Instead of making resolutions, what we truly require is solid determination.
Instead of making resolutions, what we truly require is solid determination.
Are you ready for 2025? Doubts lingering?
Following a tumultuous 2024 in the job market and other spheres, there's every reason to anticipate a similarly significant year. This column delves into the expectations and challenges that await us. However, due to escalating uncertainty, the forthcoming year might be more chaotic than impactful, which can add a touch of madness. Regardless, we move forward with our perspectives.
As the new year approaches, I'm bombarded with requests for columns on career resolutions from readers. But I find these requests problematic. I prefer the concept of a resolution rather than resolutions.
Resolutions frequently lack longevity, being casual, spontaneous choices that often fizzle out by January 2. And yet, the good intentions underlying them can't be dismissed.
We are well-versed with good intentions. As Mark Twain stated, "New Year's Day. Now is the time to make regular, annual good resolutions. The next day, you can start paving hell with them as usual."
Moreover, if we wish to initiate changes, it's unnecessary to wait for New Year's Day––there are 364 other days in the year for that purpose. Each day possesses the same potential for resolutions, which, unfortunately, have similar longevity.
Instead, if we choose to abandon a transactional approach and adopt a transformational one, we can cultivate a new mindset. For instance, when we scrutinize our current situation, we comprehend that the approaching year signifies not just another beginning, but a convergence of profound workplace changes. These alterations include advancements in AI, factory automation, shifts in social security, a predominantly white-collar workforce, and globalization. Consequently, a resolution, or the state of being firmly determined, engenders several self-evident realizations, which, in turn, obligate us to undertake substantial responsibilities. For example:
Embrace a commitment to lifelong learning.
To stay current and even surpass this century's relentless change, we must adopt a learning culture, both informal and formal, into our careers. No career can advance without continuous improvement. A few years ago, I wrote about a client who did precisely that. He and his wife opted to make learning a financial priority. Each year, they allocated a budget for professional courses, guaranteeing their relevance in the job market.
Overcome inertia; take action and persist.
Newton's first law of motion states that an object at rest remains at rest, and an object in motion stays in motion––unless acted upon by an outside force. Since we are responsible for our own progress, we must be the driving force for ourselves.
Assess objectively what needs to be done, then make no compromises.
"In for a penny, in for a pound" is an old adage, and so is Ben Franklin's wisdom, "An investment in knowledge pays the highest interest."
Act immediately when the time arrives.
"Success delayed is success denied." Ben Franklin's wisdom resonates here. I would add, "One step forward is longer than several steps to catch up."
When there's an advantageous wind at your back, maintain momentum.
In other words, don't slow down, even during tough periods. When conditions are good, work harder; when conditions are poor, work even harder.
Affirmation and affirmation.
With these commitments, one might question the starting point. The answer is to identify one manageable task for the initial step, such as my daily practice of affirmation: "Today I will..." I pick the most crucial activities I'm working on or aim to initiate, rather than my entire task list. Then, at the end of the day, I reflect with confirmation: "Today, I accomplished..." While it's impossible to validate this statement every day, committing to the endeavor raises my success rate and generates numerous productive days.
There you have it––not resolutions, but resoluteness.
In light of the upcoming year's challenges and transformations, effective leadership and a strategic approach will be crucial. For instance, embracing a commitment to lifelong learning and overcoming inertia require strong leadership and a clear strategy.
Given the convergence of profound workplace changes, including AI advancements and globalization, strategic leadership and a resolute mindset will be essential for navigating these shifts successfully.