With the New Year well underway, it’s time to check in with yourself and see how those resolutions are holding up as the year progresses. Many resolutions are focused on fitness, finances or opting for a healthier lifestyle, but once we get into the year it’s easy to slip back into bad habits. Some people are motivated enough to stick to resolutions for the entire year, while the others give it a best effort before calling it quits. If you’re part of the latter, why not start a new New Year’s Resolution? It’s time to make an improvement that sticks for the coming year!
Improving your work environment can have a huge impact on your performance and overall happiness. Here are a few tips to consider following to create a positive work atmosphere.
1. Getting organized means being more prepared.
Organization directly influences productivity so it’s important to identify goals and priorities for the week. Make a daily to-do list before leaving work each night, especially on Fridays, so you are ready to tackle the day. By creating a plan, you no longer will have to ask yourself the age-old question, “What do I have to do today?” You’ll already know! By making a list, you can help plan your day accordingly and if there are any last minute pop-ups, you’ll know when to fit them into your schedule.
The more you get into a routine with your schedule, the less stressed you’ll be.
2. Bring your stress level down.
There are many tips for better management of stress. Most of us feel stressed when thinking about the big picture that is ahead of us. When a large project comes your way, break it up into smaller parts. Write down or map out all the different parts of the project and take them on one-by-one. Once you’ve completed a task, cross it off your list and feel a sense of accomplishment.
You can also ask your coworkers for help. Take a few minutes to bounce an idea off of a coworker to get a fresh perspective on an issue or task. It helps to have an outside source take a look at what you are trying to accomplish and provide feedback. Dwelling on an issue can cause unnecessary stress when your energy could be spent on the next step or another project.
3. Keep growing.
There are many learning opportunities available to keep your skills sharp and your mind prepared for any task that comes your way. Dedicate time each month to growing professionally and staying up-to-date on new and exciting trends by:
- Striving to add one new item every month to your resume under the “Skills” or “Education” section to ensure all your experience is captured.
- Learning a new program or technique that can help you become more efficient.
- Taking time to read an article about your industry to see if there are any new trends or upcoming developments.
Furthermore, local colleges offer a wide variety of classes that could help you re-learn a skill or program you may be a little rusty on at an affordable price.
Growing also means getting out more to network. You will be surprised at all of the “small world” moments you could have just by connecting with a potential client or a mutual friend. Have your elevator speech prepared so you can easily engage in conversation about your profession.
Striving to be a better you can have lasting effects in all areas of your life. Focus on what can propel your career and your company in a positive, lasting way. Start by setting one goal to achieve by the middle of the year, then reflect on all the progress you’ve made up to that point. If you’ve completed your goal by then, set another one and try to achieve it by the end of the year. Push yourself to see how far you can go, and be inspired by the results.
Cooksey Staff Member
