The start of 2017 is the perfect time to think whether you want to change something in your career. When you are not satisfied with your job the decisions are simple, you will start to look for a new job, you will ask for a raise, you will ask for the well deserved promotion. But eve when things go well you should always know the direction you are moving and set new goals to which you will commit.

Improve your skills

Take some time to improve your skills and learn new ones. This way you will fell fulfilled on a professional level, but it will also increase your value within the company which will also improve your chances for a promotion and/or a raise. Visiting certification courses and events relevant to your industry can help you develop your practical skills, but never forget the soft skills as communication and leadership which are essential to climb the corporate ladder.

Ask for what you want

Do not expect the new job or promotion to happen just because you want it to happen. Always know what is exactly that you want to achieve and communicate it directly with your supervisors. Make a plan how to reach those goals.

Network

Contrary to popular belief, the best time to network is not when you start looking for a new job, but way earlier. Why? That’s because when you have an already developed network, the job quest will be much easier and you will not look desperate. Knowing different people in your professional area will definitely increase the chances of being contacted for a new opportunity.

Update your CV

Most of the people update their CVs once every few years at the precise moment they start looking for a new job. You should do that more often while the accomplishments are still fresh because it is very easy to forget them when so much time passes. Do not forget to always support your accomplishments with facts that will prove what you are saying.

Be active

It is very probable that you make this resolution every year as it is a very important one. Try to excercise for at least 30 mintues, 3 times a week. Take a walk during your lunch break. Start visiting a fitness club. The healthy body always has a healthy mind. The physical activity increase the blood flow to the brain which gives you ideas. You will be more productive at work and the most important thing is that you will feel much better.