Do you want to get ahead but feel like you're looking in all the wrong places? Don't worry – anyone can get the life they want if they have the right mindset, work hard, and stay focused on the big picture.
Once you figure out exactly what you want, you have to plan for getting there without letting distractions or the pettiness of everyday life get in your way. Here are some essential actions:
ONE: Know Where You Want To Go.
Start by setting a clear, specific, and achievable direction for your career. Choose a path — a promotion, landing a specific role, or developing a particular skill. Be proactive — don't wait for opportunities to come to you — take the initiative to create opportunities for yourself. Offer to work on new projects, volunteer for committees, and seek leadership roles in your organization.
Working towards a goal adds excitement, enthusiasm, motivation, and a positive attitude to whatever you’re doing. Even if you hit a roadblock, you can re-orient yourself toward your original goal or figure out a new, fresh direction. The object is to keep moving forward.
TWO: Build Strong Connections.
Networking is critical to career success. Connect with colleagues, industry leaders, and people in your field to build a robust professional network. Attend events, join professional organizations, and stay connected through LinkedIn and other social media platforms.
Surrounding yourself with successful people is difficult at first, but you’ll find you will spend the most time with them because they will challenge you and give you targets to achieve.
THREE: Continuously Learn & Be Open To Change.
Keeping your skills and knowledge up to date is essential to staying ahead in today's fast-paced and ever-changing job market. Consider taking courses, attending workshops, and reading industry-related articles and books. Be open to new ideas, willing to try new things, and flexible in your work approach. Embrace change and be proactive in seeking out new challenges and opportunities.
Listen to podcasts and watch informational YouTube videos — it’s not all books and classes — you can absorb a lot of critical information and learning from watching a single YouTube video or regularly listening to a podcast on the way to and from work.
Also, be open to change — too often, we are set in our ways, “I’ve been doing this for years,” “It’s always worked for me,” or “I don’t need to learn anything new.” You must be willing to change to get ahead — eliminate old habits that no longer serve you and form new ones.
FOUR: Be A Positive Influence.
Strengthen relationships with colleagues and demonstrate your commitment to your organization. Collaborate with others, support your team members, and take the time to understand their perspectives. Be positive around your colleagues — it can help you build strong relationships, overcome challenges, and stay motivated. Focus on solutions, not problems, and cultivate a positive outlook on life and work.
Create new things — do something creative every day to expand your mind (and the people around you) to new ways of thinking.
FIVE: Become Memorable.
Take ownership of your work and take pride in your accomplishments. Be accountable, take the initiative, and demonstrate a strong work ethic. Also, seek feedback — it can help you identify your strengths and areas for improvement and help you stay on track to meet your career goals. Ask for feedback from your boss, colleagues, and mentors, and be willing to take constructive criticism to heart.
Pick ONE action today to begin positioning yourself for success — remember to be patient and persistent — always keep your target in mind as you work to get ahead.