The new year tends to bring new expectations in both or personal and professional lives. Chances are you took some time off for the holidays, so when you get back in the office you will likely need to shake some rust off. Although this down time was likely necessary to reset and come back to work refreshed, finding your groove and routine again might be challenging.
The silver lining of finding your routine again is that you can develop new habits to set the tone for the rest of the year. If you’re looking to kick-off your 2019 on the right note, author Karen Burns has a few tips to implement during your first week back in the office.
Be On Time
Sometimes we find ourselves going through the motions at work, especially towards the end of the year. As a result, you might find yourself getting to work later and later. The reasons for this vary. Maybe you decided to press snooze one too many times, or decided to get coffee on the way to work instead of making it at home. Now that it is a new year, and you’ve had some time to catch up on sleep over the holidays, you can get back on track and show up bright-eyed and bushy tailed to the office, just like you did when you first started the job.
Be Adaptable
Maybe you waited until the new year to determine whether or not you want to make a career change. Whether it is an increase in duties at your current role, or a new job all together, one thing you will need to do is be adaptable. A new year might bring new responsibilities, according to Burns, “That ‘ready for anything’ attitude you bring to every new position can also help you tackle the challenges of your current one. Feel free to be flexible. Do old things in a new way. Your career will thank you.”
Be Up For Sweating The Small Stuff
When we interview for jobs, the role might seem a lot more glamorous than it actually is. You get into the role and realize that there were aspects that you aren’t too fond of, but often have to suck up your pride and do them. These menial tasks might be as simple as cleaning your email inbox, or taking the garbage out each week. Although you might feel like you are above certain tasks, they still need to be done.
Be Open to Asking For Help
Depending how long you have been at your job, you might feel that you know all the ins-and-outs of your role and company. If not, you’ve definitely heard the phrase “fake it till you make it.” However, this couldn’t be further from the truth. There is always room for improvement and growth, and by continuing to learn about your industry and trends you can take your career to the next level.
One of the easiest ways to learn is to ask questions. Ask your colleagues or bosses questions about how they do things or how you can improve upon your own processes. You might be surprised what you learn.
Be the Person Your Boss Hired
At the end of the day, you were hired for a reason. Your boss(es) believed that you were the best candidate for the role and could bring a lot to the company. Sometimes through the course of our careers, we lose sight of the reasons we do what we do. When getting back into your routine these feelings may be amplified, so it becomes increasingly important to remember why you’re there. As Burns puts it, “The new year is a great time to rededicate yourself to those skills, reminding your boss, and yourself, why you’re there.”
Wrap Up
If you’re struggling to get back in the swing of things after the holidays, you’re not alone. The new year provides the opportunity for a fresh start, whether you’re staying with your current company or even a new job, you can use these tips to develop new habits and set the tone for the rest of the year.
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