What Australians plan to do in 2019
As each new year comes around, the time has come to reflect on the year that was and to also look forward to what 2019 will hold. As part of this process, it is tradition to re-evaluate some of our life choices and see where we can make changes or improvements.
Based on a recent AIM survey, nearly 85% of people said they plan on having New Year’s resolutions. So, let’s take a closer look at what will be the top three goals for 2019.
1. Learn a new skill
Learning new things is good for the brain. According to Harvard University, learning skills can slow down cognitive ageing, and help improve the performance of everyday functions such as short and long-term memory, attention to detail, and even doing basic math calculations. Similar findings have been published by the Central Connecticut State University Business and Development, which suggests practising a new skill increases the white matter in your brain call myelin that helps improve performance on tasks.
At the same time, just like exercising, learning something new can help cope with stress and anxiety – two common issues that can arise in the workplace. Recent research projects conducted by the American Psychological Association revealed that engaging in learning activities can buffer workers from detrimental effects of stress including negative emotions, unethical behaviour, and burnout. This explains why more than a third (67%) will be on a mission to learn a new skill this year.
The options are endless. Some plan to learn how to play a new instrument (6%), while others are interested in learning a new language (12%). Some people are also interested in learning multiple new skills – leadership, teamwork, problem-solving – by taking up a course such as an MBA (6%).
2. Pay attention to my health
Health-related New Year’s resolutions are common. Therefore, it is unsurprising that 65% of those surveyed were looking to pay more attention to their well-being in 2019. This means keeping fit and staying strong to help the body fight any unwanted illnesses.
While there are obvious physical benefits, paying close attention to your health is also good for your career. Indeed, exercise helps increase work productivity as it boosts brain function and helps fight stress.
Getting healthy is the focus for 34% of people who were surveyed. This can vary from making healthier food choices, being more active, or quitting unhealthy habits such as smoking. More specifically, 30% of those surveyed said 2019 is the year where they will exercise more. The most ambitious group even said they want to run a marathon this year.
3. Advance my career
People are always in search of new challenges when it comes to their jobs. This means learning new skills and being immersed in new work environments, which why 61% plan to find a new job in 2019. In fact, each year in January, the employment website Indeed sees a spike in the number of people looking for work. There’s nothing like the New Year to get the motivation to look for a job offering better pay, greater satisfaction or even a better work-life balance.
Although, it is essential to find the right job for you and not just to jump at any new opportunity. The idea of a career move may seem easy, but careful planning and preparation will ensure success. This means knowing what you want (and don’t want) in your next role, talking to people who have your dream job or finding a mentor, and considering whether you can advance any skills through education and training to help you reach your goals.
If you feel like a complete career makeover, try to identify your transferrable skills. According to a study conducted by Seek, 84% of employers say they would hire someone who recently changed career, and 61% believe that transferrable skills are more important than formal qualifications. Your passion and determination should then be enough to make up for the lack of experience.
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