In the early days of any new year, many of us take a critical look at ourselves and resolve to change some aspect of our lives for the better. We may have made mistakes in 2022 and rather than look back with regret, we should put the lessons learned to good use.
The new year is a fresh opportunity to try again to reach that longed-for goal, complete that project, get that job, earn that certification. It’s the perfect time to craft a new strategy or modify an old one, or just change the way we do things.
After strategy formulation comes implementation – and that’s where many fail. Hitting a goal isn't usually the result of a one-time effort, but a culmination of several actions carried out consistently.
In the typical professional’s busy life, there may be a lot of clutter that distracts and reduces productivity. We have to see through this clutter and focus on achieving set objectives. For most of us, this will require us to change the way we approach daily activities. As Henry Ford said, if you always do what you've always done you'll always get what you always got.
So, here are a few suggestions to consider.
You will be amazed at how much you can accomplish in that extra hour or two
Be an early bird
Start work earlier – it's an easy win. Today’s workplace – including the virtual one – gets so busy that many a time it is hard to find time to really concentrate on tasks, especially the difficult ones. It’s one meeting after another, one engagement after another.
Whether you're working in the office or at home, waking earlier in the morning gives you clear, uninterrupted time in which to focus. You will be amazed at how much you can accomplish in that extra hour or two, whether you are able to spend it in the quiet of your home as I do, or arrive at the office ahead of everyone else.
Get stuck in
Seek opportunities to improve your offerings and your efficiency. Once you're at your desk, tackle the most difficult or least desirable tasks first. Most people’s brains are at their best in the early morning, so jumping right in allows you to use your best intellectual resources for the most mentally demanding tasks.
It's also important to take ownership of assignments, projects and tasks. Stand up to be counted, both in project teams at work and in professional groups and communities. Don't rely on others to shoulder all the responsibility.
Grow your network
Beyond specific tasks, a lot of what you achieve in your working life will depend on the quality of your network. This year, be deliberate about improving your network. Work at it, both inside and outside your profession.
Don't just sign up to professional and social groups, be active in your membership. Volunteer more in your local ACCA community and seek ways to contribute. It helps you to meet and know more people and ensures that they know you, too.
Keep up to date
The world is changing at a fast pace, and the profession is, too. Make time to read about developments and innovations, and think about how to apply them in your job or business. We all need to adapt to the changing work environment.
Of course, your job is not the only thing that matters. Seek ways to improve in all facets of your life as more is achieved when work goals are aligned with life goals. This way, work becomes an instrument for achieving life goals, making them less burdensome and more enjoyable. At the same time, remember to maintain a healthy work-life balance.
Wellbeing matters
Ill health disrupts everything. It renders plans useless, upturns objectives and trivialises goals. So remember to take care of yourself. Eat well, take exercise, rest, and go for regular health checks.
Whether 2023 is as good as it can be depends on what you do and how well you organise yourself. Start as you mean to go on – and remember to enjoy the journey.
