your own greatest asset. Every growth opportunity you pursue will help you realize greater career success, so make learning a priority. Whether you need to pick up a few more skills to boost your resume or want to go back to school to earn a new certification, you’ll have regrets if you don’t do it. You might have to make some sacrifices along the way, but it will be worth it.
Set SMART Goals
It’s always good to start the new year with a fresh set of goals — i.e., resolutions. However, these objectives are often quickly forgotten, because they’re too vague. Setting SMART — specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, time-bound — goals makes it much easier to hold yourself accountable.
For example, an LPN might set a vague goal of going back to school this year to become an RN. The SMART version of this goal would be to apply to programs that start next summer by March. Since the latter leaves no room for interpretation, it’s much more challenging to procrastinate.
Prioritize Making New Connections
Your network can give your career a serious boost, so it’s important to constantly focus on growing it. In-person networking events are out of the question right now, but there’s a ton of opportunities to make new contacts online.
Use LinkedIn to connect with behavioral health workers in your area and see if any relevant professional associations are hosting virtual events. People are getting creative and really working hard to connect via social media during the pandemic, so take advantage of any opportunity to expand your network.
Find a Healthy Work-Life Balance
It’s impossible to be your best self at work if you’re burned out. Having a solid work-life balance is important because you need time to relax and recharge. If working long hours is currently your standard, do yourself a favor and scale it back. This will allow you to be more engaged when you are at work because you won’t be exhausted.
Ready to make a career move in 2021? If you would like to learn more about how we can help you find your next behavioral health position, contact us today at (513) 651-9500 or by email at info@psychpros.com.