Is that new year new me, early January vibe starting to wear out? As the enthusiasm of a new year starts to lag and you wonder if you can actually reach your goals, don’t get discouraged! Let’s recapture the enthusiasm we all had only a few weeks ago with an action plan to level up your career this year!

1. New Opportunities are Closer Than you Think!

Remember all those amazing people you’ve met with through freelance projects, your in-house role, or all those Zoom networking events? It’s time to check in with them! As with most professional connections, don’t InMail them out of the blue and expect them to be the secret to your success. Start reconnecting in an organic way that shows you are interested in them as individuals, not just as opportunities.

2. Mentoring has Many Merits

Seeking out, or even becoming, a mentor can have amazing effects on your career! 

For those considering seeking out a mentor, this is your opportunity to soak up all the industry knowledge this person has. Seek out someone you may already have some degree of connection with, like someone you sat next to at a conference once, and ensure it’s someone who knows the in’s and out’s of your industry well. Similarly to above, start by creating an organic relationship with them.

3. Take Time to Learn

There are SO many courses out there, it can seem overwhelming! You want to pick the right one, with the most value for the price. To pick the right one for you, first reflect on similar learning experiences in the past, do you learn better with loads of video content? Are you the kind of person who can easily read page upon page of notes? Can you keep up with scheduled days or do you need to learn at your own pace? Next, evaluate what the course offers and the cost. Ask yourself how you’ll put these new skills into practice and how quickly, that will help you determine the return on your investment.

The new year is full of new opportunities, you just need a game plan to reach them! Don’t let yourself fall into the same old habits. Make connections, build relationships, and learn something new!