This blog first appeared in September 2022 on Substack.

I coached someone this week who is starting a new job. Her energy was that combination of nerves, excitement and hope that we all have before we join a new company in a new role.

It made me think about how we are when we start a new job. We want to be seen as valuable and likeable. We want to make a good first impression. We want to “start the way we mean to continue.”

But how can we set ourselves up for long-term success in a new job?

The first question to ask yourself is: what does success look like in this job?

Success is not only the goals you need to meet; it’s also how the job impacts your life. You might have escaped a bad job, or this new job might be at your dream company. You might have been laid off from your last employer, or you haven’t had the luxury to pick and choose where you’ll work next. Regardless, you probably have thoughts in mind of what this job will mean to you.

Here are some other questions you can ask yourself:

What do I want to do differently in this job than in my last one?
What do I want to make sure does NOT happen again in this job?
How does this job fit in my overall career?
What skills do I bring to this role?
What skills do I want/need to develop in this role?
What boundaries do I want to set?
Who do I want to be every day in this job?
When I leave this role, what do I want people to say about me?

Keeping a clear focus in mind each day can really help you to be present when you’re starting something new.

If you’re someone who likes to keep a journal, make notes each day about what went well, what didn’t go well, and what you learned. This can keep you on track, and it can also help you build your resume. How many times do we forget our own accomplishments when it comes time to talk about them?

You might keep a quote or a word near your workspace to remind you of your intentions.

Asking for feedback early and often sounds scary but getting that external information about how you’re doing can quiet the (negative) voice in your head.

A few years ago, I started a new job that was very close to a yoga studio. I started going to class at lunchtime, and I found that doing something I knew how to do (yoga) bolstered my confidence while I was still learning a new job.

Build in your own supports and opportunities for fun so that you get a break from feeling like you’re always two steps behind while you’re learning.

Above all, remember that this is a time of change. It’s never easy for anyone to start a new job. Be gentle with yourself.