Five career New Years resolutions you can actually stick to

Five career New Years resolutions you can actually stick to by Amber Rolfe New Year, new career… 2017 is finally over, and you know what that means: New Year’s resolutions. Some big, some small, some slightly clichéd. But no matter what goals you pick, it’s vital to ensure they’re ones you’ll actually keep.To make sure your career is going in the right direction in 2018, here are five career New Years resolutions you can actually stick to:  Spring winter clean your workspace Let’s face it, no one can get anything done with a messy desk/computer/chair.So before you start on any other New Year’s resolutions, make it your goal to do a 2018 clear-out.Whether it’s by deleting or reorganising files on your computer, tidying your desk, or finally getting rid of that stack of paper you’ve kept all year â€" giving yourself a cleaner workspace will do wonders for your mindset.Not only will a much-needed tidy up clear your head of the things that no longer matter, it’ll also give you the headspace you need for new tasks (alo ng with the effective prioritisation of old ones).An improved ability to concentrate along with a shiny desk? It’s basically a no-brainer.Top 5 ways to brighten up your workplaceHow to: Prioritise work  Be more active at work Whilst ‘getting fit’ might be one of the worst kept resolutions of all time, there is a way to make it into something you can actually achieve.How? Instead of committing to a year-long contract at Gyms R Us (which let’s face it, you probably won’t stick to), simply make your goal to incorporate some exercise into your working day. No tracksuit necessary.Whether it’s by cycling to work, taking the stairs, working out a-la-desk, or even just taking regular strolls around the office (see also: ‘walking meetings’), you’ll not only be improving your overall fitness, posture, and health â€" you’ll also be maintaining better workplace wellbeing.And, you might be surprised at how much more productive you become after a few afternoon squats/crunches/ star jumps. That’s one way to beat the post-lunch slump.Top 5 ways to keep fit at work  Improve your work-life balanceFind it difficult to switch off? It might be time for a change.In fact, if you spent most of last year checking your work emails after hours, doing way too much overtime, or insisting ‘you don’t need a break’ â€" creating a better balance between your career and your personal life could be more than a choice. It might actually be a necessity.Because even though it might feel like overworking is a good way to progress in your career, it could actually be reducing your productivity. After all, nobody does their best work when they’re all burned out.So make 2018 the year you learn to say no.Chances are that by making simple alterations to your workload, you’ll notice a big difference in your mindset, efficiency, and overall happiness at work.Five benefits of work-life balanceSix things productive people do every day  Work your way up When was the last time y ou really thought about your career?Whether it’s that you want to get promoted, you’re in need of a pay rise, or you’re looking for a new job, make it your New Year’s resolution to fulfil at least one of these career goals.Just make sure your objective isn’t too vague. Whilst your ultimate goal might be to get a promotion, what you really need to be thinking about is how you can achieve it.From taking on more responsibility or moving up to a management position, to learning a new skill â€" it’ll all help to boost your chances of getting a promotion. And, your chances of finding a new role could improve by working on your job search technique, updating your CV, or putting more time into your interview preparation.So wherever it is you want to go in your career, using the New Year to put some clear actions in place is a great way to help you get there.How to make a career plan  Start loving MondaysIt’s summer. It’s Christmas. It’s your cousin’s sister’s birthdayâ €¦ran out of excuses yet?When it comes to finding a new job, it can be all too easy to put it off â€" no matter what your reasons. But what better time to turn it around than the New Year?With a clearer focus on what you want and an improved job searching technique, 2018 could be the year that you find a job you actually like; not just one that pays the bills. Trust us, it’s possible.So make it your goal to start applying for suitable positions, tailor your CV and cover letter for each one, and prepare for every single interview. You might find that giving your job search a much-needed boost is exactly what you need to find your dream role.New Year, new you job.How to: Use job descriptions to land your dream roleEight ways you’re selling yourself short in your job searchStill searching for your perfect position? View all available jobs now