Things typically slow down over the holidays from a career standpoint. People take time off, construction sites temporarily shut-down and there is a different feel in the workplace. Whether you are working or taking some time off, this article is intended to provide some ideas on things you can do to positively impact your career during the holidays.
I wrote a previous blog article about using downtime to seek a license or certification. For many, it may not be the time in their career for these accreditations. How about using the down time to get organized? This is a great time to organize your office, your desk, your files, your contacts, etc. Go through the piles of paper on your shelf or desk that is “to be filed.” Go through the stack of business cards on your desk and have them entered into your rolodex. Take this time to make your office a more enjoyable place to work. Hang up some nice pictures of your family or other pictures that make your office more comfortable for you and clients that may visit. I highly recommend the book called “Getting Things Done” by David Allen. This is a great book that will guide you through re-organizing your office as well as your career as a whole.
The Holidays are also a good time to catch up with a client or prospective client that you have been meaning to call. Wishing someone happy holidays or Happy New Year gives you a great reason to call them. Then if you can get them on the phone, invite them to get together for a breakfast or lunch meeting. You would be surprised how many people are working over the holidays and will take you up on your offer.
Of course, the holidays offer the best time to set your career goals for the upcoming year. Goals are extremely important and one of the most important things about goal setting is WRITING DOWN YOUR GOALS! Statistics show that only 2% of people actually write down their goals and that by writing down your goals you have an 80% better success rate of achieving them! This is not an article about goal setting, so I won’t go into details here, however I recommend posting your written goals in a place where you can see them often. By constantly looking at your goals they will sink into your subconscious and keep them present in your mind.
One of the best things you can do during the holidays is RELAX! Spend some time with your family and put your career on the back burner. Your family is the reason you are working, so take some time to enjoy them! Plan a trip or two somewhere away from home (and your computer) to totally take work off of your mind. Take the kids to a museum and keep your cell phone in the car! Relaxation will help you to feel re-energized when it’s time to go back to work.
I want to say Thank You for reading my blog and I hope it is providing career development support as is intended. Please leave me feedback as I am always looking to improve the blog. We’ll be off this Thursday for the Holiday, but we’ll see you in 2010!
Anthony Fasano, P.E., LEED AP, CPC
www.linkedin.com/in/anthonyjfasano
www.facebook.com/anthony.j.fasano
www.twitter.com/anthonyjfasano
Join my Linkedin Engineering Career Development Group
Related posts:
Powerful Purpose Associates is founded on the expertise of Anthony Fasano, P.E., author of the acclaimed engineering career development book "Engineer Your Own Success: 7 Key Elements to Creating an Extraordinary Engineering Career" (Premier Publishing 2011). It is a comprehensive, easy to read book, aimed at helping engineers develop their soft skills and leadership abilities to create extraordinary engineering careers. Order your copy now:
Anthony Fasano, P.E., aka Your Professional Partner, founded Powerful Purpose Associates after he realized that it was the development of his soft skills that helped him to become an associate partner at a reputable engineering firm at the young age of 27. With history as a civil engineer, Anthony is now a nationally recognized executive coach and inspirational speaker, specializing in the areas of engineering career development, as well as leadership. He uses his highly effective coaching and speaking techniques through affordable programs to help engineers develop their soft skills, work through blocks, prioritize effectively, set clear goals and achieve their maximum potential.
Connect