And whether you're a staunch advocate of "new year, new me" or more dubious, there's no denying that the beginning of the year is a good time to pause, take stock and consider what you want to achieve this year. Particularly in your career.
We in the FutureNet committee are no different. Here are a few of our resolutions for this year and we won't mind if you steal them – in fact, we encourage it.
1. Learn little and often
We're all busy people and making the time to invest in our development and learn new skills can be tricky. But a couple of small changes could give you a real boost. For example, you could use your daily commutes to read a book or listen to a podcast relevant to your working world. Even if it's just 30 minutes a week you'll soon see a difference in your knowledge.
2. Push your boundaries
"Just say yes." We recommend saying that to yourself once a month when faced with a task or experience that worries or challenges you. Avoiding a certain type of project? Volunteer to co-lead it with a supportive colleague. Nervous about networking? Grab a friend and pop along to something that interests you. (*Blatant plug* You could even give our next event a try.) That way you'll learn new skills, build your confidence and broaden your horizons.
3. Give something back
It's not all about "new year, new me". The "old you" has a lot to offer. Meet new people and get a better understanding of the wider industry by volunteering your skills at internal communication events or with professional bodies. You could even help inspire the next generation of communicators by supporting the FutureNet IC ambassador scheme, visiting schools and colleges to position internal communication as a career of choice for tomorrow's talent.
