6 Ways To Improve Your Professional Life In 2013

9:30 am, December 11th | by Laura Donovan

Did 2012 feel like the end of the world to you? You’re not alone. I can’t tell you how many people have lamented that 2012 was just not their year professionally or personally, and all the Debbie Downer chit chat isn’t going to help anyone bounce back or achieve happiness. The best way to move forward is to make some changes in 2013, when we have a clean slate as well as an excuse to start fresh. If 2012 was anything but awesome for you, here’s how to turn that frown right upside down (sorry for the lame joke, but I’m entitled to a few this holiday season) come January 2013.

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1.Engage with colleagues more

Having friends at work increases employee satisfaction and makes hard days a lot easier to get through!

2.Communicate and/or ask questions more

When angry about something work-related, it's easy to fume in silence, but communicating such concerns to one's manager is a better move in the long run. Never be afraid to meet with your boss or ask questions.

3.Organize more post-work happy hours

Socialize with your coworkers and office morale goes up!

4.Complain less

I take pleasure in whining, but too much of it can bring everyone down. Complain when necessary, but spend the majority of your time moving toward something.

5.Set concrete goals

Everyone wants a raise next year, but talking about it accomplishes nothing. Make a game plan on how you're going to reach your top professional goals and stick to it. Set up Google Calendar alerts to avoid forgetting about what you'd like to do in 2013.