The New Year is often a time for self-reflection and goal setting. But reaching goals is difficult if you are not feeling the motivation to make strides. Here are a few tips for staying motivated, balanced, and happy with both work and your personal life in 2019:
1. Become a list maker.
There is nothing more satisfying than crossing off “to-do’s”. Whether you keep yours electronically or the old-fashioned way; start each day off with a fresh list. The easier and quickest to accomplish tasks should be at the top. Work your way down to the harder and more labor-intensive assignments. Keep in mind that you should not be trying to solve the worlds’ problems on a daily basis – your list should be manageable and 100% doable. After all, the idea is to get every item crossed off by the end of the day, so you feel a sense of accomplishment and motivation for tomorrow!
2. Review and revamp your online presence.
It’s time to update! Get rid of that profile picture from 2015 with a fresh and recent photo. Add new skills and interests to your LinkedIn page. While you’re at it, why not update your resume to reflect your most recent accomplishments in your current job? You never know when an opportunity might arise, so even those who are not on the job hunt should be prepared.
3. Declutter.
Your desk, your email inbox, a junk drawer in your kitchen… these are all places where things tend to pile up. Facing this mess every day can bring you down and be demotivating without you even realizing it. Dedicate twenty minutes to organize each space in your life where things have become unruly. Take the time to shred old documents, erase and unsubscribe from unwanted emails, and throw away those broken pencils and expired CVS coupons. You’d be surprised how much better you feel seeing these places clean and organized.
4. Take some time for yourself.
Looking forward to a planned trip can be very motivating. Francine Lederer, a clinical psychologist in Los Angeles told ABC News, “Most people have better life perspective and are more motivated to achieve their goals after a vacation, even if it is a 24-hour time-out.” Don’t put off planning the vacation time you have earned. Get something on the books now for 2019. If finances and vacation timing are making it difficult to plan your dream trip; consider taking a long weekend doing something you love. It could be camping, painting, cooking, or spending the day reading a book at your favorite local beach. Dedicating time away from work doing something that makes you happy will greatly improve your mood and motivation.
PS&R wishes you all the best for happiness and success in 2019! If your New Year’s goals include finding a new job, contact us at 617.723.1919.