It’s hard to channel that “new year, new me” attitude as you drag yourself back into the office after spending time off for feasting and festivities. Add to that the beautiful sunshine, mocking you as you’re tether to your desk… January is a hard month to kick off the new year in Australia.

Rather than set a resolution, why not seek inspiration? We’ve scoured the internet, books and radio shows for some rousing quotes that should get you feeling a lot more ready to kick your career up a notch for 2019.

“If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude.” – Maya Angelou

One of America’s finest memoir-fiction writers, Maya Angelou had a no-nonsense upbringing: one that could impart some career wisdom. Moaning about your job, your responsibilities or your managers does nothing. If you aren’t willing to change the root cause of the issue – have you considered that your outlook is the problem? Use this thought to evaluate not only your job, but how you engage with it, too.

“I need to listen well so that I hear what is not said.” – Thuli Madonsela

Listening regularly tops the charts of skills needed for future jobs. But as Thuli Madonsela, Law professor and former Public Protector of South Africa notes, using your ears alone is not enough. To understand what someone is saying, you need to analyse – what are they not saying? Silence can be worth a thousand words.

“Doubt is a killer. You just have to know who you are and what you stand for.” – Jennifer Lopez

The queen of the block J-Lo has had a meteoric career – all built on her personality. This is no mean feat in front a hypercritical press and public. So heed her advice: be confident in you. If you aren’t – take a step back. Learn who you are. As the commonly-shared phrase says: “If you don’t stand for something, you’ll fall for anything.” Without firm foundations in yourself, you’ll struggle to grow – both personally and professionally.

“Each one of us matters, has a role to play and makes a difference.” – Jane Goodall

Building on from J-Lo, primatologist Jane Goodall extols the virtues of living in harmony. After all, a human is not an island. Once you’re comfortable in yourself, you need to remember to be comfortable as part of a team. Never downplay yours, or someone else’s role: a successful company runs on a whole mechanism of whirling cogs.

“Such is life.” – Ned Kelly

One of Australia’s most controversial figures, whether you love or loathe him you have to admit. Ned Kelly said it best. Through thick and thin, life is what it is. It’s a journey, and although parts and jobs and projects might get tough, they are just a stage along the way. The sooner you accept that, the easier you’ll find it to make