Top Ten Ways to Upgrade Your Work Self in 2025

1. Refine Your Personal Brand

I know it sounds weird and trendy to some of you—personal brand? Come on now. But we each have a “personal brand” whether we want to admit it or not. So, don’t read it like it’s written; maybe read it like, “You have to inject some dang personality into your various online profiles, particularly LinkedIn, which can be about as interesting as a set of toaster instructions.” Yeah, you know the kinds of profiles I’m talking about here! I’m not saying we need to go full-on stand-up comic or anything, but would adding a little personality be too much to ask?

"Personality goes a long way. You can come across as being a little bit of a jerk, but if you have the right personality, it goes a long way." — Jules Winnfield

2. Prioritize Continuous Learning and Adaptability

Again with the trendy buzzwords? Continuous learning? Adaptability? Yes, both. Whatever you call it, we all need to stay in constant learning mode. This has always been true, but heading into 2025, things are changing faster than we can keep up. The Future of Work, folks! Adapt, adapt, adapt… learn, learn, learn.

"Even if you’re on the right track, you’ll get run over if you just sit there." — Will Rogers

3. Emphasize Work-Life Balance as Part of Your Professional Ethos

This one’s easier to stomach, right? Work-life balance is important—we all agree. But how many of us are actually doing anything about it? I try, but very often (okay, mostly), I fail. “Just one more email, sweetie, I promise.” What’s more important…that one email (which is never just one) or spending quality time with people (or animals, let’s not forget them) you love?

"Balance is not better time management, but better boundary management. Balance means making choices and enjoying those choices." — Betsy Jacobson

4. Inject Humor and Positivity into Your Communication

I recently mused on how our out-of-office messages could use a little spice. I try to make mine memorable with a bit of humor, but the same strategy can make any communication (within reason) more engaging. After all, isn’t that what we want? To have others interested and engaged when we speak or write?

"If you want to tell people the truth, make them laugh, otherwise they’ll kill you." — Oscar Wilde

5. Engage in Meaningful Networking, Not Just Connections

Even the word “networking” probably makes some of you gag. But again…it’s part of life in 2025. If you’re reading this on LinkedIn, you’re here (at least partly) to network. So why not make it meaningful? Don’t just add people and forget who they are. Read your connections’ profiles, comment on their posts, like their articles, and reach out to congratulate them on accomplishments. Real connections are more valuable—and enjoyable—than just another name in your contacts list. (P.S. I owe some of you a like, comment, forward… or, heck, an email or call!)

"Networking isn’t just about making contacts; it’s about making relationships. And if you do it right, you might just make a friend or two—or a LinkedIn connection who ignores your follow-up messages." — Tim Sanders

6. Set Clear, Achievable Career and Personal Development Goals

Easier said than done, right? This one takes work (and maybe some help from those connections we just talked about). Take time to reflect. What are your goals? Are they realistic? What steps are you taking (daily, weekly, monthly) to achieve them? Are you holding yourself accountable while staying patient and flexible?

"If you don’t know where you are going, you’ll end up someplace else." — Yogi Berra

7. Share Personal Wins Alongside Professional Achievements

No, I’m not suggesting oversharing every little thing you (or, heaven forbid, your kids) have done well. But sharing achievements—personal and professional—is important. Connections, especially the meaningful ones, genuinely want to celebrate your wins, and you should want to celebrate theirs, too.

"The more you praise and celebrate your life, the more there is in life to celebrate." — Oprah Winfrey

8. Foster a Collaborative, Team-Oriented Work Environment

This one’s a no-brainer. Working collaboratively is better than working at cross purposes. True teamwork leads to amazing progress, great fun, and some of the most rewarding work experiences. Working alone is for nerds. (Kidding, kidding!)

"To work together is the best way to achieve something great... or to make sure you don’t get blamed when it goes wrong." — Winston Churchill

9. Get Comfortable with Vulnerability

OMG…are we back to the touchy-feely stuff? Yes, we are. Being open about your emotions, experiences, and weaknesses (without fear, or care, of judgment) is a strength. Asking for help is normal. Being honest should be normal. We don’t have all the answers—so let’s stop pretending we do.

"Courage is being scared to death, but saddling up anyway. Vulnerability is being scared to death, but sharing it anyway." — John Wayne

10. Make Self-Care Part of Your Routine—and Share It

Yes, I’m ending on another Kumbaya moment. Self-care is vital. Some of your eyes (or other body parts) are twitching right now…I know. Anyway, call it whatever you like, but make time for yourself. Get a massage, meditate, eat a great meal, go for a walk, read a book, work out, or play with your kids. Build these activities into your routine, just like you do for work. Trust me… you’ll thank me later.

"Love yourself first, and everything else falls into line. Except laundry. That stuff will always pile up." — Lucille Ball