10 Feel-Good New Year's Resolutions for Your Career

This time of year has many of us reflecting on our careers and lives in general, and making big goals to improve them. If fulfillment at work — and in the rest of your life — are on the top of your wish list, here are 10 feel-good resolutions to help you get there.

To be clear, I'm not recommending you take them all on. Start small with the one that speaks to you the most — or?save this to revisit?in the Spring (a better time to make resolutions anyway).

1. Take ownership of your own development plan at work.

Many times we rely on, or wait for, our manager to do this. Instead, as like I tell my clients: Take a proactive approach. Think about where you want to go in your career, what opportunities, learnings, or exposure would help you get there, and then develop a plan. From there, ask your manager and mentor for support.

2. See yourself as the CEO of your career, not just an employee at your organization.

This perspective shift allows you to not get so caught up in your job that you neglect the well-being and direction of your career.?Some of the resolutions below are ways to put this into action.

3. Make networking a regular practice — with both old and new connections.

Even if you're not looking for a new role, decide that you'll connect with 10 new people in your industry on LinkedIn, reach out to a mentor, or get a coffee with an old colleague, each month (or week if you're feeling super motivated!).

4. Go to one industry event each month.

Look at associations and conferences in your field, and choose an event to go to about once a month. This will sharpen your in-person networking skills, keep you updated on the latest, and get you?more exposure... and who knows where that could lead!

5. Always be learning.

It can be related to work, but doesn't have to be. When we dive into topics that are of interest, it's not only fun and confidence-boosting, but it?creates a healthy challenge and keeps our brains sharp. We're more creative and able to make new connections that otherwise would elude us.

6. Stick to your boundaries.?

This could be related to availability outside of work hours, or something more personal — and can go a long way when it comes to reducing burnout and resentment, as well as?building self trust.

7. Stop comparing yourself to others.

Remind yourself that you never know the whole story. Period. Focus on yourself, your journey, and what makes you happy.

8. Get a hobby to keep fit.?

Besides all the benefits of moving your body (energy, mental clarity, physical health), when we take care of our bodies, we send the message to our unconscious that we're valuable and worthy... which helps with all our other goals. This doesn't have to mean countless hours at the gym. Choose something you'll look forward to — a walk outside, yoga class, a dance party in your kitchen.

9. Support your nervous system.

So much of what holds us back in reaching our goals and leading calmer lives?is a triggered nervous system. If you're in a perpetual state of stress, that constant state of fight or flight will catch up to you (if it hasn't already).

That's why I recommend integrating nervous system support into your daily routine. This could mean a short meditation, tapping, breathwork, or simple mindfulness practices like slowing down and actually tasting your food when you eat lunch.

10. Be kind to yourself.

Beating ourselves up really doesn't work. In fact, it does major damage when it comes to our unconscious beliefs about ability, worthiness, and so on.

Decide that this year you're going to make an effort to treat yourself in the same way you would a best friend.?Get in the habit of asking yourself: What would I do if I loved myself? or Would I be talking to myself this way if I loved myself?

Your Turn: Did any of these speak to you? Something else you'd add? Leave a comment and let me know.

Here's to a year full of love, adventure, connection and success!

p.s. If you'd like support in your career or job search this year, I've got a few ways we can work together. Click here to book a call with me?to discuss your particular goals + the path to get you there.

p.p.s. ICYMI: 8 Job Search Trends for 2025 (and what to do about them!)