If your career has been on autopilot for a while now just waiting until “the worst of this situation has passed”, I encourage you to stop holding off and make this the year you start taking action.
It seems this January, like the previous two, is kicking us in the butt again! While you can’t do much about the world around you, it’s entirely possible to make commitments to yourself and take steps to progress the things you can control.
Despite all the heartbreaking and difficult stuff 2021 threw at me, it was also the year my work solidified into a “real” business. I’m not going to lie, it took a LOT of time, effort, and energy. There were highs and lows, wins and losses, successes and failures. But through it all… growth. Growth that created momentum for the year ahead.
Because it can be useful to peak behind the scenes to see how others make career and work-life decisions, I thought you might be interested in some of lessons I’ve been applying as I prepare for and step into 2022.
6 ways to make this your best career year EVER!
1. MAKE YOUR OWN DECISIONS
I talk about this a lot because it’s so very important. You need to run your own race, at your own pace! It may feel easy to abdicate responsibility for your career decisions to others – your family, boss, peers or mentor – but, I can assure you, whatever their intentions, they’re thinking about themselves, not you. Yes, it can be challenging, but wherever you can, think for yourself, stop comparing, and commit to your decisions. Some will work out and where they don’t, reflect and learn.
2. STOP PLAYING SAFE
Hands up if you love taking risks?? Yeah, me neither! I struggle with this and previously always opted for the choices that didn’t rock the status quo and provided the least likelihood of failure. But… there’s a reason that old statement about the magic happening outside your comfort zone is so often quoted, and that’s because it’s true. For me, everything that’s happened in my business so far, has resulted from choosing courage over comfort.
3. INVEST IN YOURSELF
When I started my business, I invested in a business coach. It was a big investment but one of the best I’ve made because she helped me focus and avoid the busy-ness trap many new businesses fall into trying to do “all the things”. This year I’ve joined a mastermind group to learn from and be inspired by other business owners and I’ve invested in very targeted coaching for specific gaps I’ve identified. Whether it’s self-development, specific qualifications or new technical knowledge you need… an investment in yourself is one that always pays off.
4. BUILDING CONNECTIONS
We’ve all learnt a lot over the last 2 years about the importance of human connection. And, wherever you are in your career or business, it’s really important to have strong, supportive connections. As we all get busier, maintaining our professional relationships sometimes slips off the priority list. Statistics show your next career move (or new client) is more likely to result from who you know, rather than what you do. If you hate the idea of networking, you’re not alone… here’s a few tips on how do it in a way that’s valuable and doesn’t feel “icky”.
5. ASK FOR HELP
This is one of the simplest and most effective pieces of advice, yet, one of the hardest to execute. I still struggle with this, thinking I should be able to work things out myself, not wanting others to think I don’t know what I’m doing. But, more often than not, when you ask for assistance, the response is amazing. Admitting you need help and asking for it is a sign of strength, not weakness. As above, investing in coaching was some of the best help I’ve ever secured… if I can be the one to help you make progress in 2022, please don’t hesitate to ask!
6. REMAIN FLEXIBLE AND ADAPTABLE AT ALL TIMES
It’s pretty common to think, once you’ve made a decision or chosen a particular path, you have to stick with it. Nothing is further from the truth… and, this is often what is keeping you stuck. If you need permission to stop doing what you’ve always done and think about making a change… consider it given. I know you might be thinking, “this is all I’ve ever done, what else can I do?”… but, let me tell you, there is always something else. I’m here to tell you it’s possible to make a significant change… you just need to remain curious, open and committed.
Could this be your best career year ever? It will be if you want it to be.
Are you ready to stop making excuses, start creating momentum and achieving growth? Let’s discuss how I can help you with the systems, support and accountability you need to get crystal clear about who you are and what you want, so you’re in a position to make and commit to confident career choices.