With the holiday season over, resolutions getting a little bit harder to stick to and the weather a little gloomy, Blue Monday is often considered the ‘most depressing day of the year’ for many.
Although the science behind it is lacking, there is no doubt that many people feel the weight of January. So how can we take back this day and use it to our advantage instead?
Blue Monday can present an excellent opportunity to reflect, refresh and refocus - particularly when it comes to your career. Here are some actionable ways to use this day as a motivation reset and set the tone for the year ahead.
Reflect on where you are
Take a moment during your day to reflect on your current career situation. Are you satisfied in your current role, or is there room for growth or change? Maybe you’re happy with your job but would like more responsibility, or you need a fresh start in a new role?
Here are some practical self-reflection steps to get you started:
Career change practical steps:
- Write down three things you’re happy with in your current job role
- Note three things that you’d like to improve or change
- Why do these changes matter to you?
- What steps would you need to take to achieve them?
Practical steps for job-seekers:
- Write down three skills or experience that you’re most proud of
- Note three things that you’d like to improve or gain more experience in
- How can your existing skills support your career goal?
- What steps would you need to take to get your ideal career?
This exercise will give you a clearer picture of where you stand and where you’d like to be. From here, you can make the necessary steps, such as discussing your development with your manager, getting in touch with your local
Berry Recruitment branch, or start setting micro-goals to reach your ultimate goal.
Setting micro-goals
Rather than completely overhauling your career, try to focus on small, achievable goals instead. Setting micro-goals allows you to be more intentional in your everyday actions, and will help you build momentum, make steps towards your career goals and help you stay motivated.
Some examples of micro-goals are:
- Updating your CV or LinkedIn profile with recent accomplishments, work experience and duties
- Research a skill or certification and set a plan to start learning; enrolling in a free online course can be a great way to get started
- Reaching out to a professional contact to catch up or discuss opportunities
- Setting up a meeting with your manager to go through options in your current role or with a recruitment agency to look at potential opportunities
As with a daily or weekly to-do list, having long-term achievable goals can give you a sense of accomplishment and motivate you to keep going.
Plan for self-care
Burnout and stress will inevitably hinder your progress in achieving your career goals, so integrating self-care into your micro-goals and overall plan is very important.
Productivity and well-being go hand in hand so here are some self-care tips for career growth:
- Schedule regular breaks during the workday to recharge
- Set boundaries between your working hours and personal life to ensure you have time to recharge each day
- Celebrate small wins; write down what you achieve throughout the day in a ‘done’ list and reflect on all your accomplishments at the end of the day
- Maintain connections with colleagues and friends by making time for informal check-ins throughout your day
By taking care of yourself, you’ll be better equipped to stay focused and achieve your career goals.
Blue Monday doesn’t have to be a gloomy day. Transform it into a day of motivation, goal-setting and self-care instead and you’ll find your career goals are more achievable than you think.
If you need support with finding a new job or career, or help with recruiting for your business, get in touch with our expert recruitment team at
www.berryrecruitment.co.uk today and let us help you achieve your career goals.
