It’s the beginning of a new year, and so begins the tradition of setting resolutions. Of course, there are the clichés like sticking to a new diet or signing up for a gym membership (and actually using it), but rarely do people talk openly about new year’s resolutions for their careers. So, with that in mind, here’s a couple we thought would be wise to set for 2022.

Grow Your Network

Investing in your network is one of the more important things you can do as a professional. Whether that’s making connections outside your company, or branching out within your current organization, networking never hurts. Set a monthly goal to make a certain number of new professional connections on LinkedIn. Often it can be all too easy to overlook or neglect this aspect of our careers, but making connections not only potentially opens doors to new and exciting opportunities, it can also enrich the day-to-day experience of our professional lives. What’s more, networking can benefit colleagues, and you may be able to help a peer secure a new position.

It’s worth mentioning too that networking shouldn’t be viewed as transactional, but rather a long-term investment in your career. You don’t now the ways in which this can pay off for you down the road! Set a resolution to network in any way, shape, or form throughout 2022.

Learn Something New

When we get comfortable in our careers, it can be easy to coast. So, if you really want to challenge yourself this year, make it a resolution to broaden your skills. One concrete way to do this is getting certified. Those working in the accounting and finance should strongly consider going for your CPA, CMA, or CFA, as these certifications can easily raise your annual salary by 15% or more. Of course, these exams take a considerable amount of prep, so start scouting for a mentor within or outside your organization.

Even if you don’t have your sights set on a specific certification, you can still make a commitment to diversifying your skillset. Enroll in that course that sounds interesting, or RSVP for that webinar that keeps popping up. Like networking, you don’t how these investments in your career will pay off in the future. Learning a new skill can be the ticket you need to get that promotion or next job.

Address Your Weaknesses

We all have strengths and weaknesses, and sometimes they play out in the workplace. So, make a commitment to address some of the things that may be holding you back in your career. Perhaps you feel unorganized in your day-to-day? Clean out your email inbox or organize files on your work computer. If you feel like you’re quiet in meetings, try to put yourself out there more with your coworkers and colleagues. Commit to posing questions and sharing new ideas during your weekly calls. Getting honest about areas where you could improve is the first step to making a change in 2022.

Practice Workplace Wellbeing

Employers and employees alike have emphasized workplace wellbeing in recent years. This doesn’t have to be anything drastic, as there are several small-scale initiatives you can start today to prioritize your wellness at work. Go for the healthier option at lunch time and commit to some form of exercise throughout the day, even if it’s just going for a walk. If you’re working from home, you can invest in your physical workspace too. Maybe this is the year where you finally get that standing desk, or maybe it’s about time you upgrade your office chair. And if you experienced burnout in 2021, maybe it’s time to revise your work-life balance. Regardless of how you do it, prioritizing your wellbeing will be key to showing up for responsibilities throughout the year.

Remember, the main thing with any resolution is consistency. Whatever you decide to do in 2022, make it a daily practice. That way it becomes second nature, enriching your career for years to come.