Spring Cleaning: Freshen Up Your Life & Career

Springtime is all about fresh starts and bright, squeaky-clean beginnings. It's full of hopeful resurrections as daffodils pop out of muddy, half-melted snow. It smells like new babies, cherry blossoms, and chocolate bunnies.

Spring is full of glory, and it just happens to be a splendid time to "spruce up" your career and work life while dusting off some old hopes and dreams. (You know, the ones buried deep in the closet somewhere.)

Because what better time than spring to give things a little "reboot"?

Rejuvenate Your Goals

Spring is an excellent time to rejuvenate your goals; it's like a built-in reset point in the year. With winter (and the winter blues) ending, the warmer weather is motivating. It feels more manageable and exciting to take on new challenges. And since spring is a season of renewal, it just makes sense to reassess the goals you brought into the new year with you. (Let's be honest – many of those goals have gotten a little stale by spring). 

Start with a Personal Performance Review

Take some time to reflect on the last few months in the context of your goals. Ask yourself:

• What were my main goals at the start of the year?
• Have I made measurable progress toward them? Why or why not?
• Which goals can I check off, and which are still in progress?
• Have my priorities shifted since I set these goals? Do I need to adjust them?
• What challenges have I faced, and how have I responded?
• Which goals (if any) no longer serve me? Which ones can I replace?

Take some time and be honest with yourself. The answers will help you reflect on your progress and adjust your goals accordingly.

Look at the Big Picture

A goal reset might be just what you need to reignite enthusiasm for personal and professional growth! So, after refreshing your New Year's Goals, take a big-picture look at your whole career. Ask yourself –

• Where do I see my career going? In five years? In ten years?
• Is it sufficiently providing for my family? What more would a different job provide for us?
• Am I feeling fulfilled in my work?
• Are there growth opportunities available at this company?

Maybe the answers to your questions won't lead to any change because you're on a growth trajectory. That's wonderful! But it never hurts to shine some light on things to ensure you're not in a rut.

(Re)Freshen Up Your Workspace 

No matter what type of work you do, whether in an office setting or light industrial, chances are there's a workspace you come to every day. Or, at the very least, you have tools and equipment you use daily. And, you guessed it, spring is a fantastic time to freshen up your workspace.

If you have an office or desk job, take the time to:

• Declutter. Take everything off your desk, wipe everything down, and then only return what you need and use daily. Don't forget to clear those deep recesses in your drawers, too!
• Digital Declutter. Take some time to clear out your digital files. Clear space in your inbox and send all those promo and click-bait emails straight to the trash.
• Deal with the Paperwork. Get rid of outdated manuals, work orders, files, sticky notes (they pile up!), receipts, invoices, etc. Consider digitizing essential documents for easier access. Make sure critical and sensitive paperwork is clearly labeled and filed.

If you work in light industrial, take the time to:

• Check and restock your safety gear. Inspect personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, helmets, safety glasses, and masks. Replace anything damaged or expired. If the company supplies these, follow the correct procedures.
• Organize your tools and equipment. Remove any broken, outdated, or unnecessary tools. Streamline your workflow by ensuring essential tools are easily accessible and properly stored.
• Inspect machinery. Check machines for wear and tear, lubricate moving parts, and replace worn-out parts. Again, if this is outside your responsibilities, pass on the information to the correct source.

If it's within your purview, ensure safety and procedure signage is current, clear, and visible. Ensure aisles, exits, and emergency response areas are obstruction-free and compliant. Don't forget to test emergency equipment like fire extinguishers, first aid kits, and eye wash stations. Make sure everything is in working order and fully stocked. If an emergency strikes, it's essential to have the proper tools ready to go!

Whether you have an office job or work in light industrial, The 5S Method is an applicable and practical tool for your workspace.

• Sort - Remove unnecessary items.
• Set in order - Organize for efficiency.
• Shine - Clean thoroughly.
• Standardize - Maintain order.
• Sustain - Make it a habit.

Revitalize Your Presence

Networking online with platforms like LinkedIn and in-person networking groups is vital to career growth and development, so it's pivotal you're making the right impressions, staying visible, and even opening yourself up to new career opportunities.

Revamp Your LinkedIn Profile

Update your headline and summary. Make sure it reflects your current role, skills, and career direction.

• Polish your experience. Add recent achievements, remove outdated info, and highlight key skills.
• Engage more. Share industry insights, comment on posts, and connect with professionals in your field. It doesn't have to take more than fifteen to twenty minutes of your day!
• Upgrade your profile picture and banner. A high-quality, professional photo goes a long way. You want to put your best face forward! If necessary, consider investing in a professional headshot!

Re-Energize Your Networking Efforts

• Audit your connections. Reconnect with valuable contacts and remove outdated ones. Take stock of which networking groups work for you and which don't. Your networking time is valuable, and you want to spend the most time in the most effective circles.
• Join industry groups. If you're not already part of one, you need to be. Maximize your visibility. Be intentional, participate in discussions, and share your knowledge.
• Update your elevator pitch. Make sure you have a strong, straightforward way to introduce yourself.

Polish & Update Your Resume

• Revamp the format. Clean, modern, and easy to skim at a glance.
• Highlight recent wins. Focus on accomplishments, not just job duties.
• Optimize for ATS. Use industry-relevant keywords to get past resume filters.
• Proofread and get feedback. Seriously, a second pair of eyes can make all the difference. Don't neglect this critical step!

Reset Your Work-Life Balance

Work-life balance is hard to maintain, and it's unbelievable how quickly our schedules and boundaries spiral out of control. It happens to all of us! So, just like everything else, spring is a great time to reset and create healthier work-life habits that holistically support your well-being!

Reassess Your Boundaries

• Identify unhealthy habits. Have you started checking emails at night again? And taking on tasks that aren't yours?
• Draw the line. Set some clear start and stop times for work. Then stick to them! Establish proper expectations with your team by letting them know when you're unavailable.
• Evaluate Your Work Relationships. If specific interactions drain your energy or impact your productivity, find ways to adjust or minimize them politely. On the flip side, invest in connections that bring support and focus!

Prioritize Mental & Physical Wellness

• Incorporate movement. Take short walks, stretch at your desk, or stand up between meetings to boost energy. Your body and mind will thank you!
• Watch those stress levels. Be mindful of your triggers. When you feel overwhelmed, take a step back and make necessary tweaks in time management. Don't be afraid to delegate tasks where possible.
• Use common sense. It may sound simple, but drinking plenty of water, eating good proteins, and getting enough sleep go a long way in helping you maintain physical and mental wellness.
• Use your resources. If your company offers wellness perks, like gym discounts, mental health support, or flexible work options—take advantage of them!

Spring is the perfect time to reboot and refresh different aspects of your life. A few small changes here and there, like refreshing your workspace, updating your professional presence, and setting better boundaries, can make a big difference! And if your Spring Reset leads you to the point of looking for a career change, call Career Concepts!

Partnering with a staffing agency specializing in placing the right people in the right jobs might be your next best step! For over 50 years, Career Concepts has been matching the best people with the best employers. We take you and your career seriously and can help you find what you're looking for — contact us today, and let's get started!