Developing a fruitful career is no easy task. The responsibility lies on your plate alone and it takes more than just luck to become successful. There are lots of factors involved in the process and this includes the different roadblocks that can block your way. But more often than not, it is our own mistakes that stop us from getting ahead of the curb.
It does not matter what your career goals are, what issues you are currently facing, and who you are dealing with at the moment. One thing most professionals fail to realize is that sometimes they are the very reason why they fail to realize a satisfying career. Are you guilty of committing the following career development remorse triggers?
Not Having a Solid Career Plan
Many people haven’t established their career plans even if they already have many job experiences and training. According to research, 48% have no career plans. As a result, many are still stuck in a position they don’t like or enjoy.
No matter what you do, a solid plan can help keep you stay on track. A career plan can help you identify your career goals and determine the best ways to learn essential skills and interests. It allows you to craft different strategies on how to reach your obectives. It can even help you land your dream job and eventually set yourself up for the kind of life you wish to enjoy during your retirement years.
An effective career planning starts with a self-assessment concerning your current skills, interests, and values. Research and create a list of your career options and start prioritizing what matters to you the most. Consider every factor including barriers to your career path, the risks involved as well as personal factors. Weigh in the pros and cons of each career path and choose between a single career or consider few options. Set your SMART goals, craft your strategies, and put your plans into action.
Being More Proactive Than Reactive
According to an Steven Covey, one of the habits many effective and successful people have is their proactivity. Being proactive means making the decision to anticipate the future, taking the initiative, and make things happen. Being reactive, on the other hand, is simply waiting for things to happen and letting negative feelings control your actions.
Choosing to be proactive allows you to take charge, face your problems head-on, and think of the best ways to deal with them. You may be dealing with many difficulties, such as a past traumatic event. But never let these challenges stop you from realizing your career goals. Choose to be proactive by focusing on the things you can control. Keep your eye on your goal and if your condition stops you from improving your career, don’t hesitate to consult with a professional from a local PTSD clinic.
Undereducating Yourself
Some professionals refuse to learn new things and do any more training thinking they are already adept in their fields. But in reality, if you want to continuously climb your career ladder, you will need to invest in continuous learning. Sure, you can hire people to do the hard work and dirty jobs. But having the right skills and knowledge will allow you to remain in control and stay ahead.
If you plan on shifting careers or want to achieve more career success, realize that there is always space for new learnings and more skills. Improving your professional competence opens more opportunities in your chosen field. Besides, successful people are investing in continuous learning. The reason is that they know for a fact that lifelong learning is beneficial for your health and more.
Don’t simply focus on learning about the things that can help you make your current role easier. Start seeking new experiences and stay on top of the latest trends and news in your industry. Don’t hesitate to be social and start connecting and collaborating with the experts in your field.
Think of other ways you can learn new things each day. Choose diverse but reliable sources. Don’t forget to reflect on your learnings, apply them to your everyday life whenever possible, and always believe that you can improve each day.
Not everything that works for you will work well with others. But if there is one thing for sure, it is that failure to create and act on your career plan puts your career at a standstill or even at risk. Choosing to be reactive won’t help you formulate creative solutions to your emerging problems. And depriving yourself of education limits your future. Choose otherwise and you can enjoy greater success in your career.
