10 Tips for New Beginnings
Others, EmploymentWhether it’s making a New Year’s resolution or a personal or professional goal, how we approach new beginnings can determine how those life events pan out. Life Strategies provides tips to help prepare for new beginnings.
1. Make Relevant Resolutions. If you make New Year’s resolutions, keep them focussed, meaningful, and straightforward – and only make one or two.
2. Set SMART Goals. Ensure your goals, or resolutions, follow the SMART format – Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Time Sensitive.
3. Plan Professional Development. Look at the upcoming year and identify key courses, workshops, or books that will support your professional development goals. Life Strategies offers a wide range of courses that fit any schedule and budget.
4. Access Your Allies. Whether you’re pursuing an “official” New Year’s resolution or a personal or professional goal, don’t do it alone. Find a partner or form a Success Team.
5. Take Time to Purge. The start of a new year is a great time to declutter. Decluttering your home, office, computer, or even your mind can help reduce stress and anxiety.
6. Give Back. Make a significant difference this year. Choose one or more meaningful projects, associations, or charities and intentionally support them with your money and/or time.
7. Avoid the Winter Blues. It is estimated that 15% of Canadians experience symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder. Read more at http://www.readersdigest.ca/health/healthy-living/beat-winterblues/. If these few tips don’t help, it may be important to talk to a professional.
8. Update Your Career Portfolio. Now is a great time to create, update, and/or re-organize your career portfolio.
9. Strive for a Sustainable Life. Think beyond the notion of work-life balance and, instead, focus on sustainability or meeting your present needs without compromising your future.
10. Learn From Your Mistakes. Al Franken once said, “Mistakes are a part of being human. Appreciate your mistakes for what they are: precious life lessons that can only be learned the hard way.” As the New Year begins, reflect on mistakes you’ve made, and the life lessons learned as a result.
Photo by Jan Tinneberg on Unsplash