3 Simple Ways to Set Yourself Up for Career Success in 2025

Jan 8

Do you typically set New Year’s Resolutions, or are you someone who skips them altogether?

I think I’ve only ever set (and committed) to one New Year’s Resolution in my entire life and that was back in 2019. I was dealing with debilitating heartburn (to the point where I was in so much pain I would have to leave the restaurant when I was on a date with my then-fiancé, now husband) and I needed to do something about it because I was worried for my health.

That resolution turned into my now 6-year-long health journey, where I started to learn about gut health, hormone health, and how to take care of my body in a way that worked for me.

Are you familiar with the ‘Rule of One’ in healthcare? It’s simple – the ‘Rule of One’ creates tailored plans based on your unique body, genetics, and needs. Imagine if we treated our careers with the same level of customization.

This idea of personalization isn’t just for healthcare – what if we applied it to our professional lives too?

There is SO much career advice out there. Advice on how to write a resume, how to network, how to interview, how to get a promotion, how to ask for a raise, how to be a good leader, how to organize your day, and how to succeed in your career.

But if you’ve learned anything from Career Civility… it’s that what works for someone else may not work for YOU. You have your own communication style, your own personality, your own motivators, your own priorities, and you shouldn’t be fooled into drinking the corporate kool-aid or following someone else’s definition of success.

So if you want to make 2025 your year to reclaim success and step into what inspires you to show up to work motivated and engaged every day… let’s start simple.

First things first, ask yourself, “do my actions align with my goals?”

What are your personal and professional goals?
Are you actively taking steps toward those goals?

If you have a goal to buy a house this year, are you transferring money into your savings account? Are you learning more about the homebuying process? Paying attention to interest rates and realtors?

If you have a goal of changing jobs this year, have you updated your resume? Do you know the roles or companies you are interested in? Have you started networking and having conversations about potential job opportunities/changes?

If you have a goal to be healthier this year, have you defined what health looks like for you? What habits would need to change? What would a practical routine look like for you?

Secondly, start setting small boundaries at work.

Setting boundaries isn’t just about avoiding burnout – it’s a success habit that fuels long-term achievement. No one ever accomplishes their goals by being a pushover and burned out. Yep – I said it. Stop being the “yes person” and start setting boundaries at work.

Here are some simple boundaries you can start implementing:

Stop responding to emails past 5:00 or 6:00 pm
Stop checking your email first thing in the morning – give yourself time to set priorities for the day
Stop responding to emails when you’re out of the office
Stop doomscrolling on social media
Start blocking time on your calendar to go for a walk, eat lunch, or catch up on emails you missed throughout the day
Start declining meetings you don’t necessarily need to attend
Start taking 5 or 10-minute breaks throughout the day
Start paying attention to what drains your energy and what gives you energy

Lastly, give yourself some credit.

None of us are out here mailing it in. You are grinding every single day to provide for your family, being the dutiful people pleaser at work, and working to accomplish the next set of goals. I need you to pause and truly recognize the progress you’re making.

Take a moment to jot down three things you accomplished in 2024. Reflect on your wins, no matter how small.

2025 is the year to make sure your actions align with your goals, your boundaries protect your energy, and you finally give yourself the credit you deserve.

I’m excited to continue supporting you - in every facet of your professional life - as we ring in 2025.