You could only be up for a promotion, assume bigger roles in the company, or dive into a new industry if you take action. You need to do your research on what steps you can do to achieve your specific goals. Whatever you do now for your career will help create the future that you are envisioning. Because you are taking risks and moving towards your goals, you are able to explore what you could offer the table. This is how you reach for success and grow more in your career in the future.
You can gain confidence to tick off goals in your list by acquiring new skills and actively participating in many aspects of the industry you are in. Of course, when your career grows, you will have more money, build a credible name in your industry, and be financially independent and ready when you retire.
We listed down below what you could do to improve your career and check off your goals in terms of performance, feedback, recognition, etc.
1. Have new goals every now and then.
While some of us have big goals in mind, what helps us to keep going are short-term goals. You maintain your focus when you tick off a goal one by one and appreciate your progress. If you only have one ambitious goal, it will be harder to sustain and see results. And remember, success does not happen overnight. Learning skills and acquiring experience takes time, even years to have a complete recipe for success. These days, there are many platforms you could use to track your progress so far. You may have a planner or notebook or a digital tablet or laptop to write on your goals. You may write there that you want to be assigned to a big project and get to finish it. You may want to solve a complicated predicament you are in or you simply want to have the discipline to commit to a routine.
2. Do not be shy to ask for feedback.
You can’t rely on your opinion alone. You need to ask industry leaders including your boss, colleagues, or friends on what they think are the company’s strengths, weaknesses, and everything that needs to be improved. Ask for in-person performance reviews from your former manager. Be professional, address them politely, and listen to what they have to say. Feel free to ask additional questions if something is unclear.
Prepare questions beforehand but if you need a guide, here are some that you may ask your supervisor so that your meeting won’t be a waste:
Can I expect myself to grow professionally if I continue to work in this environment?
What are my strengths and weaknesses?
What can I contribute to help my department succeed?
What can I do to communicate better?
What do you want me to prepare for our next project?
3. Expand your network
There are many professional perks when you are friends with someone famous or successful. This is not to speak foul of them or discard their efforts but it’s much easier when you are surrounded by your support system. Plus, you get better at what you do when you interact with like-minded individuals who know things that you don’t and they will learn from you as well.
You may widen your network by joining Facebook groups, participating in online forums, making yourself free for volunteer work, becoming a member of a book club, going to workshops, sending emails, going to events and making friends, and asking old classmates and friends how they’ve been so far.
4. Use the resources of your company
Your progress will be to the benefit of your company so, of course, they would most likely want their employees to be skilled and trained. Companies have a rich treasure of educational resources and even opportunities to go back to school for their employees. Tap into this privilege, know what they are, and make the most out of it.
5. Step out of your comfort zone.
It’s very important that you could take risks and be fearless in accepting things that are challenging. It will of course be a demanding position to be in but if you don’t want your career to be stagnant or you have high hopes, then you should be prepared to step out of your comfort zone. Push yourself and learn new skills that are not necessarily your cup of tea.
6. Do industry research.
You should be in the know of everything that concerns your industry. Being focused on your task alone is great but having an understanding of your industry as a whole is even better. You open yourself up for growth by entertaining curiosity and knowing the various professional opportunities available to you. You might discover job options that are appealing and something you would want to do in the future. You may ask your colleagues about conferences and workshops. Add to your calendar these events that would help you get to know more about your industry.
Do not hesitate to pick up a book or read the news so that you know what is currently the talk of the town in your industry. You would know the top trends, what competitors are doing, and the new products that will most likely sell like hotcakes.
There are many resources for information such as magazines, websites, trade flyers, blogs, etc. Your superior and colleagues would notice your interest in the industry which builds you up as a credible and reliable resource. Your coworkers will most likely ask you for your opinion and help with things, making you develop skills that will help push your career in the right direction.
7. Invest in tools for the success of your career
Do not ever feel like something is a waste of money when it helps you grow at present to become better in the future. For instance, you may invest in ergonomic furniture so that you would be able to work more efficiently and productively every day. This would help you tick off the goals on your list.
