Let this year's resolutions be effective promises to yourself. As one wild year comes to a close, it's time to look forward to the upcoming new year. For many, that means looking for New Year's resolution ideas and setting new goals. But if you're like most people, that also probably means seeing those resolutions fly out the window before Valentine's Day (if you're lucky). It's great to make resolutions; they're a way for us to look forward to the new year with optimism that is active, rather than passive. It's a proclamation of how you want the new year to be better and how you are going to do it. The problem comes when those resolutions are too generic and impossible to measure. This year, look at your career and set some solid, measurable goals that you can actually track and achieve. Here are 4 workplace goals for the new year that will make it your best work year ever.
1. Learn a new skill No matter what field you are in, there are hundreds of new skills you can learn that could benefit your career. Is there one you've been meaning to learn? Are you ready to master your Dutch language skills, or take your Dutch skills to a higher level? Do you want to pass the inburgeringsexamen? Are you thinking about naturalization? Set it as one of your work goals for the year and get it done in 2021. You won't regret it. If it can enhance your work in your current job, your company might even be willing to pay for it! Contact us to schedule a free 15-minute intake: info@dutchofcourse.nl.
A 'Gift of Language' voucher is the perfect gift to give to yourself or a colleague:
as a ‘motivator’ to start learning Dutch
to help them learn, understand and speak Dutch at work
to refresh their Dutch skills
make valuable connections with Dutch clients
and increase revenue for your business
2. Get one new professional certification Is there an empty spot on your resume where you wish you could put “I am fluent in Dutch”? Stop wishing and make it happen! This is a great idea or one of your work goals for the new year as it can advance your career. If it costs money, just think of it as an investment in your future. You'll be able to have lunch with your Dutch colleagues and actually understand what they are talking about. Imagine you can hold presentations in Dutch or understand meetings at your company in Dutch. You can do this, of course you CAN learn Dutch! Have a look at our courses for individuals: https://www.dutchofcourse.com/courses and check our Dutch courses for companies: https://www.dutchofcourse.com/for-companies
3. Attend a professional networking event
Networking events are a great opportunity to meet other professionals in your industry that live in your area. You get to make new connections as well with internationals as with the Dutch and stay on top of what's happening in your field. Of course, networking events are not comfortable for everyone, especially if you don't understand or speak Dutch (yet). You don't have to attend them every week, but it is a good idea to put yourself out there at least once per year, so you can gain the benefits of these professional gatherings.
4. Join a professional organization
Joining professional organizations sometimes cost money. However, the benefits you can receive from the connections you'll make and what you can learn is often well worth the investment. Look for one that is focused on your favourite part of your career, or find out what triggers your curiosity. Curiosity fuels our imagination. It’s fundamental to our success. Your instinct to explore should grow into an instinct for inquiry. And it ultimately helps you discover amazing things about your life and what you can do now and in the future. You may not have a clear vision for your career yet, but you are probably curious about a lot of things which may or may not be obvious to you right now. Those interests tap into your unique motivations and what drives you. Pursuing them sets you on the path of unlocking who you are. A good organization, attending an interesting conference, or scheduling an online meeting or intake can help you expand your network significantly and boost your work energy for weeks!
Now that you've made your New Year's work resolutions, it's time to say goodbye to 2020 and ring in the new year. Until we meet again in 2021! Contact me to schedule a free 15-minute meeting: info@dutchofcourse.nl
www.dutchofcourse.com ~ Dutch courses to fit your needs
