Use the holiday season as an opportunity to network with people, attend holiday parties and events … [+]
‘Tis the season for coasting. At this time of year, workers typically put up their out-of-office auto-responses and indulge in holiday festivities and vacations. The pace of work generally slows down, and people usually default to autopilot mode as they glide through the end of the year. With the distractions of family, friends and holiday activities, people tend to put their jobs and careers on the back burner.
To be successful, you must optimize this slowdown period and use this time more proactively than everyone else. While others hold off on their career plans until the new year, you can gain a competitive advantage by planting the seeds of success and building forward momentum, starting now.
Here are five proactive steps you can start making during the holiday season to improve yourself and enhance your career and life.
1) Engage In Self-Reflection
Use this time to look inward and ask yourself: Am I happy and fulfilled? Am I as far along as I want to be? And if not, what daily steps can I implement to make those changes happen? Am I effective and efficient? Are there things that I could do differently to have a greater impact?
2) Create A Game Plan And Stick To It
Set goals and write an actionable plan focusing on the daily steps needed to accomplish your objectives. By writing it down, you can manifest it into the universe and hold yourself accountable.
If you want to switch jobs, update your résumé and LinkedIn profile. Get in touch with recruiters. Find a career coach, résumé writer, mentor or sponsor to keep you focused and on track for your goals. Consider a career pivot of reinvention if you’re unhappy with your current profession or field of industry. For career development, seek upskilling and attain additional education, accreditations, credentials and licenses.
3) Prepare For Your Annual Performance Review
You cannot walk into your yearly annual review unprepared. Now is the time to gather a list of your wins, accomplishments and times you exceeded expectations and exceeded your job requirements. Carefully practice your pitch as to why you deserve a raise and promotion.
4) Reconnect And Network With People
Use the holiday season as an excuse to network with people in your industry, attend holiday parties and reach out to professionals you admire for informational interviews. When someone asks what you are up to, share with them that you are looking for new employment or plan to start your own business. People generally want to help others and may offer you job leads or business referrals.
5) Manage Your Finances
The holidays can be a time of excessive spending. Don’t overspend on gifts or other holiday expenses. Start putting aside money now. If you want to make a job pivot or switch, and it takes some time, you won’t have to sacrifice your goals for your lack of funds to pay the bills.
Taking a bridge job can be a practical and responsible decision for anyone who has lost their job and needs to generate income.
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