New Year's Resolutions

I have mixed feelings about New Year’s resolutions. They can put a lot of pressure on us to follow through. If we slip up, does that mean we have to wait a year before trying again? (Of course not, but it can feel that way.) Resolutions can allow us to think about doing things differently and changing our lives.

So, in that spirit, here are three resolutions – plus a bonus fourth – that I believe can make a positive difference in your life, whether you’re a job seeker, someone who recruits and hires, or just a fellow human being.

New Year’s Resolutions: Prioritize yourself

It may sound selfish, but it’s not. Investing in yourself makes you better, which means you’re better for those around you. Making positive changes and improvements makes you a better employee, a better friend, a better parent, or a partner.

In 2023, I invite you to develop a set of?priorities ?for yourself. Priorities that will help keep your life in a healthy balance and allow you to focus on the things that are most important to you. Among those things, I encourage you to include practices of?self-renewal ?that keep your ‘saw’ sharp and help you grow professionally and personally.

New Year’s Resolutions: Be kind to yourself

If we’re not careful and intentional, we can sometimes be our worst enemies or at least our worst critics. Particularly if you care about being the best you can be, you can hold yourself to an incredibly high standard. When you talk to yourself, are your words the same as you’d use talking to someone you love? They should be.

There are two things I suggest resolving to let go in 2023. First is the mistaken belief that you can do?many things ?simultaneously. It’s not as productive, even though it can feel that way. And worse, it is one of the paths leading to burnout. The second thing to let go of is the pursuit of?perfection . The self-renewal practices I mentioned above help you improve in incremental steps. But perfection is an unattainable goal. It’s more important to recognize and celebrate the small successes along the way.

New Year’s Resolutions: Deepen your relationships

Humans are social beings wired to connect with others. The quality of the relationships in our lives plays a huge part in the quality of our lives overall. Investing in those relationships makes a lot of sense.

There are three things I invite you to resolve for 2023. First,?be present ?in a world with pressures and distractions always occupying our minds. When you’re with others, be truly present with them. Second, in your communication with those around you, practice?active listening . And when doing so,?seek first to understand , then to be understood. Full presence, and more effective communication, will create stronger relationships with the people you care about, improving your quality of life.

A resolution for job seekers and recruiters

The three resolutions above can be helpful no matter what’s happening in your professional life. Whether your job involves recruiting and hiring people or if looking for a job is currently your full-time job, these resolutions can support you. But after all, I am a recruiter, so I’ll offer one final resolution that applies specifically to hiring and getting hired. I invite you to resolve to?treat each other well , with a sense of mutual respect for each other’s priorities and goals. And I resolve to do the same. I wish you health and happiness for a prosperous 2023.

My Sources of Inspiration

The Work of Byron Katie

Unlimited | Dr. Joe Dispenza

InsightTimer

Additional Resources

JimNewcomb.com December 2021:?The Work of Change

JimNewcomb.com December 2020:?Setting Goals: 5 Action Steps to Happiness in 2021

JimNewcomb.com:?Recruiting Resources

JimNewcomb.com:?Productivity

JimNewcomb.com:?Personal Development

Last week’s blog, in case you missed it:?Self-care .

[Jim Newcomb has been a Senior Recruiting Partner with?Goodwin Recruiting ?since 2013, 2016 Partner of the Year, 2017 Ambassador of the Year, 2018 Extensive Support Coach of the Year, 2020 created Daily Positive Thoughts, and 2021 created JimNewcomb.com website for consistent contribution.]