You've set yourself a lot of goals, but everyday life has already overtaken your resolutions for the job? Don't worry. With our 7 tips, you can revitalize your plans and set yourself concrete goals that are achievable and motivating.
Whether it's your workplace, your self-organization or your networks - in 2025, it's time to get the most out of your job. With these 7 tips, you'll succeed.
1. set realistic goals and celebrate small successes
Overambitious resolutions can quickly demotivate you. Instead, it is important to define clear and achievable goals. Regularly check whether you are on the right track and adjust your strategy if necessary.
Example: Instead of making a vague resolution to "be more productive", formulate a concrete goal such as "work on a task for two hours a day with focus and without distraction".
According to a study by the American Psychological Association, regularly monitoring progress increases the likelihood of achieving a goal. It is helpful to check the continuity of your progress - for example by ticking off a daily goal on a to-do list.
Don't forget to celebrate milestones: this could be learning a new tool or successfully completing a project step. Small rewards such as a walk or a cup of your favorite coffee help to keep motivation high.
2. invest in your workplace
Your environment affects the quality of your work. Optimizations such as an ergonomic chair, a height-adjustable desk or an inspiring design with plants and colors can be a real booster for satisfaction and efficiency - just like these three little tricks:
- Improve lighting: place your workspace near a window for natural light, or use a warm desk lamp to relieve eye strain.
- Organize your workspace: Use cable management solutions and storage systems to keep your desk tidy and minimize visual distractions. This helps with concentration!
- Change location: Switch between different areas from time to time, e.g. between a desk and a reading chair, to protect your back and gain fresh perspectives.
We've put together some more tips for setting up your home office workstation in the best possible way for you here:Furnishing ABC for your home office workstation home office workstation
3. maintain your networks
In a job, it's not just what you can do that counts, but also who you know. Numerous surveys and studies show that up to 85 percent of jobs are created through networking. This figure highlights the importance of building and maintaining relationships.
Set yourself the goal for 2025 of consciously integrating networking into your everyday life. Plan regular activities such as attending industry events, writing personal messages on LinkedIn or making new contacts at trade fairs. Relationships are the key to new career opportunities and can open doors for you that you may not even have known about.
Example: Instead of sending a standard message to a new contact, formulate a personal and authentic message. Make a connection to a previous interaction. For example: "Hello XY, it was exciting to talk to you about [topic XY] at [event XY]. I would be happy to continue the dialog." Such messages have a personal touch and create a solid basis for future collaboration.
4. allow yourself breaks and reflect
Regular breaks are important to stay motivated and productive. Use this time consciously! Instead of just scrolling on your phone, actively switch off.
Example: Techniques such as the Pomodoro method can increase your concentration: work in a focused manner for 25 minutes and then take a five-minute break. Use these breaks for stretching exercises, a chat with colleagues or a small snack.
Another valuable ritual is the weekly reflection. At the end of the working week, take ten minutes to reflect on your highlights and challenges. This will keep you on track.
5. try out "deep work" techniques
Deep work refers to concentrated work on challenging tasks without distractions. With the right methods, you can achieve more in less time and deliver better results. Here are some specific tips and examples:
- Plan fixed deep work times
Let's remember tip number 1: "work on a task for two hours a day, focused and without distractions". Block two hours a day in your calendar and put your phone in flight mode and turn off notifications on your computer.
Tip: Early in the morning or right after lunch are often ideal times, as the brain is fresh.
- Focus and time blocks
Divide your day into blocks in which you concentrate exclusively on one task. Example: 9-10am - write analysis report, 10-10:15am - break, 10:15-11:15am - prepare presentation...etc. Use tools like Google Calendar or analog methods like a planner to set your time blocks.
- Set clear goals for each session
Go into a deep work phase with a clearly defined goal. Write down the goal before you start and check whether you have achieved it at the end.
Example: "I will write the first chapter of my report in the next 90 minutes."
6. start a mini-project alongside your main job
A creative side project brings variety into your everyday life and helps you to develop new skills or deepen your personal interests. Whether it's a small online course, a blog or a DIY project - such activities boost your creativity and open up new perspectives.
Tip: Take the opportunity to take educational leave to further your education. Many federal states offer employees paid time off for this so that you can concentrate fully on a course or project.
Do you want to start more than just a mini-project alongside your main job and have dreams of self-employment? We have explained how you can achieve this in our article 10 tips for starting up alongside your full-time job for you!
7. have the courage to try something new
Sometimes it takes courage to leave old habits behind and try something new. But this is exactly where you have the chance to grow professionally and discover new paths. Whether it's an exciting project, a fresh workplace or a different way of working - change brings inspiration and new perspectives.
Example: Switch to a different environment for a day, such as a coworking space, and experience how new impressions, contacts and a professional working environment can stimulate your creativity.
Office Club offers you throughout Germany coworking solutionsthat are flexibly tailored to your needs: Whether a flexible workplace or office space and permanent workstations - discover the right workplace in your area to try something new in 2025!
Conclusion: 2025 - your year for change and success
Our seven inspirations show you how you can enrich your professional life step by step this year - from working more effectively to consciously taking a break and having the courage to try something new.
Here's to a successful new year!
