Your career is yours to shape. It’s your story, your adventure, and your chance to make an impact.
I’m sharing my 5 simple (but proven) strategies to help you take charge and thrive in your work.
1. Own Your Development
Nobody cares more about your growth than you do. Waiting for someone else to hand you opportunities is a surefire way to stay stagnant.
Take ownership by:
- Seeking out new challenges
- Building relationships with mentors and peers
- Investing in courses, books, or workshops that grow your expertise
Owning your development doesn’t just build skills; it builds confidence and resilience.
2. Never Let Anyone Put You in a Box
As Steve Jobs said “Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life.”
How often do we find ourselves defined by outdated perceptions or other people’s expectations? Your career path doesn’t need to fit into someone else’s box.
Challenge assumptions, explore possibilities, and don’t hesitate to create your own rules. Remember, innovation and growth often happen outside the lines.
PS - you can have multiple careers over your life!
3. Discover and Leverage Your Strengths
“No one can discover you until you do. Exploit your talents, skills and strengths, and make the world sit up and take notice.” - Rob Liano.
Do you know what sets you apart? Understanding your strengths is critical for aligning your career with what you do best. When you play to your strengths, you naturally perform better and feel more energised.
Consider tools like the Strengths Profile to uncover your unique talents and gain insights into how to use them effectively. Once you know your strengths, advocate for roles, tasks, and opportunities that let them shine.
4. Always Have a Plan
Dreaming big is important, but so is having a plan to back it up. Ask yourself:
- Where do I want to go in the next 1–3 years?
- What skills or experiences will I need to get there?
- What are the projects, people, networking opportunities that could help me achieve my goals?
- Who are my advocates at work that can help me?
Proactively filling capability gaps puts you in the driver’s seat, ensuring you’re ready to seize opportunities before they arise.
5. Add a Career Coach to Your Team
A career coach is like having a personal trainer for your professional life. They help you clarify your goals, offer insights into overcoming challenges, and provide actionable steps to move forward.
The best part? A career coach isn’t just for when you feel stuck. They’re invaluable for accelerating your progress, helping you navigate career transitions, and building a roadmap for success.
Client Story:
Anna:
"Julie helped me clarify my strengths and through our conversations, she helped me articulate the value I bring and what makes me unique. This enabled me to communicate my unique value, clearly and confidently. Throughout the coaching program, Julie took a holistic approach to my mental and physical well-being, which I greatly valued and found immensely helpful. I now know exactly what I want, and I’m actively working to make it happen."
Your career is your story, your legacy, and your chance to make an impact. By implementing these strategies—seeking support, embracing your strengths, challenging limits, planning ahead, and owning your growth—you’ll create a career that’s as fulfilling as it is successful.
Now, over to you: What’s one strategy you’ll implement today to take charge of your career? Let me know in the comments or connect with me directly—I’d love to hear from you!
