New Year Resolutions:

(NC)—Many people focus their New Year's resolutions on ways to spend more time with loved ones, exercise, or make other quality-of-life improvements. But work also contributes to one's overall well-being. This time of year is ideal for re-evaluating career aspirations and developing detailed plans for achieving them.

Here are five tips for getting your career in peak shape:

1. Get moving – There are opportunities for career moves and improvements all year long. Keep your résumé up-to-date, review job postings, place your résumé on Workopolis' database, and set up career alerts.

2. Set goals – Setting specific goals can help you build a strong career plan.

Start by asking yourself a couple of simple questions: Where do you want to be in a year's time? What do you most enjoy in your current job and want to do more of?

3. Break bad habits – One of the greatest barriers to career happiness is self-defeating thoughts: 'I don't deserve a promotion' or 'I can't do that job.' The first step to doing better is thinking positively and opening yourself up to new opportunities.

4. Flex that creative muscle – Workers should take advantage of the relaxed hours or days off during the holiday season and think about career planning – particularly applying for a job they might not otherwise have considered.

5. Small changes can make big differences – Start small. Thinking about a job or career change can be daunting. Instead, think about little changes you can make in your current job that will improve job satisfaction.

“When planned and executed properly a New Year's resolution can be a smart and well-timed career strategy,” said Patrick Sullivan, president of Workopolis.

Get your career in shape this year by visiting www.workopolis.com.

- News Canada