Four Priorities for 2023

In this end-of-year edition of my newsletter, I am mindful that many think about setting "New Year's resolutions," resolutions that usually fail. Why? One reason is that such promises are not really operational commitments with energy behind them. Instead, I will outline four priority areas for job seekers to implement in 2023.

During 2022, I've been helping many clients to navigate through career transitions. Over and over, I have found myself emphasizing four key areas. If you are in a job transition, I recommend that you consider making these four priorities for your job search in 2023:

1) Take good care of yourself. Your health, your outlook, your resilience, your well-being. This is vital. You embody your own engine of success. As with your car's engine, keep it in good running condition. Remember the SELF model: sleep, exercise, love & laughter, and food. And get more familiar with the PERMA model: Positive feelings, Engage your strengths, Relationships, Meaning, and Accomplishment.

Ask yourself: What small steps can I take in 2023 to take better care of myself?

2) Put yourself out there. On LinkedIn. In professional groups. In your community. This point is often referred to as Self Marketing. You are a brand, as Tom Peters said years ago. Your message has to get out there and it's up to you to make that happen. Who would be very interested in knowing more about You, your accomplishments, and your capabilities?

Ask yourself: What small steps can I take in 2023 to get my brand out there into the parts of the market that I am targeting?

3) Improve yourself via self-initiated learning. A career transition is a wonderful time for learning. Learn about yourself. Learn about job search. Learn about career fields other than your own. Learn a new skill. Identify subject matter experts and conduct informational interviews to learn from them. Take the time to select a subject and go ahead and plunge in. Now is the time.

Ask yourself: What small steps can I take in 2023 to learn something in my career field that will enhance my value?

4) Reach out to people (especially recruiters, former bosses, mentors, coaches) and schedule calls and coffee chats. The shorthand for this is "networking." Meaningful conversations help build relationships and open pathways to new opportunities. Start with people that you already know. Then extend out to people that you want to get to know. Look for opportunities to be with other people such as networking events, professional group meetings, and volunteering. Join (or start) a small job search support group.

Ask yourself: What small steps can I take in 2023 to grow my network intentionally and strategically?

I came across a quote (from author Karen Lamb) that I have modified slightly: "A year from now, in December of 2023, what habits will you wish that you had started today?"

Consider making these four points into habits. Do them consistently, week in and week out, and you'll see the difference.

About the author: Terrence "Terry" Seamon helps his clients through challenging career transitions.