This is a little bit different from my normal post here, but I think it’s one worth sharing. This past year has been a roller coaster ride for me professionally, filled with both highs and lows. Through it all I’ve learned so much though. As I look to 2015, I’m excited. This year has given me clear focus on what I need to continue to do in my career and also what I need to work on. So, I thought I would share my 10 professional focuses for 2015. Perhaps something will encourage you in the New Year ahead too:
Write (well, continue to).
Starting this blog two years ago is one of the best things I’ve done professionally. It has helped me keep up with the industry, forced reflection, connected me with others and so much more. More than anything though, this quote sums up what writing has done for me:
Become a better writer means becoming a better thinker. – Ann Handley
Writing, without a doubt, makes you more strategic. It helps you become a better communicator because it teaches you how to analyze, compose, clarify and persuade. In 2015, I want to continue to take the time to write. You should consider it too, even if you don’t want to share your writing publicly.
Step outside of comfort zones.
The times I have grown the most are the times I have stepped outside my comfort zone (like speaking in front of people). It’s easy to get complacent and content, but I refuse to get stuck in that rut.
Challenge yourself on a daily basis to learn, grow and step outside your comfort zone. You’ll come out of 2015 a strong and well-rounded person.
Don’t let fear dictate decisions.
I tend to be adventurous. I grew up in a military family and get an itch (all too often) to go somewhere and try new things. Sometimes though, the fear of the unknown still gets in my way. The older I get (I know, I know) the more I have to resist the urge to over rationalize. Dreams don’t happen when you over rationalize or succumb to fear.
In 2015, resist the urge to let fear and over rationalization dictate your decisions. Trust your gut, throw caution to the wind and follow your heart. Dreams won’t come true if you let fear dictate what you do.
Take the time to understand work style.
The past year I learned a lot about my work style. I figured out I am more introverted and work better when I have time to think through things / brainstorm, and then collaborate (if this sounds like you, I highly recommend the book Quiet). This year I want to continue to learn about my own style and also others around me. I want to focus on emotional intelligence.
In 2015, take the time to figure out how you work best. Don’t be afraid to communicate it with your manger. Everyone works different and there’s nothing wrong with that. In fact, leadership should embrace it because it will lead to happier and more productive employees. On the other side, be sure you understand how your coworkers and team work best too. It all goes both ways.
Interested in improving your emotional intelligence? Here are four great strategies from Harvard Business Review.
Don’t be discouraged by closed doors.
I’ve been fortunate to have great jobs that I enjoy. Even still, I’ve heard “no” from things I really wanted. Not everything is going to work out the way you want.
With each “no” though, I took it as an opportunity to learn and grow. Why didn’t it workout? What do I need to improve on? How can I keep the door ajar, instead of closed completely?
In 2015, don’t allow the doors that don’t open to discourage you. Find a way to turn the negative into a positive and keep pushing forward. Just because a door doesn’t open right away, doesn’t mean it won’t eventually. Persevere and keep on keeping on.
Be open.
I love the sports industry and my long-term career goals are certainly tied to it. That said, I’ve learned quickly there’s also a lot to learn from stepping (even slightly) outside the industry. It’s up to you to make the most of where you are and apply what you’ve learned to your long-term career goals. I want to remain open, while still keeping my eye on my dreams and goals.
If a door open that peaks your interest, don’t be afraid to pursue it… even if it’s not exactly the path you imagined. There’s something to be said about gaining different experiences; it’s up to you to figure out how you can apply it to your jobs down the road. The biggest thing is this: Keep on learning.
Make the most of this digital world.
I’ve said this many times now, but I’m so thankful for Twitter. The platform has connected me to so many bright people in the industry. It takes work to keep up with the it all, but it’s work that is worth keeping up with in 2015.
In the New Year, take advantage of all this digital world has to offer. There are so many people willing to connect and share their knowledge without expecting anything in return. If you aren’t maximizing this ability to build relationships, start now. The digital world is full of knowledge right at our fingertips. It’s a very cool thing.
Take relationships offline.
As much as I love the digital space, there is something about connecting in person. 140 characters simply can’t replace a real conversation. I know I don’t bridge my online connections offline enough. In 2015, I want it to be a priority. I want to meet the people I admire in the industry and put an actual face to the people I tweet with.
In 2015, if you find yourself traveling for work or pleasure, find one person in the industry that you admire you can connect with. A conversation over coffee could lead to a new mentor, new opportunity or a new idea.
Keep learning.
One of the things I love about the social / digital industry is that it keeps me on my toes. You are never done soaking up information because the landscape is always changing. Sometimes though, I get so caught up in our industry that I don’t take a step back to focus on other things that I want to learn (that will make me a better employee). In 2015, I want to make learning a priority… on both the social front and other areas.
No matter where you are in your career, you should never stop learning. In 2015, make professional growth a priority. What do you want to learn? Where do you want to improve? Remember that it’s never too late to learn something new.
Show gratitude and thanks.
We live in a world that is always on the go. It’s so important to stop and take the time to thank your coworkers, mentors, bosses, former colleagues or anyone else that has helped you along the way. In 2015, I want to show more gratitude and thanks… on a daily basis.
A simple “thank you” for those who have helped you along the way, offered advice or pulled a lot of weight on a project can go a long way. Be gracious.
With the New Year ahead of us, what do you want to focus on professionally? Share with us below.
Thanks for reading!
