Most of the time we get caught up in our personal lives and our work responsibilities — it seems as if we never truly get the time to sit and reflect on what we’ve accomplished, how we got where we are, and who helped us along the way. However, with the jam-packed holiday season behind us, January gives us the opportunity to start anew.

But just because the holidays are over, doesn’t mean that we stop the season of giving. On the contrary! Starting the New Year off with the momentum of the holiday season allows us to keep our thankfulness going. And that starts by thanking those that have helped us get to where we are today.

Now, there are times when a simple email may suffice, but if someone has truly impacted your life, it may be time to get off of the computer and send a more thoughtful note. That’s right, we’re talking about a handwritten card.

Handwritten thank you notes may seem outdated, but this small gesture really makes an impact. A personalized thank you not only shows that you care about the person you’re writing to, but also reveals that you put in the extra effort to thank them for their support.

Oh, and did we mention that handwritten notes make you more memorable? The person you’re writing to may receive thousands of emails a day. But just how many thanks you notes do you think they receive via mail? Let me tell you, not that many (if any at all). And if you’re one of the few, they’ll remember you long after you’ve dropped the note in their mailbox.

Although you may not be where you truly want to be in your career, you’re still somewhere! So it’s best to thank those around you in a sincere and personalized way. It makes a difference (and a good one, at that). Plus, these people may have found another contact or opportunity that can help you move forward with your goals — and with a handwritten note, you may be put back in the forefront of their mind. So make the extra effort and get back into the season of giving. You never know, you may reap far more than you sow!