Forget New Year’s Resolutions. Do This Instead for a Better Career (and Life!)

Dec 23, 2024

Professional woman provides support to a colleague by helping climb stack of gears, showing commitment to teamwork. — Viktar Sarkisian/iStockphoto

Want to boost your career and enjoy your life more, both at work and outside the office? Be kind.

Career experts love terminology, but much of what we suggest—whether you’re looking for a new job or trying to improve your situation where you are—is a fancy way of saying “be nice.” Networking is just building relationships. Informational interviews are just curiosity and a desire to learn. All of it boils down to engaging with others, listening to what they say, and looking for chances to build community.

With this in mind, we’ve put together a list of things you can do to improve your career and life in the coming year. None of them require making resolutions that will feel impossible by January 2nd. Most are free!

5 Ways To Be Kinder at Work and in the World

Sometimes, the little things we do can have a big impact on someone else's life (and our own).

Look for ways to help. From a career perspective, giving to get works. Offer to proofread a resume, forward a job lead to someone who is searching, or connect people who could benefit from each other's knowledge and expertise. It only takes a couple of minutes, and people really do remember those who helped them out—and they'll reciprocate.

Say yes instead of no. When someone asks you for something, it can be easiest to say no if you're too busy or have another commitment, or simply don't want to do it. But take a moment to think it over before you decline. Perhaps you can juggle things around or offer to help in another way and make someone's day because they got a positive response.

Assume the best of people. It’s easy to jump to conclusions, especially when you’re stressed out. Before you do, consider whether there’s a more positive spin. Even your toughest boss or most difficult client is a person. If you can give them the benefit of the doubt (at least at first) you might be surprised at the positive outcome.

Be interested, not interesting. Because one of us likes reality TV, here are a few words of wisdom from the dating coaches on The Later Daters (which, as an aside, was produced by Michelle Obama): “Be interested, not interesting.” That's a really good way to connect with people, regardless of your relationship with them.

Try not to be cranky. The holidays are difficult for many people (us included), but being short with others doesn’t make things easier. Give everyone a break when you can and you’ll avoid unnecessary conflict.

At the end of the day, the kind things we do benefit us, even if they don’t directly lead to measurable results. It feels good to be helpful and spending a little while giving might just make your day too.

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