New Habits for a Brilliant New Year
Written by Valentine Fabre
Coming back from a well-deserved winter break, you may find the idea of picking things up where you left off overwhelming. However, even if you did not promote your job search during the holidays, you can still benefit from reevaluating your approach, starting with developing new habits.
On average, creating a new habit takes about 18 days according to a study published in the Journal of Behavioural Medicine, with motivation being the most decisive factor of success. The following list of five new habits to adopt this year offers a fresh start to anyone looking to hone their career strategy.
Set Clear Goals
A lack of clear direction can quickly lead to a messy and inefficient job search, and inevitably a drop in motivation due to unsatisfying results. Start the new year by setting your long-term goals, including the obvious “unlocking my next dream job” as well as new personal projects.
While those future-facing goals will help drive you into action, to keep the momentum it is essential that you break them down into short-term ones, which will offer better direction. This includes setting up weekly and monthly objectives that can be divided into different categories, depending on what works best for you. Examples of short-term goals would be adding ten new people on LinkedIn this week, or reading a book about relevant subjects.
Sign Up for Recurring Networking Events
If job hunting can be a highly isolating experience, attending networking events is an effective way to offset that, as well as to get out of your comfort zone. Find a recurring event to attend once a month to take on the habit. You can increase the cadence once you start to feel more comfortable in these spaces.
There are many types of events you can attend, each with its set of unique advantages. Whether it is conferences, workshops, volunteering opportunities or alumni gatherings, look for the ones that feel the most relevant to your practice and desired career path. Explore platforms such as Eventbrite, Instagram, The Dots and LinkedIn to find the perfect fit.
Catch Up With Existing Contacts
Before hurrying to form new connections, make sure to thoroughly look after your existing professional (and personal) relationships. The start of the new year makes the perfect opportunity for follow-ups by wishing others a Happy New Year and showing care for the person.
Plan in-person meetings, or forward others things they will find valuable, like industry news or trend analyses. Be creative in the ways you stay in touch and offer help, to demonstrate that your professional relationship is reciprocal. Do not be pushy — if someone has not answered multiple emails, it is likely they do not prioritise your connection.
Learn New Skills
Hand in hand with attending networking events, picking up new skills is highly valuable for your job search. Not only does it show motivation and personal drive, but it might also be the thing that differentiates you from other candidates in the eyes of a recruiter.
Select a set of relevant skills that you are looking to acquire this year — anything from sewing to obtaining your driving licence — and explore available learning opportunities. While you can learn many things at home, which is more financially viable for some, vocational courses and workshops are also a great way to meet people and bond over a shared interest, a win-win.
Breathe
You have likely let yourself get overwhelmed by your job search, as most of us do. While accessing the next steps of your career is determining and highly important, it is essential for you to learn to step back and take a break.
This might look like a daily ten-minute walk, undertaking a fulfilling hobby or simply taking a few minutes each day to meditate without external distractions. The world is your oyster, everything that helps you relax goes.
Ready to take on the new year? Explore our courses and training at The Glowth Academy now!
Written by Valentine Fabre