It's time to put up the tree and stockings and enjoy plenty of good cheer as we shut down for the holidays. As you take advantage of a much-deserved recharge, start to renew your mind so that you're able to march in 2018 with the tools to succeed.

A lot of changes have shifted the chess pieces on the board in recent years, so living and working as a professional looks more different than ever before. To make sure you're in the game with purpose and intention, consider the tips below.

1. The Golden Rule: Always Be Learning

While continued education has always been important, you stand a bigger chance than ever to get left behind if you're not keeping up.

An entire generation of professionals is in the process of being phased out because they haven't adapted to the new tools and practices of today's demanding and ever-changing workplace. If you want 2018 to be more prosperous than ever, take it upon yourself right now to get a headstart on your learning.

When someone asks you what you what for Christmas, ask for an Amazon gift card so you can stock up on Kindle and Audible purchases that will feed your mind. Challenge yourself with new information and material so that you're like a sponge. In addition to subject matter directly related to your field, make sure you're taking in information on bettering your communication skills, networking, changing your mindset, handling money and generally succeeding in your career field.

A few must-haves to pick up include Napoleon Hill's "Think And Grow Rich", Paulo Coelho's "The Alchemist" and Dale Carnegie's "How To Win Friends & Influence People".

On top of taking in this info like a sponge, make sure you're looking into eLearning opportunities. You can take entire courses and get certifications without ever leaving the comfort of your home.

2. Operate Like A Brand -- Because You Are

Today's business climate involves a bunch of individuals that must learn to operate as a brand.

The second that social media took off on a widespread level, the writing was on the wall. Even if you're unemployed and looking for work, if you have Facebook, LinkedIn and other social media platforms, you're not your own PR department.

With approximately 3 billion social media users around the globe, you have your work cut out for you when it comes to reaching your audience.

Challenge yourself to go beyond business cards alone and make sure you're telling the world about yourself and making your web presence as attractive as possible. This is no longer optional -- it's the way the game of business is played.

3. Get Used To The Idea Of Working Remotely

More jobs than ever revolve around remote office places.

With services like Go To Meeting, Skype, and Slack, companies have all the firepower that they need on laptops and mobile apps. Because of this, you'll want to be flexible when it comes to your career opportunities.

In many situations, you might actually be looking for entrepreneurial opportunities on a freelance basis, rather than full-time employment. This is generally a win-win for both you and the company and gives you more opportunities than you'd have in the traditional work landscape.

4. Improve Your Mind, Body, And Spirit

To make sure that you're able to power through the muck and put yourself in a position to succeed, you'll need energy and mental clarity.

Grabbing a coffee is easy, but you should instead challenge yourself to raise your natural state through healthy foods, exercise, and meditation. Skip the new year's resolutions and instead start getting into shape now.

It's not about having a six pack or beach body -- you'll flat out be more productive as a human when you put your health as your main priority. Most people are also dehydrated, which starves your brain of the natural power and energy it needs to be productive.

Develop a fitness habit and make it sacred so that you don't break it. Since business is an around the clock thing now, you'll want to reduce time missed due to getting sick. Getting your health in order is the way to go.

5. Think Relationships, Not "Connections"

Finally, make sure that you focus on human connections.

This will put you ahead of the curve in this day and age because many people in the social media sphere forget that there are actually human beings behind these screens. Find common interests with people in your industry and most importantly, start by looking for ways to create value.

When you make this your mission, you'll develop lifelong networks that will always keep you at the top of your industry.

So take time out to enjoy the holidays, and reset your mind to these principles as you go into 2018 with renewed confidence and direction.