7 Steps to Successfully Owning Your Career
Posted on September 18, 2023 by Natasha Mehra, One of Thousands of Career Coaches on Noomii.
Are you looking or the secret ingredients for your Career Growth and Success? What you need is this 7 step guide to successfully owning your career.
Ah, success – that elusive gem we’re all hunting for. Whether it’s the vision of a corner office with a view, the satisfaction of leaving a mark in your field, or simply achieving a harmonious work-life balance, the definition of success is as varied as we are. But regardless of what success looks like to you, the journey to attain it often follows a universal path.
If you’ve ever wondered about the secret ingredients to accelerate your career growth and success, you’ve come to the right place. Science, experience, and countless success stories have coalesced into a 7-step guide that acts as your north star. Ready? Let’s dive in!
1. Self-awareness: Know Thyself
It all starts here. A study published in the Journal of Vocational Behavior emphasizes the strong correlation between self-awareness and career success. By understanding your strengths, weaknesses, passions, and aversions, you can set more realistic, aligning, and fulfilling career goals.
Action step: Dedicate time each week for introspection. Consider tools like the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator or the StrengthsFinder test to gain deeper insights.
2. Continuous Learning: The Road to Mastery
The Harvard Business Review once noted that the most successful individuals are those who never stop learning. With the rapid pace of industry evolution, continuous learning isn’t just an asset—it’s a necessity.
Action step: Identify areas in your field that are rapidly changing and seek out courses, webinars, or workshops to stay updated.
3. Networking: It’s Who You Know
The old adage, “It’s not what you know, but who you know,” holds weight in today’s interconnected world. Building genuine relationships can open doors to opportunities you didn’t even know existed.
Action step: Join industry-specific groups on platforms like LinkedIn, attend conferences, or consider local networking events.
4. Setting Clear Goals: Your Career Compass
The American Psychological Association emphasizes the power of goal-setting. Having clear, measurable goals act as your compass, ensuring you always have direction and purpose.
Action step: Break down your ultimate career goal into smaller, manageable milestones and celebrate each achievement.
5. Feedback is Gold: Embrace Constructive Criticism
A study from the Journal of Occupational and Organisational Psychology suggests that professionals who actively seek and utilize feedback tend to outperform their peers. Feedback, especially the constructive kind, is growth fuel.
Action step: Regularly ask for feedback from colleagues, superiors, and even subordinates. More importantly, act on it.
6. Work-life Balance: The Unsung Hero of Success
Burnout is real, and it’s a career killer. Research from Stanford Graduate School of Business indicates that professionals who maintain a work-life balance are more productive, innovative, and less prone to burnout.
Action step: Set clear boundaries for work hours, take regular breaks, and ensure you’re dedicating time to personal endeavours and family.
7. Seek Coaching & Mentorship: Shortcut to Success
Behind most success stories is a mentor guiding the way. A study from the Journal of Applied Psychology found that individuals with coaches mentors experience faster career progression and greater satisfaction.
Action step: Identify professionals you admire in your field and approach them for mentorship or coaching. Remember, mentorship is a two-way street—both parties should benefit and coaching will give you the tools you need to enable you.
The secret to owning your career isn’t about finding that one magic bullet—it’s about a consistent, holistic approach. These seven steps, grounded in evidence and time-tested wisdom, are your ticket to a career that’s not only successful but also deeply fulfilling.
The path to success is rarely a straight line, but with this blueprint in hand, you’re well-equipped to navigate the twists and turns. Start today, and remember: your career is a marathon, not a sprint. Own it, cherish it, and thrive in it.
