Let's make the year unforgettable with something new and different

You must be wondering what should be on your New Year agenda! What can you do differently to make a positive change around you? How can you excel and surpass your current efforts? How can you change the track you are on now? How can you perform better to earn a higher position or remuneration? And, ultimately, how can you remain happy?

Yes, there might not be a straight answer to all these questions, but obviously, there are actions that would lead you to end up with a positive answer to all of the above questions. There is no shortcut to success, but connecting the dots can lead you towards success. Just as Rome was not built in a day, your dream will not be fulfilled the day you conceive it. It requires hard work, dedication, and the will to turn dreams into reality. As said by Dr. Abul Kalam Azad, 'Dream is not that which you see while sleeping it is something that does not let you sleep’.

In the coming year, the world business will face challenges posed by geopolitical situations such as the Russia-Ukraine war, the Israel-Palestinian crisis, the U.S.-China relationship, Kashmir tensions between India and Pakistan, and the China-Taiwan issue. These challenges may intensify with additional risks identified by 'Forbes,' including elevated inflation, failure to invest, talent shortages, cyber-attacks, insider threats, climate change, complacency, and confusion, among others. While businesses must acknowledge these global political and financial challenges to sustain or fuel their expected growth, you as an aspiring professional also need to devise strategies to uncover opportunities amid these challenges, risks, and crises. This approach will enable you to emerge as a champion in the face of adversity and make it a truly 'Happy New Year’!

Certainly, setting career-focused resolutions can be instrumental in personal and professional growth. Here are seven actions you can consider for the upcoming year to enhance career growth, remuneration, promotion prospects, and overall performance as a ‘Recipe of Happiness’.

Boost your career through ongoing skill development and targeted training

Identify key skills relevant to your role and industry. Invest time in acquiring new skills through training, workshops, or online courses. Stay updated with industry trends to remain competitive. Regardless of the discipline you are in, learn skills such as AI, Blockchain, Analytics, Digital Marketing, Cyber Security & Data Privacy, UI/UX, and many more that amplify your KSA (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities). This will establish you as the preferred candidate among many others and help you achieve your desires.

Transform aspirations into achievements through strategic goal setting and planning

Set clear and achievable career goals for the year. Break down larger goals into actionable steps and create a timeline. Even if searching for and changing jobs is a priority, plan it with small, smart, and achievable steps. To build your high-performance track, start by achieving low-hanging fruits first to feel the motivation and power of accomplishment before tackling bigger and more challenging goals. These small yet effective planning tips are key to ultimate success. Regularly assess progress and adjust actions as needed. Keeping a notebook to track your progress is a masterstroke towards achieving your goal as per your plan.

Advance your career through strategic networking and relationship building

Expand professional networks within and outside the organization. For instance, revisit your resume, structure your LinkedIn profile, establish authentic and useful contacts through social media, and build in-person connections that can help you generate new leads for job opportunities. Attending industry events, seminars, and workshops to connect with peers and mentors is a proven method of powerful networking. Building positive relationships can open doors to new opportunities.

Drive success through proactive initiatives and decisive actions

Take initiative on projects or propose innovative ideas. Volunteer for tasks that align with your career goals. Don’t hesitate to share your ideas, no matter how wild or weird they might be, unless they have been positively criticized by your peers or superiors towards decisive action or reaction. Why don’t you be the person to take the first step to pilot a new project and, if successful, become the hero? While you might think you are as clever as a fox, let’s approach things proactively, like the 'Lion King,' and take the lead in whatever you do. Proactive employees often stand out and are more likely to be recognized. This proactive approach will lead to you receiving the best gift in the new year that you aspired to.

Elevate performance with diligent self-assessment against key metrics

Understand the key performance indicators (KPIs) relevant to your role. Regularly assess your own performance against these metrics. Don’t focus too much on bargaining for KPIs; instead, seek the rationale or core background for which the KPIs are assigned to you. If you can understand it, then the target doesn’t matter, as it will be achieved because you have owned it. Therefore, the delivery will be superior, and you could uplift your performance with evidential results, claiming your due incentive or advancement as a gift from the new year. Use self-assessment as a tool for continuous improvement. Remember, failure can’t be the pillar of success unless you learn from your mistakes, which, on the contrary, is a sure key towards success.

Enhance success with proficient communication skills

Develop strong communication skills, both verbal and written. Clearly articulate ideas, provide updates, and seek feedback. Effective communication is crucial for professional growth and collaboration. Remember, when you are in doubt about whether to communicate or not, it's always better to communicate. This helps you move forward when you are certain about what to do or expect and what not. It helps you focus and prioritize among the many initiatives or actions you have planned to fuel your growth. While your Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities might be superior to others, honing effective communication skills is essential to achieving your planned goals in this era of social and digital marketing.

Fuel your growth with coaching and a commitment to continuous learning

Seek mentorship and coaching from experienced colleagues or industry leaders. Be open to feedback and guidance for personal and professional development. Cultivate a mindset of continuous learning to stay relevant and adaptable. Remember, investing in yourself is the best investment, as it has multifaceted returns in terms of ROI (Return on Investment). Just as a company invests in A&P (Advertisement and Promotion), similarly, as an employee, you also need to invest in your PDPB (Personal Development and Personal Branding). Don’t hesitate to do so, and let's take the bold step in this new year to begin with it and land your dream job or project, ultimately leading to your happiness.

My only request is not to read the article as mere reading material but to convert the advice into actionable agendas. Prepare tactics to start this year with a motto: 'You can win if you want; if you want you can win and nothing else matters.'