You got it! Now what?
It’s a fresh start somewhere new. You have a new desk and a new routine to learn. But you also want to make a good impact on yourself as well as contribute at work. You could boost communication, organization, or even get to know people in other departments. Having a strong trait in the office can be useful. Most places have a go-to person for computer issues or most knowledgeable on the team. The more you are relied on, the more value you have. Where do you want to see improvements? How can you use time at work to do that? The idea is to find an area to improve in your life while you get paid to do it.
Your choice of focus will endure throughout the year, and usually the choice is obvious enough that remembering is a no-brainer. If you’re looking to develop a weaker skill, try leaving key reminders that will trigger your focus. Encouraging words are a good place to start and get positive attention at the office. They are simple and easy to understand. Put up the word “Communication” at your desk and you set a passive reminder for yourself. It’s also a conversation starter for that co-worker that asks you, “Why do you have ‘Communication’ blasted on your desk?” Not only have you implemented a passive reminder for yourself, you also get free observations by co-workers to reinforce your goal.
Those drive-bys may seem intimidating, but feeling apprehensive about a conversation is worse than experiencing it. The real challenge is sticking with your intentions and backing up the commitment you have to your primary focus. Your first choice is usually going to be the best one since it’s the most noticeable. But if you’re picking a primary focus with no intention of testing your progress, you would be better off picking something else.
If not developing a weak skill, pick a strong one! Go with what you know already works. If you’re a tech-wiz then offer your assistance to peers and leaders. Put yourself out there. What may seem trivial to you could be a difficult task for them. This can be motivation to sharpen your abilities or humble you to know that you have room for growth. No matter what you choose for your primary focus, it has to be something you won’t be afraid to hash out with others. This is for your development first but also pairs with being reliable to others.
You probably spend at least half of your day at work. So there shouldn’t be much of an excuse to NOT develop yourself while you’re there. And if you have a new job, there is no better time to start a healthy routine. If you’re still not sure where to begin, try asking one of your leaders or a friend for advice (Predictabilibuddy). This is win/win for you and your employer. The best part is that you win whether you’re at work or not. You get to improve an area in your life and your job gets to pay you for your time.
Think about where you could be in a year if you made a serious commitment to growth, if just in one area. Use that fresh excitement of landing your new job and propel yourself into distinction. This is your development and you reap the benefits even if you stumble along the way. Years from now, starting your new job will be a distant memory. What have you got to lose?
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