With a few weeks to go before the year closes, pause and think about your plans and dreams. Here are some ideas to get started.

1. Set new goals

   Make a list of goals you want to achieve next year. Make them SMART: Simple, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Set goals for improving your language skills, career, or health. Read these articles to guide you:

Making your New Year’s resolutions work
Setting English goals the SMART way

2. Be healthier

   After a rough couple of years, we’ve all seen that health is our greatest wealth. Focus on activities that will keep you healthier in 2022. Choose to have better nutrition. Allot more time for sleep. Exercise regularly. Don’t forget to take care of your mental health! It is important to relax and do things that make you happy. Pick up a hobby, play with your kids, or try meditating. Read these articles to set health goals:

5 tips for staying healthy in MB
Healthy eating habits for newcomers
How to stay active in winter
18 tips for dealing with stress and tension

3. Work smarter

   Make 2022 your year for career success. Learn more about Canadian work culture. Develop your soft skills. Learn how to work smarter, not harder! Read the following to help make your action plan:

Are you a work martyr?
5 habits to help you achieve work-life balance
How to excel in your new job
Supports to help you in the workplace
Soft skills: The key to getting and staying employed

4. Keep learning

   “Stay hungry. Stay foolish.” This means continue learning and take risks. This is Steve Jobs’ advice to live life to the fullest. Read these tips to make your own learning plan:

Want to boost your digital (and other) skills? Now is the best time to do it
Reach your goals faster – 5 steps to a personal learning plan
Want to get ahead in the Canadian workplace? Be lifelong learner!
5 tools for learning anything on-the-go
4 steps to becoming a self-directed learner

Watch Steve Jobs’ speech at Stanford University, where he gave this advice:


5. Take care of your relationships

   Strong relationships make your life happy and fulfilled. Strengthen your bond with your family, friends, colleagues, and the community. Continue to build your network by learning more about Canadian culture. Read these articles:

Adapting to Canadian culture
“Pardon me”: Understanding and adapting to Canadian social norms
5 big ideas for better small talk
5 strategies for working with people from other cultures
10 pointers to help you fit in at work

Goodluck and have a happy New Year!