Career resolutions for a meaningful year at work

More sports and a better diet, less TV and booze – how about a few career resolutions this year? We’ve all seen the research about how many people are not engaged in their work. You have a decision to make: Detach from your job and hope for a miracle - or try and mastermind change for the better.

Picture: Robert Kneschke / fotolia

Fast Company has some suggestions for a more meaningful year at work:

It's not all about you. Try to let go of the negative emotions and take a more analytical approach. What is the person’s motivation for taking objectionable action? Usually, it’s more about them than about you. You don’t have to be a doormat, but you also don’t have to waste energy on grudges.

Go for it. The longer you put off asking for a raise, promotion, or other career goal, the longer you’re likely going to wait for it. Sometimes, you just have to go for it. You don’t have to be 110 per cent ready—75 per cent to 80 per cent ready is fine.

Trust the team. Whether you’re supervising staff or just interacting with your fellow team members, showing confidence in the abilities of those around you may not seem like an obvious resolution. But trusting your teammates and employees, encouraging them, and supporting them in their own stretch goals is going to strengthen your relationships—and make those around you stronger.

Move on. It’s important to understand the obstacles in your way. Do you have a boss who isn’t helping you develop? Are you a "yes" person who takes on too much to the detriment of your professional development? Use this resolution-setting time to really think about the actions you need to take to clear those obstacles and get to where you want to go.

Read more at Fastcompany

Barbara Bierach