Even with the new year in full swing, it can be difficult to break free of the going-through-the-motions mentality that saps your creativity and keeps you cornered in a world where each day is the same as the last.
The good news is that you can change that routine by taking a moment to see where you are today and how you can get to where you want to be. Your workday doesn’t have to be a replica of every day before and every day after.
If you feel like you’ve descended into a bottomless rut, you can make simple changes to your routine that will transform your workday and add a little boost in energy that can create new momentum in your professional life.
We’ve created a list of four different ways you can bring new life to your job. Each suggestion includes how much the rut-breaker will cost and why it’s a legitimate fulcrum for change.
#1 Buy New Peripherals for Your Computer
Your keyboard and mouse are the catalyst for most of our work – each keystroke and click moves the gears of our responsibilities. Most IT departments aren’t handing out top-of-the-line peripherals, either.
What you’re left with are middle-of-the-road keyboards and mice that do the job but are, most likely, far past their prime.
Consider paying out of your own pocket for a new keyboard and mouse. If you’re worried about thievery, start with something basic like a low-end Logitech mouse and an Amazon Basics chiclet keyboard. Both will cost you less than $25.
If you’re pretty certain that your office/cubicle is secure, then consider a more substantial upgrade: the Logitech MX Anywhere 2 mouse ($25-$50) and the Microsoft Wireless All-in-One Media keyboard ($29.99).
#2 Sign up for SprezzaBox
When was the last time you updated your accessory game? It’s easy to get caught up in wearing the same shirts, ties, pants and shoes on a weekly or monthly basis. Most of us don’t invest too heavily in our wardrobe unless our job demands it. Many don’t.
SprezzaBox is an accessories subscription service for men. Basically, every month you’re sent a box that includes six to seven accessories ranging from ties, socks, watches, tie tacks and other items you can add to your wardrobe. These small changes can make big impacts on your appearance.
#3 Create a reading list for the year
Sometimes it’s difficult to see beyond your workplace when you’re trying to figure out how to further your professional development. Your creativity might be gasping for some new air and your vision for what you want to accomplish in work and life may be dwindling.
Creating a reading list of non-fiction and fiction titles to tackle this year can infuse a little imagination into your day and help you see your situation through a new light.
If you want to boost your advancement at work, consider creating a business reading list. The books don’t have to be specific to your area of specialty. Make sure they’re touting subject matter you’re interested in and believe you can benefit from, as this makes you more likely to finish the book.
#4 Download a Weekly Business Podcast
Business podcasts are a university in themselves. Many of the leading shows feature hosts who have extensive entrepreneurial and/or business experience.
They often feature guests who provide tremendous value to listeners by virtue of their openness about their successes and failures.
We recommend the following podcasts:
- StartUp
- Odd Lots
- Breaking Into Startups
- Entrepreneur on Fire
Each one of these podcasts provides a backdrop of narratives and advice that you can compare to your current situation. Are there things you need to change about your mentality to help you succeed? Is it time for a career change? How do you come up with the key ideas that can vault you into a promotion?
These are the types of questions business podcasts can answer.
Don’t Be Afraid to Continue Your Growth
Initiative can go a long way in transforming the way you view and approach your professional life. Take a moment to write down a list of things you’ve always wanted to do to improve your work life. How many of those goals are feasible? Which ones can you commit to immediately? Which ones are detached from your areas of interest and will most likely fail?
This type of introspection can be the catalyst for an incredible 2018.
