4 Things You Should Absolutely Do at Work Before the Year Ends
They’ll pave the way for a hugely successful year ahead.
It’s no surprise that people start to mentally check out at the end of the year. It happens to all of us. The weather is changing, holiday decorations are out and partying has begun. It’s hard to stay focused on work given all of the excitement and pending much-needed time off. In order to stay on task, get ahead of the end-of-the-year checkout. Here are four ways to stay checked in and prepare for the coming year:
1) Write your own review
Look back at the last 12 months and consider all of your accomplishments and contributions to your role and company. Be proactive and write your own review highlighting all of your achievements and present them to your manager to show that you are reflective and engaged. She will appreciate this, and it will leave her with a good vibe when it comes time for her to write yours!
2) Plan goals for next year
Get your goals together now for the 12 months ahead. Think about what you want to achieve in your near future. It could be a promotion, attaining new clients or even attending a specific training class. Document your goals by putting a timeline together by quarter to highlight your planned activities for the upcoming year. Schedule time with your manager and review your plans with her. This will demonstrate your assertiveness, determination and strategic thinking.
3) Take time to reflect
The end of the year is a great time to do a personal assessment. Think about what worked well for you, what didn’t and what you would do differently. We all have strong points, and we all have opportunity areas. The purpose of this exercise is to take ownership and acknowledge how you can up your game and propel professional growth.
4) Plan your holiday vacation time now
Don’t procrastinate! It’s easy to let this slip by when we are focused on a work project or task. Put your holiday vacation days on your calendar now, and tell those around you when you will be out. Plus, if it is on your schedule now, you can plan around any important end-of-year meetings and catch others before they head out for the holidays.
The New Year will be here before we know it, and the holidays are about to consume our thoughts and time. Being ready for the end of the year will not only help keep you planned and organized but also set your pace and tone for the coming year. Give this gift to yourself, sit back and have that second cup of eggnog.