Feeling stuck at work? January might be the best time to fix it

January often arrives with a familiar mix of pressure and fatigue. After the year-end rush and time away from routine, many of us return to office already feeling unmotivated – expected to show up energised, focused and ready to “hit the ground running”.

But the truth is, January doesn’t need dramatic reinvention or unrealistic resolutions. In fact, the most powerful way to start the year is not by changing everything, but by approaching it with intention. I often think this overhaul of who you are is incredibly pressurizing and leads us feeling more deflated than inspired.

Rather than asking, “What do I need to fix about myself this year?” a more effective question might  be: “How do I want to show up at work?”

This mindset shift is the foundation of a strong personal brand.

Why January is the best time to reset your personal brand

A new year offers a psychological clean slate. You’re returning to the same people, the same workplace and often the same responsibilities – but with a fresh opportunity to be more intentional about how you are perceived.

Over the past 15 years, working as an image consultant and coach with professionals across industries, I’ve seen how clarity transforms confidence. When individuals know how they want to be seen and what they want to be known for, they show up differently. They speak with more conviction, communicate with greater impact, and carry themselves with a presence that naturally earns trust and credibility. Sometimes these are things we know how to do, and we just need to put it a little more effort into it, and other times we need to learn how to incorporate this into our personal brand.

This isn’t about being louder, more extroverted or more visible for the sake of it. It’s about alignment between who you are, how you show up, and the message you send in the workplace.

Step 1: Define the message you want to be known for

Every personal brand begins with clarity.

Ask yourself:

• Do I need to be seen more for my ideas or leadership potential?
• Do I want to be perceived as more confident, adaptable or strategic?
• Do I need to strengthen how I communicate perhaps in meetings, presentations or conversations with stakeholders?

Your personal brand is not what you say it is. It’s what people consistently experience when they interact with you. Defining your intention for the year helps you decide where to focus your energy.

Rather than setting broad career goals, narrow it down to one clear message you want to reinforce in 2026. This becomes your anchor that will help guide how you speak, act and present yourself daily.

Step 2: Align how you show up – Appearance, Behaviour and Communication

Once your intention is clear, the next step is alignment.

In the workplace, your personal brand is communicated through three core areas:

• Appearance: How you present yourself visually and whether it supports your role and
• Behaviour: How you conduct yourself, in collaboration and in leadership moments
• Communication: How clearly, confidently and effectively you express yourself

These elements work together. When they are aligned, people experience you as credible and trustworthy. When they are not, even the most capable professionals can be overlooked or misunderstood.

I’ve seen clients transform not by changing who they are, but by refining how they show up - dressing with intention, communicating with clarity, and behaving in a way that reflects confidence and composure. As a result, they are not only noticed more but remembered for the right reasons.

Importantly, this alignment also strengthens self-belief. When you feel prepared and intentional, confidence follows naturally.

Step 3: Create a sustainable plan for consistent growth

A strong personal brand isn’t built in a week – it’s reinforced through consistency.

This is where many people lose momentum. Ambitious goals without structure often fade once the year picks up pace. Instead, focus on sustainability.

Consider what support will help you stay accountable:

• A mentor within your organisation who provides guidance and perspective
• A manager or senior colleague who can offer constructive feedback
• A trusted friend or peer to check in with monthly on progress and goals

These touchpoints help turn intention into action. Whether your goal is to step into a leadership role, communicate more effectively, or be recognised for your expertise, regular reflection keeps your personal brand evolving instead of reactive.

Don’t overhaul the “old you”. Just reinvent that same awesome you.

Starting the year with confidence doesn’t require becoming someone new. It requires clarity, alignment and consistency.

January is not about overhauling your identity – it’s about choosing how you want to show up and committing to that version of yourself, one day at a time. When your personal brand reflects who you are and where you’re headed, you don’t just feel more confident at work – you’re seen, heard and remembered.

Understand where the gaps in your personal brand are, and figure out where you need to put the most effort into. Manifest that change in your workplace, and overtime you will see a stronger alignment with who you are at work.

Shireena Shroff Manchharam is a Her World Tribe member, the founder and principal consultant of Sheens Consulting, and the founder and creator of Getting To Happy, a mental health movement to inspire our community and society to live happier, more mindful lives.