The term “refresh” could apply to any number of things: a cool drink, air fresheners, laundry detergent, or even deodorant sticks. But, what if it also applies to your career? Most people need a stagnant career like they need stagnant underarms. You need to keep both fresh for optimum happiness!

It is easy to get stuck in a pattern, especially when it is a comfortable one. You go to the same job every day, get to know the people you work with, master the skills needed for your position and life seems good. Why uproot that pattern when change can be a big and scary thing? Because in today’s fast-paced world, with changing technology and new scientific discoveries, staying in the same place will get you nowhere.

We all need changes now and then to keep us engaged, to keep us on our toes, and to do the best job that we can. So how can one go about making changes? Here are some ideas:

* Take a continuing education class. Refresh your skills or learn new ones. Learning more can only enhance your job performance and make you more marketable should you choose to look for another job some day.

* Go back to school. If you want to take a larger leap, go back to school on a more regular basis. You can get that degree you always wanted, change the direction of your career, or position yourself to move up the ladder. If you are lucky, your employer may foot part of the bill.

* Subscribe to trade publications. Journals offer recaps of the latest innovations and interviews with people who are doing interesting things in your field. They offer lots of information so you can stay in the loop, and are a great place to look for inspiration.

* Change positions. This move can be vertical or horizontal. If you feel you have mastered your position and are qualified to manage those in your position, try a move up the ladder. If you would like a more drastic change, or have become bored with the area where you work, change fields. Starting all over again in a new field, but with a well-stocked skill set, can be a great experience.

* Change your outlook. Sometimes all we need is to look at things from a different perspective. Consider your job and your performance from your supervisor’s point of view. Now, from a co-worker’s point of view. Can you see changes you could make, from their perspective, which would improve your work performance, your efficiency, or your job satisfaction?

* Mentor. Working with people new to your field can expose you to new techniques and other information that wasn’t around when you were in school. While mentoring is often considered a one-way relationship, it really benefits both parties. The mentor learns about the latest in education and is exposed to that exhilaration and idealistic passion so common in fresh graduates, and the mentee gains the benefit of someone with experience.

* If you have tried all the above and still feel stale in your career, perhaps that “moldy” feeling is actually due to expired creativity. Try something new for yourself. Learn to play handball. Sit in with the crochet group at the library. Volunteer to work with children. Take that course in Master Gardening you’ve planned for your retirement. Juicing up your creativity in one area may allow all those good juices to flow into other areas of your life, both in your professional world, and in your personal one.

Refreshing your direction is not always easy. It takes effort and conscious thought, and yes, planning. But you are in control of getting rid of that stale monotony. You’ll benefit in many ways from the effort, and hopefully, be encouraged to continue to refresh your own direction.