Spring Clean Your Career

As the flowers bloom and the days grow longer, the arrival of spring brings with it a sense of renewal and rejuvenation. It's a time when many of us turn our attention to cleaning our homes, but what if we applied the same principles of spring cleaning to our career?

As a Chief People Officer and Adjunct Professor at Northeastern University, I often get asked for career development advice.? Below are a few ways to help fertilize your career so that you can blossom personally and professionally.?

1. Assess your skills & strengths.? Some flowers flourish in the sun, while some crave shade.? It’s always good to think about what you are good at. What are your strengths and gaps? What comes naturally to you and what is more of a challenge to you in your current role?? Ideally, you want a job that plays to your strengths and what you are most passionate about.? I highly recommend the book “Now, Discover Your Strengths” by Gallup and Don Clifton.
2. Invest in your development & professional network.? Just like flowers need fertilizer, your career also needs to be nourished to grow.? We often get busy in our day-to-day life and do not make time for our own personal and professional development.? Most companies have tuition reimbursement and external training budgets so talk to your manager about what is available to you. Participate in external networking events – leverage your local business journal and Eventbrite.com to boost your skills and professional network.
3. Refresh your resume. I often take photos of my flower boxes so that I can remember what I planted each year.? Your resume is a snapshot of your garden. Even if you are not looking for a new job, you should have a current resume that captures what you are most proud of.? It’s easy to forget over time what you have accomplished, and you never know when you may need one.? Check out sites like Resumegenius.com, Resumenerd.com and Indeed.com for resume writing tools.
4. Make time for self-care & get plenty of rest.? Some flowers close their petals at night to protect themselves and they do have a circadian rhythm.? We know that good sleep improves your brain, performance, mood, and health.? To be our best self at work, we need to feel good.? Make time for things that are important to you whether it’s exercise, meditation, watching movies, etc.? I personally love my Peloton but find what works for you. There are lot wellness apps such as Calm, Headspace and MyFitnessPal or just go for an old-fashioned walk with a friend.?

By applying the principles of spring cleaning to your career, you can unlock new levels of productivity, fulfillment, and success. Embrace the spirit of renewal this spring and embark on a journey to maximize your potential.

Post comments on how you plan on spring cleaning your career, I would love to hear from you!