During the holidays, take time to decide what you want to accomplish in your professional life. Even if you don’t have time off from work, most industries are slower during this time of year. Take advantage of your downtime.
Before starting, remember there is no ideal job. It’s rare for someone to like every moment at work. It’s normal to have bumps in the road. Usually those bumps, give you an opportunity to grow. Don’t fall into the trap thinking a new job will fix your dissatisfaction.
Here are questions to ask yourself. There is no right answer. There is no wrong answer. Only you can decide what works for you.
What can I do to better integrate work with life? (Historically we talked about balancing work and life, but with technology it’s expected for us to be accessible. We’ve had to learn how to integrate our work with life.)
How will I increase my value in my profession? (Is there a certification you’d like to pursue? Would you like to attain an advance degree? Are there professional organizations you want to join?)
What do I need to do to meet or surpass company goals? (Would you get more accomplished if you came in an hour early or worked a couple hours over the weekend? Are there time management skills you need to learn? Do you efficiently manage your emails?)
Write down your response to each question. Begin by brainstorming. Don’t stop to evaluate.
Next, identify one or two items you want to tackle in 2017. If you accomplish those items quicker than expected, then tackle the next item on your list.
By keeping your goals to a minimum, you’ll remain focused and more motivated. Many times, people become overwhelmed if too many items are on their list. As a result, they lose motivation.
Considering how much time you spend at work, it’s worth going through this exercise. Keep these questions and re-evaluate every three months. As you continually ask yourself these questions, you’ll find a path that’s right for you. You’ll also stay PEF – positive, enthused, focused.
Yes – I want more tips about money + life >
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Niv Persaud, CFP®, CDFA™, CRPC®, is the Founder of Transition Planning & Guidance, LLC. Life is more than money. It’s about living the lifestyle you want and can afford. For that reason, Niv consults with clients on money, life, and work. Her approach capitalizes on techniques she learned throughout her career, including as a management consultant, executive recruiter, and financial advisor. Her services include spending plan, financial plan, divorce financial review, life strategy, and professional progression. Niv actively gives back to her community through her volunteer efforts. She believes in living life to the fullest by cherishing friendships, enjoying the beauty of nature and laughing often — even at herself. Her favorite quote is by Erma Bombeck, “When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left and could say ‘I used everything you gave me’.”