Today’s Work It Daily Challenge is to arrive 10 minutes early to destinations, meetings, or other events. Being punctual is a sought after trait - not only by employers, but also by family, friends, and colleagues. Being on time, or early, for things assures others that you respect people’s time. It also benefits you. When you arrive 10 minutes early to something, you grant yourself a few minutes of wiggle room. You have time to breathe or do any last minute preparation. This will help you go into job interviews more confidently, meetings more prepared, and outings with friends more relaxed. Rushing around and being late can be stressful. After awhile, it can take a toll on your health and well-being. So, today, challenge yourself to arrive 10 minutes early to anything you have planned. Better yet, force yourself to do this for the next seven days. After a while, it will become a habit. If you struggle with time management, take an honest look at why you’re always running late. Is it because you hit snooze one too many times this morning? Is it because you got stuck in traffic? Is it because that client call went a little longer than expected? When you identify your time sucks, it will be easier to see what’s holding you back from being on time. And, you can take steps to prevent those things from happening in the future. If you sleep in each morning, force yourself to wake up 15 minutes earlier. If you get stuck in traffic, take a different route. If your client calls always seem to run over, set aside more time for them. What are your secrets to being on time? Tell us!
Everyone has heard of New Year's resolutions. You know, those promises we make to ourselves about things we'll do better in the year ahead. Sometimes these resolutions work, while other times we end up with gym memberships we never use! But have you ever heard of a career resolution? It's actually the same thing as a New Year's resolution, only career-focused.
However, with something as important as a career, you don't want to break these resolutions. That's why it's important to keep these goals manageable.
Here are four simple career resolutions that are easy to stick to and achieve.
Be Self-Aware Of Where You Stand In Your Career
BigstockBeing honest and self-aware of where you are in your career is the most important step in making strong career resolutions. If your career is going nowhere and you're unhappy, then it may be time to consider a career change, which will take you down a different path entirely.
But if you're happy and in good standing with your career, it's a lot easier to set goals for the year and build out a long-term career plan.
Find A Way To Grow Your Career
BigstockCareer growth is a very broad spectrum that means something different to everyone. It could be something as simple as improving on a weakness or building on a strength. It could also be learning a new skill or taking on additional responsibilities at work.
On a larger level, it could be seeking a promotion or moving into a leadership role.
Whatever the goal is, make sure it includes growing professionally. The worst thing you can do is stay the same! If you're not growing your career, you're dying—and becoming a lot less valuable to your employer. There are always ways to upskill!
Better Serve Your Professional Network
With current colleagues, former colleagues, and other professional acquaintances, you've probably built a solid professional network through the years. A strong professional network can come in handy if you lose your job or are looking to make a career change. However, you shouldn't just rely on your network when you're in need!
It's important to find ways to offer value to your network. This could include checking in with members of your network from time to time. Exchange messages on LinkedIn to see how they're doing or share relevant content of interest. If you can help someone in your network going through a career challenge, you should!
Maintaining a strong professional network is like an investment. If you want it to pay off, you have to put some time into it and be consistent.
Take Care Of Yourself
Bigstock
Working on your career is hard work! It's okay to be selfish sometimes. Whether you're working to grow your career or looking for a new job, it's important to find balance.
Your family and health always come first, so make sure your career goals don't interfere with that. If you want to set aside time during the week to work on your career that's fine, but don't miss important family events or milestones.
Don't let your career goals get in the way of your health goals. Go to the gym, take a walk, or go for a jog. Balance is key to maintaining healthy career and life goals. Sometimes you just need to adjust that balance as you go.
Need help sticking to your career resolutions?
Become a member to learn how to UNLEASH your true potential to get what you want from work!
This article was originally published at an earlier date.