Think about this: What kinds of things can you do to continue to grow and advance in your field of choice? It all boils down to what you do every day to achieve your career goals. Check your habits if they’re aligned with what and who you want to be. Now, what are the habits you need to practice on how to advance your career?
Read, read, read.
Staying updated about the latest industry news also lets you be one step ahead. This way, you’re also constantly learning new ideas and new insights, which can contribute to your personal growth and advancing your career.
If you’re not into reading about the news, you can also read informational articles and other educational materials. Download self-help and professional development books which can give you new perspectives you can work on toward shaping your future career decisions.
Work on relevant goals.
Take time to reassess your career goals for the next months and years. Create or revisit your personal mission statement to further customize it toward the career path you want to pursue.
Also, your relevant goals must be SMART-ly planned. Aim to set specific goals, so you can see a clearer and bigger picture of who you want to be in your career. These goals must also be measurable, letting you quantify and track each of your actions whether you’re getting one step closer to your ultimate goal. Further, these should be attainable and realistic, given your current status and what you believe you can achieve. Lastly, make sure your goals are time-bound—set deadlines and timelines on how long you’ll dedicate your time and effort to ensure your career growth.
Take valuable risks.
As you progress in your career, you need to take chances, get out of your comfort zone, and always be ready for changes—good and bad alike.
Further, don’t just wish for the best to happen in your career. Instead, ask yourself how do you want your career to progress? Take valuable risks to help you get on where you want to land as a professional. Map out your desired career path, consult your colleagues and the management on what steps you must do, and do your best to excel.
Continue on building your network.
Even if you’re stable in your current job, a well-developed professional network is still vital in your career advancement. Your network can help provide more opportunities, insights, and advice on your current position, and what you can do to progress professionally.
You can also reach out to people who are in the same position you want in the future. Ask them questions and engage in conversations to your advantage. Know their best practices which led them to where they are now, and see if you can apply their learnings and strategies in your own career. It’s as if you’re having life mentors and friends who can help you get to where you want to be.
Lastly, always remember: Successful people are simply those who have successful habits. – Brian Tracy
Need more career advancement tips? Check out more of our career guide blogs!
