As the new year unfolds, it’s the perfect time to reset, refocus, and set the stage for a fulfilling year as an admin professional. Whether you’re supporting a C-suite exec, managing multiple teams, or juggling complex schedules, the start of the year offers an opportunity to realign your goals and recharge your passion for the work you do. Savoya has very kindly asked me to write some tips to start the year with clarity, purpose, and balance:
Your role is vital to your organization, and your growth is equally important. Leverage your annual review or start-of-year planning meetings to advocate for meaningful investments in your professional and personal development. Whether it’s attending a conference, participating in training, adopting new technology, or securing an annual subscription to an admin membership association like The Future Focused Admin, make your case by highlighting how this investment will enhance your skills and directly benefit your executive and the organization.
To make this process easier, we’ve created a free template available in our membership portal but here it is for ease. Download it free today to help you confidently pitch for these career investment opportunities. Also, until February 28th, as a Savoya subscriber you get a VIP discount! Unlock these exclusive savings by using the code SAVOYA30. Join the Legacy Builders Membership or Career Growth Hub and enjoy 30% off for your first 6 months. Don’t miss this chance to elevate your career and connect with our community of global admin professionals. This offer expires soon, so go on, invest in your personal and professional growth today by using code SAVOYA30 at checkout to claim your discount. Start building your legacy now!
Remember, personal and professional development matters. When you thrive, your workplace thrives, and the synergy becomes undeniable.
We’ve all been there! Those planned one-on-one catch-ups with your exec that get rescheduled or skipped because “something came up.” But these meetings are crucial for aligning priorities, understanding upcoming needs, and fostering a stronger partnership.
At the start of the year, commit to ensuring these meetings actually happen. Set a cadence that works for both you and your exec, and make it a priority. Treat this time as sacred - because it is. These catch-ups aren’t just check-ins; they’re opportunities to share insights, offer feedback, and strategize for success.
The admin profession can be all-consuming if you let it, which is why it’s essential to make time for something that brings you joy outside of the workplace. Whether it’s a hobby, a creative pursuit, time with loved ones, or simply an hour a week dedicated to yourself, prioritize your happiness.
Finding the balance, the yin and yang, between professional achievement and personal fulfillment is key to long-term happiness. Remember, your energy and enthusiasm in the workplace are directly tied to how well you recharge outside of it.
Being an admin can sometimes feel isolating, but you’re not alone. There are communities like The Future Focused Admin and Admin Avenues designed to connect you with like-minded professionals. These platforms provide a space to exchange ideas, share best practices, and support one another in navigating the evolving admin landscape.
Joining these communities like The Future Focused Admin is not just about networking. It's about building relationships with people who understand the unique challenges and triumphs of the admin profession. Plus, we offer invaluable resources, from webinars and events to forums where you can ask questions and get advice from experts. But speaking of networking, do you have a Personalised Networking Plan? If not, click through to our free template HERE. Remember, a goal without a plan is just a wish.
As admin professionals, we’re often so focused on ensuring everyone else’s needs are met that we forget about doing something for ourselves. But small rituals and personal touches can make a world of difference in setting the tone for your year.
For me, it’s buying a new full-page paper diary every January. Yes, I know it’s a bit old-school in our digital age, but there’s something special about it. I love the smell of fresh paper as I flip through the blank pages, the crispness of its untouched potential. I even indulge in picking a new pen to match it, a pen that will glide across the pages as I jot down plans, ideas, and reflections throughout the year. The process of selecting the diary is a ritual in itself: which design will inspire me daily, and what size will feel just right in my bag or on my desk? That diary becomes my companion, my confidante, and a tangible reminder that planning is not just functional - it’s personal.
Find your “diary moment.” Maybe it’s splurging on a luxurious notebook, framing a new motivational print for your workspace, or treating yourself to a morning coffee ritual that’s all about you. It could even be as simple as a favorite playlist you curate to start your day with positivity and energy.
Whatever it is, let it be something that brings you joy, inspires creativity, and reminds you that amidst the hustle, you matter too. These little acts of self-care and indulgence aren’t frivolous, they’re foundational to staying centered and energized for the year ahead.
Starting the year right is about more than resolutions. It’s about creating systems and habits that set you up for success. Take a moment to reflect on what worked well last year and what didn’t. Identify areas where you can streamline processes, delegate more effectively, or take a more strategic approach. Do you have a Personal Development Plan? If not, click HERE for access to our free template.
With a plan and these strategies, you can build a strong foundation for a fulfilling and productive year. Remember, the admin profession is constantly evolving, and you’re at the forefront of shaping what it means to support, lead, and innovate.
Here’s to a year of growth, balance, and connection. Let’s make 2025 a standout year, not just for the work we do, but for the lives we lead.
With a 20-year admin journey starting as an 'Office Junior' in Australia to a C-Suite Executive Assistant to some of the biggest and brightest minds globally, Candice founded Admin Avenues in 2021. Admin Avenues is a global premiere lifestyle, marketplace and support network for admin professionals.
Candice expanded the brand in 2023 by acquiring The Admin Collective, reinforcing a global community for admins. She is also a podcast co-host on ‘The Future Focused Admin’ with Jessica McBride, a global speaker and a recognized voice in the industry, as an advocate and activist for the admin profession.
In 2025, Jessica and Candice merged The Tech Savvy Assistant and The Admin Collective under a new parent company, The Future Focused Admin. This forward-thinking venture is dedicated to empowering and educating administrative professionals, ensuring they are equipped to thrive in the evolving landscape of the profession.
Connect with Candice on LinkedIn HERE
Check out Admin Avenues HERE
Join The Future Focused Admin Community HERE
Listen to The Future Focused Admin Podcast HERE
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