Welcome to 2022! There is no doubt that the world of work will continue to change, or, put more positively, evolve. Working preferences, such as working remotely or in a hybrid environment, are now major considerations for job seekers. Organizations who allow employees that ever-so-important benefit of flexibility – to choose how and when we work – will increasingly attract top diverse talent.

Still, navigating a persistent global pandemic will continue to pose challenges for workers, both professionally and personally. Amidst this backdrop, we can create greater fulfillment by actively managing our careers, making authentic choices, and living our values.

How do you assert this control when the world is so unpredictable? If you (understandably) feel like 2022 is off to a rocky start, here are five things you can control as you venture into another new year of constant change:

1. Your goals. It’s January: Could there be a better time to set goals? Or, if you already have goals set for 2022, are they realistic? Do they have deadlines? Are they your goals…or someone else’s? Goals are nothing more than a lofty idea unless they are concrete, narrowly focused, and quantifiable. For example, a goal of “To get a new job in 2022” is very different from “I will land a new job as a Health and Wellness Director within a non-profit organization by March 31^st.” Make your goals SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and timely) and you will see results.

2. Your perspective. When life gets tough, it’s not always easy to look on the bright side or roll with the punches. However, many of us have become more resilient, flexible, and open-minded as a result of the pandemic. The pandemic has taught us, among other things, to count our blessings – which is itself characteristic of a positive outlook. Viewing yourself and others in a positive light, practicing acceptance, deciding to try again after a disappointment, and showing appreciation are other characteristics. In fact, practicing gratitude for what you have is a great way to improve your outlook. Try keeping a log or journal of three things that you are grateful for each day – despite the kind of day you actually have. It may help you adopt a new perspective when you have bad days at work, experience a frustrating conversation with your manager, or endure the ups and downs of a job search.

3. Your values. Your values are critical to finding greater fulfillment. This is especially true when it comes to our careers. If you are dissatisfied in your job or feel your organization is not the right fit, reconnect with your values. Not acting on our values or living life and career outside our values can feed dissatisfaction. For example, let’s say family is a top value of yours. If your job is demanding more and more of your time and keeping you away from your family, this scenario will likely breed not only dissatisfaction, but also resentment and even exhaustion. Or, if one of your values is working for a cause, but your non-profit is not living its mission, you may experience a lack of incentive and energy, and wonder what you are doing there. Your values are unique to you, and they should be! Make a list of your values – don’t leave anything out. Then see how your values align with who you work for and how you spend your time. If they don’t, consider how you can make living your values front and center this new year.

4. Your network. An endlessly favorite topic of mine, networking is critical to career fulfillment. We humans are social animals, and studies have shown that socializing is good for your mind and body. Being part of a professional community – your peers, industry leaders, the list goes on and on – pays dividends when it comes to career happiness. And giving back (half the equation in networking) feels great. While remote work can be rewarding, it can also be lonely at times. Maintaining a diverse network can help you feel less isolated, while also giving you a mental boost during confusing times in your career. So don’t wait for someone to reach out to you – be proactive and reach out to them first.
   
   
5. Your brand. (Another favorite topic of mine!) As Jeff Bezos famously said, “Your personal brand is what other people say about you when you leave the room.” But make no mistake: You are 100% in charge of your brand. Your brand takes shape in many ways, from how you talk about yourself and your accomplishments during interviews to all your written marketing materials (e.g., your resume, cover letters, LinkedIn profile, social media platforms, etc.). You know your personal brand best, and it’s up to you to communicate it. If you don’t, you put yourself at a disadvantage, since those around you can only guess at your strengths and whether you’d be perfect for a role. So take time in 2022 to hone your brand and consistently share it outward.

If the pandemic has taught us anything, it’s that there are so many things out of our control. Yet when it comes to our careers – and other aspects of our lives – we have plenty we can and SHOULD control. Decide what you will do for your career in 2022, and it may give you a new outlook on all this coming year can bring you!

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