Have you ever heard this question, “How did you get here?” “What steps did you take”, “How did you combine all your efforts?” etc. been asked to top successful people in your career path? Maybe you are wondering, how do I get to the peak of my career, how do I ensure I become successful? The following tips will help you out:
1. KNOW YOUR VISION AND PURPOSE IN LIFE
Identify your vision, purpose, values, interests, skills, traits and abilities. This process will help you identify how to plan this path, why you’re on it, and what you hope to accomplish. Once you’ve identified this, you’ll recognize which opportunities are right for you and those that will deter you in the wrong direction. From here, you can decide what you want as regards a career choice.
2. EVALUATE YOUR CAREER PATH
Now you have a clear idea of what your abilities are, it’s time to evaluate your career options as lots of options revolving around your skills and interests will arise. Decide which ones are the best for you right now, at this stage of your life. Weigh the pros and cons, the challenges and opportunities that may arise. Do an entire SWOT analysis on each option and go with the one(s) that best suits you at the point of your life.
3. TAKE ACTION
Action births results. After you have identified your skills and the necessary career options available, it’s time to make smart moves towards them. Develop a plan and be committed to see it through. Identify the necessary steps or goals (short term or long term) needed to take you there. Create feasible and achievable deadlines for the completion of each step. Identify the things you can do to stay motivated (taking short courses, reading latest publications in that field, research industry best practices, etc) then take the steps you’ve identified. It is important to note that while making plans, you should set short term incremental goals as this will help you build your career one step at a step while aiming for the long journey ahead.
4. NETWORK, BUILD RELATIONSHIPS
No man is an island, and to climb up in your career path, you need others. Relationships you build today can help accelerate your career. Reading books and watching tutorial videos help but much more importantly, building the right circle within and outside your career path can help more. People can teach you, assist you, encourage you, or bring you the break you’ve been waiting for. You’ll also discover that the relationships you create along the way are a big part of what makes you want to get up every morning.
5. NEVER FORGET, YOU ARE THE CHIEF DECISION MAKER
Have this in mind, “It’s my career and nobody else’s. Yes, I can take advices but it’s my future and only I will live it. So, I have to make the best decision!” You should not be “pushed” to make a choice based on someone else decision because you are the one to live with the end results. However, always remember to make the best decisions based on how successful you want your future to be. Shortcuts are not always short!
People who are successful in their career fields creates plans that make them grow always. As you plan your career path, never stop learning, networking and evaluating your choices. Wishing you all the best in your career path!
