With just 8 days left in 2022, you may be thinking about the New Year’s Resolutions you’ll set for yourself. Perhaps you have a health goal, or want to pick up a new hobby. But have you thought about the changes you’ll make that can help you progress at work and make 2023 your best career year yet?
As we approach the end of the year, there’s no better time to think about the habits you can adopt to help grow in the coming year. So in this article, we’ve outlined five habits that can set you up for success in 2023 (and beyond).
Capture your achievements
We’ve all been there. You’ve seen a crazy good opportunity, a dream role to apply for, and you want to make your application stand out and wow the hiring manager. You know you’re perfect for the job — you’ve got tons of relevant experience. But when you come to submit your CV and covering letter, your mind goes blank. You haven’t kept a record of your achievements.
It doesn’t need to be that way though. Whether you’re in the market for a new role in a new organisation next year, or you want to move up the ladder in your existing company, keeping a record of your achievements to use as evidence when you need it will make things much easier.
Keeping a log of your achievements is great for motivating yourself and staying focused on your goals too. See how far you’ve come when you could do with a reminder, and measure your success to determine whether you’re on track to meet your goals.
There’s a few different ways you can record your achievements at work. Some people keep a spreadsheet, while others use good old fashioned pen and paper.
But we reckon the best way to capture the work you’ve done is to use Progression. It’s easy to add updates — Wins for achievements, and Notes for everything else — and all the feedback you’re given and actions you complete are logged too. Everything’s ready to refer back to in your Work Feed, a chronological timeline that demonstrates your continuous growth.
Find out more about Work Feed >
💡 Whatever method you choose, it's important to be consistent. Try setting a reminder to update your log at the end of each week in January to get going with this habit.
Ask for feedback
Asking for timely and targeted feedback at work can help you improve your skills and performance, and grow in your career.
Here’s four tips for requesting feedback that’ll help you progress in 2023:
Be specific
Feedback’s much more impactful when it’s focused. Ask for feedback on a specific project or task, or a skill or area you’re trying to improve.
Ask the right people
Not all feedback is equal. Seek out feedback from people with relevant expertise and experience. That might be a teammate or mentor, not your manager exclusively.
Be open to feedback
Try to make it clear you’re open to constructive criticism. And if you’re not satisfied with the feedback you’ve received, don’t be afraid to ask for a more honest critique. On the flip side, try to be open-minded and receptive to feedback. Remember, feedback’s meant to help you improve, so try to take it in stride and use it as an opportunity to learn and grow.
Follow up
After you receive feedback, take some time to reflect on it and consider what you can do to improve. Set yourself some actions off the back of it, to help keep it front of mind.
Read more: How to handle negative feedback at work >
💡 You can give and request feedback in Progression, and refer back to it anytime. How about requesting feedback from five members of your team to kick this habit off in 2023?
Find out more about Feedback >
Set goals
And work towards them.
Settling goals at work will help you stay focused, motivated and on track. Take some time now to write down your goals for 2023. Try to make them SMART — Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time-bound — then break them down into manageable chunks.
Remember, goals needn’t be entirely focused on specific pieces of work you know you need to get done. Add goals that’ll help you develop your skills and knowledge, and invest in your own development by taking courses, attending workshops and seeking out new learning opportunities.
💡 Add Actions in Progression that’ll help you work towards your goals. Completed Actions are captured in your Work Feed, so you can quickly refer back and evidence your progress when you need to.
Read more: How to prioritise personal development at work >
Build a routine
Developing a good work routine will help you be more productive, focused, and successful. And the start of a new year is a great time to establish one. Here’s some tips for building a good work routine:
Set specific times for work and breaks
This can help you stay focused and avoid burnout. We all need to take breaks to rest and recharge, so make sure you schedule in time and stick to them.
Make a list
I’m a big list advocate. Having a list of everything I need to get done each week helps me feel in control. If you haven’t already, try making a list of everything you need to get done in the first week after the Christmas break. It’ll help you feel less overwhelmed when you head back to the office.
Take care of yourself
Whatever that looks like for you. Have a bath, take a long walk, build a new family on the Sims, bake cookies — whatever self-care means to you, indulge in it, and make time for it everyday.
Remember, while it’s important to have a routine, it’s also important to be flexible. Don’t stress yourself out trying to stick to a routine — it’s perfectly fine to adapt to changes as they come up and miss things out when you need to!
Think about your workspace
Having a dedicated workspace that’s free from distractions can help you be more productive. Make sure your workspace is organised and comfortable, and try to keep it as consistent as possible from day to day (so no working from your bed!)
If you work from home, carve out some time this side of the new year for a workspace review. Ask yourself these questions:
Does your space need a declutter?
A cluttered workspace can be distracting and overwhelming, so take some time to declutter and organise your space.
Is your furniture fit for purpose?
An ergonomic setup can help you be more comfortable and reduce the risk of injury while working. Consider investing in an ergonomic chair and desk, and don’t forget to ask your company if they offer any discounts or can cover the cost.
Is there enough natural light?
Natural light can help improve mood and productivity, so try to position your workspace near a window or other source of natural light. If that's not possible, consider using full-spectrum light bulbs.
By adopting these habits, you can set yourself up for success in 2023 and beyond. Remember to be patient and persistent — it takes time and effort to grow your career. Good luck ✨
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