Once you land the career of your dreams, it’s time to plan how to achieve success.
Every individual defines success in their own way.
For some, it’s all about the swag. For others, helping people is the goal.
But the road to achieving career goals is similar for everyone, even though we all have different definitions of “success.”
Let’s explore five ways to achieve the career success you want.
Define Success
Before heading off in any direction, defining the goal, mission, or purpose is essential. In this case, if you want to achieve success in your career, ask yourself, “What do I consider success?”
Once you’re in the weeds of your career, it’s easy to lose sight of your goals. Your profession demands your focus. You’re paying close attention to sales quotas, copywriting deadlines, or developing marketing promotions.
But the task at hand receives all your attention.
For example, doctors diagnose patients to cure them, but some conditions are chronic. So a doctor has to determine how they define success for their career. After all, the human body is susceptible to chronic diseases, illness, and aging.
Several factors impact the trajectory of a career too. Like in 2020, when many saw their careers stop in their tracks through unpredictable circumstances.
As you walk on your career path, remember your definition of success. Then, when things become hectic, return to your definition. If you’ve strayed too far away from it, the definition is a great way to reset yourself.
Take Initiative
Managers who micromanage still exist in the workforce.
Yet, the start-up culture has spread too. The newest workplace culture emphasizes collaborative environments as opposed to corporate hierarchies.
To achieve the success you want in your career, take initiative. As you spend more time in your position, you’ll learn to master this skill with tact.
It’s an art.
Your goal is to assert yourself to benefit your career without causing animosity among your colleagues. Colleagues with seniority were in your shoes once. They understand the new hire’s enthusiasm, but don’t step on other people’s toes.
If you complete more than is expected of you, people with decision-making power will notice. Doing so also shows your confidence, preparedness for an opportunity, and positive attitude.
Some people give up on taking initiative because it doesn’t reflect in their paychecks. In the beginning, there isn’t a bonus for completing extra work. It doesn’t result in a pay raise right away either.
Down the road, when a promotion or a lateral move into another department is up for grabs, your groundwork will pay off when it counts.
Remember to keep your eye on the prize.
Prove Your Skills
Is the career you have right now the job of your dreams?
Or, is your current career a stepping stone into something grandeur?
Maybe your goal is to gain experience in your current position because you plan to become an entrepreneur. Remember that some industries aim to grow their own stars.
Google is an example of a corporation that grew by investing in its people. Google is most known for its search engine. But the corporation also has a hand in several sub-industries, such as hardware, software, and advertising.
Facebook falls under the same umbrella. In 2020, Facebook employed just over 58,000 individuals, but not all are software programmers.
To achieve the career success you want, show off your skills. Your skills can lead you to career success before you know it.
Accept Opportunities for Growth
A career goes through a series of ups and downs. If your career path goes very smoothly, you’re either fortunate or not challenging yourself.
Some individuals want to experience smooth sailing to their retirement. Others dream of something different.
Since it’s your life, there’s no right or wrong answer.
If you want to become a top-level executive at a corporation, a partner at a law firm, or own an advertising firm, you’re going to face adversity on more than one occasion.
And when you accept growth opportunities, you learn.
You also test your skills. Reaching the top dog position at any company requires people, negotiation, and management skills. Thinking on your feet, problem-solving, and perseverance are other worthy skills to master.
Maybe you’re not reaching for an executive position. Instead, you’re interested in making an impact in your community. And to affect people’s lives, it’s essential to understand them.
Accept opportunities for growth that teach you how to become a member of your community. A good community member doesn’t impose themselves on others; they help when requested.
Helping people become self-sufficient can have a significant impact too. So can helping others find their own paths in life.
Build Your Reputation
The world is a place that’s full of temptation. In your career, you’re going to experience situations that tempt you to go against your ideals, morals, and ethics.
You know right from wrong.
Some careers face more questionable situations than others, such as politics. So when you meet a moral challenge, it’s your moment to decide the kind of reputation you want to build in your career.
To achieve the career success you want, start with the basics of reputation building. For example, turn in your work on time. If possible, undersell and overdeliver by submitting work before the deadline arrives.
Be a team player, take tactful initiative, and become a member of your community too.
Have emotions, but manage them. You’ll find that decision-makers appreciate opinions based on facts.
Also, don’t complain. Providing solutions to the problems you perceive instead of complaining will also score you brownie points with the decision-makers.
And be a person of your word. Always follow through on your commitments. If you say to others that you’re going to work and complete a project, ensure that you do so on time.
Conclusion
Even though it seems like success occurs overnight, the truth is that it takes time, commitment, and effort.
But it’s possible to achieve the career success you want.
To get there, take initiative, build your reputation, and accept growth opportunities. The more you bring to the table, the more success and demand you’ll experience.
Adam Marshall is a freelance writer who specializes in all things apartment organization, real estate, and college advice. He currently works with The Arch Denton to help them with their online marketing.
