Setting Yourself Up For Success In The Post-COVID Working World
As things slow down and the world begins to inch forward, it can feel a bit intimidating getting used to the “new normal.” If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the prospects, here are a few tips to help you recenter yourself and dominate in the post-COVID working world.
The pandemic threw off work life as we know it. From being laid off to working from home to scrambling for supplies to managing finances, the list of disruptors created by COVID never ends.
As things slow down and the world begins to inch forward, it can feel a bit intimidating getting used to the “new normal.” If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the prospects, here are a few tips to help you recenter yourself and dominate in the post-COVID working world.
Get Back On Career Track
The past year has been a great time for some serious introspection. Countless individuals have found themselves sorting through their priorities. Career pivots have been common, and many have launched themselves on new trajectories as they used the opportunity to get their dream job.
While there is always time for introspection, though, it’s officially time to get focused on regaining some forward momentum. Don’t let the slow pace of the last year keep you from reigniting your career.
Instead, do what you have to do get things back in motion. If you’re still looking for a job, you should:
- Optimize your resume for the positions that you want to land.
- Work on writing polished cover letters that help you stand out from other candidates.
- Clean up your portfolio so that it focuses on impressing the right recruiters.
- Make sure you have references lined up and ready to go.
Once you’re ready, start pounding the pavement looking for more work.
If you already got a new job, the need for momentum is still important. As you settle into your new work, consider the following tips to help you stay focused and productive.
Restock Your Wardrobe
One small yet significant element that went by the wayside in 2020 is how we all dress. Remote work led to a profound sense of apathy when it comes to clothes.
If you’re headed back to an office or workspace, remember to consider the dress code beforehand. Is everyone wearing suits? Are they rolling in wearing business casual attire? Are shorts and t-shirts the order of business?
Whatever the specifics, make sure to take it seriously. Even if you’re working remotely or in a hybrid work environment, it’s worth taking a minute to think through what you’re going to wear. After all, it’s no secret that the way you dress impacts how you feel.
Check Your Mind, Body, And Emotions
The state of your personal health is an important element of your long-term professional success. We spent the last year worrying about bodily harm in the form of a virus, but you must think bigger than that moving forward. Consider the following areas:
- Your body: Are you eating healthy, drinking enough water, exercising consistently, and sleeping enough every night?
- Your mind: Are you addressing things like stress, anxiety, and depression as you navigate the mental strain of working in a new, post-pandemic business landscape?
- Your emotions: Are you allowing your feelings to have an appropriate place in your mindset or are you stuffing them?
These may seem like basic considerations, but they form the bedrock that can help you face the challenges that each day brings.
Establish New Routines
Routines are a powerful career tool. In an era marked by change and uncertainty, establishing new routines takes on an even more important role.
Chances are your pre-pandemic routines are long gone at this point. Either they’ve been replaced by pandemic-friendly activities or you don’t have a daily rhythm at all.
In either case, it’s worth pushing to establish routines in your life again. These can help you get going in the morning, stay focused during the day, and help you rest at night. They can also provide a much-needed sense of structure, consistency, and comfort during the unclear times ahead.
Maintain a Growth Mindset
Finally, remember to maintain a growth mindset as you go. A growth mindset is dependent on the belief that your skills, talents, and abilities aren’t fixed or stagnant.
Instead, you must embrace the concept that you can adapt and grow with your environment. No matter what the future may hold, by remaining flexible, ready to adjust, and willing to learn, you can find success one way or another.
Finding Success in the Post-COVID Workspace
There are many challenges facing professionals in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. From new remote and hybrid work models to readjusting to a professional lifestyle, it can be disconcerting getting back into a rhythm at work.
However, if you’re willing to be strategic in your re-entry to the post-COVID work world, things can go much smoother. Not only that, but if you’re able to present yourself as a calm, cool, and collected professional, you’ll be able to shine in the chaos and ultimately set yourself up not only to survive but to thrive in the future.