John Gallucci Jr., MS, ATC, PT, DPT, is the dynamic CEO of JAG Physical Therapy.
It’s that time again.
The days are short. The year, maybe long, is starting over, bringing new beginnings and novel opportunities to evaluate our personal and professional growth.
If you’re in the 49% of young adults and 31% of those ages 30-49 who make a resolution or commit to personal improvement, it feels like a fresh start, an opportunity to advance careers, reconnect with your purpose and build a stronger foundation for the future.
Of course, we know that these commitments are famously fraught. Research by Dr. Michelle Rozen found that 94% of resolutions are lost within two months, leaving many people in the same place they started when another year passed.
I’m not here to provide a practical guide for keeping your commitments and resolutions. There are dozens of excellent resources that can help you with that.
This is a resource for young professionals looking to better identify what they should commit to in 2025. Here are three important areas to consider when setting your professional intentions for the year ahead.
1. Skill Development
Thanks to the emergence of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) technologies, changing business objectives and shifting customer preferences, valuable workplace skills are necessarily evolving.
Expect this trend to continue accelerating in the year ahead.
According to one study, half of all skills could be outdated within two years. Coupled with results from a recent survey of employed, unemployed or self-employed adults in 14 countries, which found that most workers fear their skills will be obsolete within the decade, it’s clear that professionals can’t afford to stand still or rest on their laurels.
At the same time, standard advice like “learn to code” or “go back and get a business degree” doesn’t necessarily carry the same cache it once did.
So, what should professionals prioritize in 2025? Communication, storytelling and presentation.
Learn how to present your ideas in clear, compelling ways. Get better at helping your company position its products and services to a variety of audiences. Hone your ability to adapt and apply these skills across diverse contexts and platforms.
I’ve found that regardless of your industry or sector, the most valuable professionals are those who can connect, persuade and inspire their audience.
2. Career Advancement
Are you advancing in your career, or has your professional journey stalled or stagnated?
One study found that 93% of Americans say they are “trapped in unfulfilling careers.” That number may seem staggering, but it should give comfort and inspiration to people who feel stuck.
2025 is the year to move forward.
Whether you’re aiming for a promotion within your current organization or exploring new job prospects, align your professional ambitions with actionable steps, including:
• Earning a certificate in a relevant skill or domain.
• Networking with industry professionals.
• Attending industry conferences, workshops and networking events.
• Participating in cross-departmental initiatives or mentorship programs.
To be sure, career advancement won’t happen by accident or chance. Make it a priority by scheduling regular time for professional development and strategic career advancement, creating opportunities through intentional actions and committing to skill development.
3. Personal Branding
Often, producing incredible work isn’t enough to create the career you want. You have to couple professional competencies with personal branding.
Personal branding, the ability to craft and communicate your unique value, is often necessary to stand out, attract the right attention and open doors to the right professional opportunities.
To get started, think about how you want to be perceived by your peers, managers and the industry at large. Focus on sharpening your communication and presentation skills to clearly articulate your expertise and what makes you uniquely valuable.
Additionally, emphasize visibility. Don’t assume that your work will speak for itself. Take steps to make your expertise known, including:
• Attending industry events.
• Participating in panel discussions.
• Engaging meaningfully in professional platforms like LinkedIn.
• Sharing your insights through blog posts.
• Opting in for presentations that underscore your expertise and thought leadership.
Don’t be that professional who leans so far into their brand that it becomes overly self-promotional or obnoxious. Still, an appropriate amount of self-marketing might be needed to reach your professional goals in 2025.
Always Keep Learning
Whether you’re just starting your career, mid-journey or well into your professional life, there’s always room to grow. In 2025, embrace the opportunities to sharpen your skills, advance your career and build your personal brand.
The day you stop learning and advancing, progress halts. Commit to ongoing development and regain the progress your professional priorities deserve.
For every professional, don’t overlook the role of physical and mental wellness in achieving professional success. Just 20-30 minutes of exercise, four or five times a week, can keep your mind sharp, your creativity flowing and your health on track.
It’s a reminder that our professional ambitions are not separate from our personal progress. They are intertwined and essential to cultivating a rewarding life we love.
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