Career Success: 6 Steps to Proactively Manage Your Path

Managing your career can be challenging and overwhelming at times, especially in a constantly changing world. 

Whether you are just starting your career or have been in the workforce for several years, taking proactive steps to manage your career is essential. 

This article will discuss the six steps that can help you manage your career effectively and with a positive mindset.

Adopt a learning mindset

In today's fast-paced world, the only constant is change, and keeping up with new developments in your field is essential. Staying curious and open to new ideas, perspectives, and opportunities is important. Continuous learning can help you develop new skills and knowledge that will be valuable in your current and future roles. Read industry publications and books, listen to podcasts and watch content on YouTube, attend conferences and workshops, and seek feedback from your colleagues and mentors.

Work on your resilience

Building resilience means being able to bounce back from setbacks and challenges. In a career, setbacks can come in the form of rejections, failures, or unexpected changes in the industry. To build resilience, it's important to practice self-care, maintain a positive outlook, and seek support from your network of advisors. Remember that setbacks are a natural part of the career journey; every experience is an opportunity to learn and grow.

Build a network of advisors

I like to call it a Personal Board of Directors. Because just like a company needs a board for advice and direction, so do individuals. A strong network can provide valuable insights, guidance, and opportunities. Identify people in your industry with expertise and seek their advice. Look for mentors who can provide you with guidance and support. It's also essential to build relationships with colleagues and peers who can provide you with feedback and opportunities for collaboration.

Define your role model skills and expertise

Role models can provide you with inspiration and guidance on the skills and knowledge you need to develop. Identify people in your industry who you admire and respect and study their skills, expertise, and career paths. Use this information to identify the skills and knowledge you need to develop to achieve your career goals.

Your role model doesn’t need to be a specific person. It can be an amalgam of skills, personality traits, and experiences you gather and see in various people you look up to. 

Work towards your role model

Once you have identified the skills and expertise you need to develop, create a plan to achieve your goals. The best way to do that is to ask questions. What will this role model know, do, etc., and for every question, you should list of you already know or have experienced. If you haven’t, make a plan to close the gap between you and that role model. 

This plan should include specific actions you will take to build your skills, such as attending training courses, taking on new projects, or seeking mentorship. Make sure to set realistic goals and timelines and monitor your progress regularly. 

Let go of baggage 

The sixth and final step to managing your career is to let go of baggage. Letting go of past failures, rejections, or mistakes can be challenging, but it is essential to move forward. Remember that every experience is a lesson, and every setback is an opportunity to learn and grow. Focus on what you have learned from past experiences and use this knowledge to shape your future career decisions.

Managing your career requires a proactive approach and a positive mindset. Adopting a learning mindset, building resilience, building a network of advisors, defining your role model skills and expertise, working towards your role model, and letting go of baggage are six steps that can help you manage your career effectively. Remember that your career journey is unique, and it's essential to create a plan that works for you. Keep an open mind, stay curious, and stay focused on your goals, and you will be on your way to a successful and fulfilling career.

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I'm Osnat (Os) Benari . I can help you and your organization see opportunities in change.

I also wrote the book 📘Starting From Scratch - Manage Change Like Your Career Depends On It

Follow #startingfromscratch and tap 🔔 for more leadership, career-restart, and product management content.