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We all mean to tackle big goals for the new year. Before you get swept up in the holidays, take out your daily planner or log into Outlook and actually block out the following good career habits for the upcoming year: Schedule lunch breaks for specific dates. Pick people that you want to reach out to – for social reasons, for professional networking – and email them now. But instead of saying, “Let’s get together in the new year”, offer a specific date (“How about January 17 at 1p?). Aim for 10 dates in the first quarter. You can get away one day a week! Schedule 4 times in the upcoming year when you will update your resume. At the very least make sure your contact info is updated and all jobs are represented. Then add your latest projects (since you are doing this every few months your memory should be pretty accurate). Remember to refine the job descriptions so they are relevant to what you’re interested in today. Schedule training days. Look into your company’s offerings now and register. This way, you reserve the time. If you can’t register yet, block out a half or full day each month. If nothing is offered on that day, catch up on professional reading. Subscribe to trade publications. If you don’t already, find out what publications service your industry and see if copies are available in your office. If you need to pay for it, it could be tax-deductible as a professional expense. Join trade organizations. At a minimum, you will get newsletters and announcements. It would also be ideal to attend meetings and join a committee. Many groups also experience a ramping up after the new year so they may welcome eager, new members. Bonus tip for the slow week between Christmas and New Year? Update your professional wardrobe. Get drycleaning and tailoring done. Get shoes shined and repaired. Discard worn or out-of-date items and include replacements on your after-holiday sale shopping list.
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