5 ways you can make positive changes in your work and life during the holidays

“It’s the season of sailing. At this time of year, employees are usually taking the autoresponders out of the office and indulging in holidays and vacations. The pace of work generally slows down and people usually default to autopilot mode as they move towards the end of the year. With the distractions of family, friends and holiday activities, people tend to put their jobs and careers on the back burner.

To succeed, you need to optimize this cooldown period and use this time more proactively than everyone else. While others put their business plans on hold until the New Year, you can gain a competitive edge by planting the seeds of success and building forward momentum starting now.

Here are five proactive steps you can start taking during the holiday season to improve yourself and improve your career and life.

1) Engage in Self-Reflection

Use this time to look inward and ask yourself: Am I happy and fulfilled? Am I as far along as I want to be? And if not, what daily steps can I implement to make these changes happen? Am I effective and efficient? Are there things I could do differently to have a greater impact?

2) Create a game plan and stick to it

Set goals and write an action plan, focusing on the daily steps needed to achieve your goals. By recording it, you can manifest it to the universe and hold yourself accountable.

If you want to change jobs, update your CV and LinkedIn profile. Contact recruiters. Find a career coach, resume writer, mentor or sponsor to keep you focused and on track for your goals. Consider a career reinvention major if you are unhappy with your current occupation or industry sector. For career advancement, seek upskilling and obtain additional training, accreditations, credentials and licenses.

3) Prepare for your annual performance review

You can’t go into your annual annual review unprepared. Now is the time to compile a list of your wins, accomplishments, and times you exceeded your expectations and exceeded your job requirements. Carefully practice your pitch as to why you deserve a raise and promotion.

4) Reconnect and network with people

Use the holiday season as an excuse to network with people in your industry, attend parties, and reach out to professionals you admire for informational interviews. When someone asks what you’re doing, share that you’re looking for a new job or planning to start your own business. People generally want to help others and may offer you job leads or business referrals.

5) Manage your finances

The holidays can be a time of overspending. Don’t overspend on gifts or other holiday expenses. Start saving money now. If you want to pivot or change jobs and need some time, you won’t have to sacrifice your goals for lack of funds to pay the bills.

Taking on a bridge job can be a practical and responsible decision for anyone who has lost their job and needs to generate income.