- Choose a career wisely
The first secret to a successful career is choosing a career that’s a good fit with your gifts, talents and training. Perhaps you can talk with a career coach or counselor who can help you make the best decision. They can also offer assessment tools to discover your strengths and talents. Set aside some time to think about what’s important to you when it comes to a career, and ask yourself:
- What are my interests, experience and skills?
- Do I want to work for myself?
- What kind of work environment is appealing?
- What am I passionate about?
- Develop valuable skills
A majority of employers will hire or promote someone based on their skills and training. Do you have the skills it takes to become successful? Look for ways to develop those skills. With free and low-cost online learning platforms you may find opportunities to learn and maintain valuable skills. Become an ‘expert‘ in what you are interested in doing for your career.
- Create and achieve goals
Research shows very few people actually have written goals. One of the secrets to having a successful career is deciding what you’d like to accomplish and writing these goals down. Then create an action plan of steps you can take to achieve your goals. Look at your goals—either daily or weekly—to remind you of what you’re working toward. Achieving these goals will encourage you as you continue in your career.
- Set clear boundaries
Many of us spend long hours at work. And in our tech-filled world, it’s hard to unplug from work when we go home. The best way to have a good balance in your work and home life is to know your limits clearly. Knowing what you are willing to do and what is best for you and your family will be imperative for you to know and establish. If your work environment consistently conflicts with your boundaries and values it may be time to consider finding a new job.
- Learn from mistakes
Realizing you made a mistake on your job is a hard pill to swallow. But no matter how long you’ve been working in your career, you’re still going to make some mistakes and something that you can learn. Learn to accept responsibility, make restitution and listen to feedback. Then begin to put into practice the lessons learned.
- Be a team-player
It’s easy to focus on yourself and try to go it alone. But one of the most important secrets to having a successful career is to be a team-player. Even the Bible points this out: “As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend,” (Proverbs 27:17). Choose to see your coworkers as allies who can help you learn. If you work with someone who is doing a great job, compliment them and encourage them. Being a team-player will help you nurture relationships with peers and stand out as an exceptional employee to your boss.
