Best of 2022: Top 5 summer reads to grow your career this year
Happy New Year! How are you feeling as you begin a brand new year?
Whether you’re feeling fired up for a fresh start or are taking time to ease into it (like me!) — welcome to 2023!
I’m excited to be back after completely disconnecting for a full two weeks. This gave me space to plan, consider what I want to create and map out my vision and goals for the year ahead.
If you’re curious about the process I use, check it out here.
Coming back online this past week, I’ve noticed two distinct messages playing out on social media. There’s the typical ‘new year, new you’ posts — and the ones with a more ‘anti-new year resolutions’ sentiment.
My take? I believe having a clear vision and setting SMART goals is important for focus and direction. But putting yourself under pressure to set big, unattainable goals once a year is unsustainable.
Know you can start your 2023 planning as soon as you’re ready — and come back to it any day of the year!
Instead of sharing a typical ‘new year’ post this week, I wanted to keep it relaxed and bring you the best of 2022. The articles from last year which were the most viewed and shared by you. My intention is to provide you with a list of resources you can return to throughout the year.
Read on to discover my top 5 summer reads to help you design the career you want this year.
#1: How to stop breaking your New Year resolutions and reach your big career goals
Did you know 80% of New Year resolutions fail by February? If you struggle to stick to your career goals, this blog (published in January 2022) is for you!
Personally, I don’t buy into the whole ‘new year, new you’ hype. I believe in having a clear vision, setting goals from there and creating a step-by-step plan to reach them — anytime of the year.
I’ve written many pieces on productivity and planning. So in this blog I do a different take on goal-setting, by looking at some simple shifts you can take to achieve your goals this year.
Find out the real reasons your career resolutions don’t stick, how to stop breaking them and reach your big professional goals. A must read to kick-off 2023!
#2: 3 career myths it’s time to bust and the benefits of ‘doing things differently’
Do you want to ‘do your career differently’? I often talk about the importance of redefining success and creating your career, on your terms. Yet as a high-achiever who’s found success by following a traditional career path, this can be tricky.
Especially in careers like law, accounting and finance — where there is one clear path and model of success laid out in front of you. So if you’ve wandered off this path (or have the desire to) it can bring up a lot of fear, guilt or shame.
But I believe ‘doing things differently’ is HOW you create the career you want. In one of my most viewed articles of 2022, I bust 3 common career myths and reveal the benefits of following the road less travelled.
If you’re ready to create your career, your way in 2023, you’ll find some great practical tips in this post. Check it out here.
#3: Identity tied up in work? How to know if it’s holding your career back
What happens when you’re established in your career, known for what you do — and suddenly, you’re not in this role anymore? Whether you’ve stepped away from a career you’ve been in for years, are taking a career break or considering making a shift and it’s bringing up a lot of fear.
Having experienced all of these, I know how challenging it can be. It can feel like you’ve lost your identity and leave you questioning your abilities — and value.
In my top read article of 2022, I share how this holds you back in your career and what’s keeping you stuck. Get my 3 favourite practices to help you get unstuck and create the career you want with clarity, ease and confidence.
If you’re feeling lost after making a big professional transition or are considering a career change this year, check out this post.
#4: Should I stay — or should I go? How to know when it’s time to resign
Wondering whether to stay — or go — in your current role or career path? This is a question you may have been pondering over the Christmas break or one you’re asking yourself as you plan ahead for the new year.
It’s also a big decision which can bring up a lot of fear and doubt. What if you make the wrong move — and regret it later? This is why I always recommend having a clear plan and strategy to reduce the risk with any change.
So what’s the answer and what do you need to consider? In this blog post published at the height of ‘The Great Resignation’ discussion, I walk you through 7 steps to help you make the right career decision.
If you want clarity on your direction and a clear strategy for your next career move, check it out.
#5: Is work-life balance a myth? How to be ambitious without burning out
This popular post is for you if you’re a high-achiever who has big career ambitions — but you don’t want to sacrifice your lifestyle. It was inspired by a News Corp interview I did in late 2022 about finding work-life balance.
Is it even possible to have career success and lifestyle balance? And what IS work-life balance anyway — is it a myth?
I believe there’s no such thing as finding a ‘perfect’ work-life balance. Because perfection doesn’t exist!
There’s always going to be an ‘imperfect equilibrium’ where your ideal balance isn’t possible 100% of the time. But there are steps you can take to design a career (and life) which works for you.
Have a read to learn 4 simple strategies to achieve better balance and your big career ambitions in 2023!
So, there you have it. My most popular articles from the last 12 months to support your career in 2023. I hope you find them helpful too!
Want my support to reach your full career potential in 2023?
Click HERE to book a free 30 minute career clarity call and let’s get you clear on your next career steps!
Stacey Back is a globally recognised and certified Career + Leadership Coach. She helps high-achievers at a career crossroads find the work that lights them up, increase their income, impact and create a career + life on their terms. Stacey works virtually with individuals and organisations based across the globe.