Eight Steps To a Better Career In 2011
by Kelly Sallaway - LincsMag Writer.
Date: 01 January 2011
Guarantee 2011 is a great year for your career!
Entering into a new phase of the year or a new chapter in your life presents an exciting opportunity to take control of your career.
Now is the time to take note, take a moment to assess what is working and not working in your work life.
A few easy steps can move you forward on the positive career track.
We at LincsMag, have eight things you can do to guarantee 2011 will be great year for your career:
1. You are in charge
You are in charge of your career, no one else. It is up to you to take responsibility for where you are now. Own up to your current career position and move on. Yes, you are the one who is responsible but you are also the one with all the power to change things.
You alone have the knowledge of who you are, all your dreams and all your capabilities. There is no one else with your exact set of experiences or skill set. No one can stop you because it's all up to you!
2. Commit to being positive
Affirmative statements are not something that work just some time - they work all the time if you use them all the time. Wishing something doesn't make it so but a true positive outlook will pay off.
Successful people look at challenges as opportunities. A positive outlook helps guide your thinking and allows you to be open to more possibilities.
Thinking positive thoughts does work. Aside from being happier with your day-to-day life your positive outlook will rub off on other people. Positive breeds positive. People want to be around and work with positive, upbeat people.
3. Take time to set goals.
You can't get anywhere without a plan. Goal setting is the first step to any successful endeavour and it is essential in career planning. Make a statement of where you want to be, make a list of actionable items, make a plan and put the plan in motion.
You have heard that "Every successful journey starts with a single step"...Yes, but only if you know which direction you are headed!
4. Meet New People
A way to expand your career and career options is to expand your circle of influence. Influence comes from people.
Successful people are 'connected' people. Make connections by finding new trade and industry organizations you might want to join. Change up your schedule so you can get out and meet people.
Aside from traditional methods of attending mixers and business lunches, try to expand your network through social media. Professionals are connecting more now through online professional networks.
Create a dynamic profile, keep your messaging fresh and stay connected.
5. End Procrastination
Stop putting things off and start getting things done. The above steps will help you with this task; being positive and setting goals are perfect ways to end procrastination.
First, knowing that everything will turn out great helps you take on those tasks you dread. Next, goal setting. Break down your daily list into smaller goals. Finish them before tackling the next.
Knocking small items off your 'to do ' keeps you motivated. It is easier to take on large projects and obtain huge goals when they have been pared down into manageable bite-sized parts.
6. Make up your mind.
Success won't come from being uncertain or noncommittal. Become thoughtfully decisive. We are not saying don't look before you leap, but you have to make decisions to move forward.
Not making a decision is making one- you are deciding not to take control and not move on in your career and life. When we get complacent, fearful or lazy we become paralysed with indecision. Weigh your options then decide.
Decide and take action. Decision-making takes practice. It is like a muscle that the more its exercised the easier it is to use.
7. Learn something new
The most innovative and successful people never stop learning. Take classes in your field, attend trade shows and seminars, subscribe to industry newsletters and web sites. Take time to learn, research and discover.
Remember, readers are leaders. Learning engages the mind and stimulates all your senses. Almost any kind of training from programming to dancing can help you meet new people and acquire new skills.
8. Rate and Update
Take a good look at your curriculum vitae or résumé.
Have an objective friend or professional review your current CV to make suggestions and edit your qualifications to the best light.
Resolve to keep your résumé up to date all year. It will help you gauge progress in your current position as well as help you be ready to take advantage of opportunities for a job change.
By following these 8 simple steps you can take control of your career in 2011. These few small changes can result in huge rewards.
Write these down, print a copy and take it with you. Make a plan to implement these steps and make 2011 your best year ever!
