When it’s time for a change, there’s no greater way to start the process than by altering your daily habits to set yourself up for success. Whether you’re ready for a promotion, want to change careers, or make the leap into entrepreneurship, your choices put you in the position to achieve your goals. This means more than simply showing up to work on time and doing your job well. If you want to pave the path toward greatness no matter which direction you choose, your positive habits have to extend beyond 9 to 5.
Here are a few things you can do starting today:
Learn something new
It doesn’t matter how long you’ve been in your career, there’s always something new to learn. Subscribe to industry blogs, read business publications, and stay up-to-date on innovations that relate to your field. Similarly, consider finding a mentor, whose knowledge can guide you through the transition of a promotion, corporate restructuring, or career path change. You can also find information through business websites such as Oberlo, which provides e-books, guides, and online training courses. If you are on a tight budget, take advantage of free online learning classes. Harvard University, for example, offers no-cost courses on everything from web programming to copyright law.
Start your day early
Many of the most successful people throughout history report being early risers. The vast majority of individuals are most productive in the morning when they exhibit better problem-solving abilities, which are both traits that all high-level executives and business owners must possess. But you can’t just wake up, grab some coffee, and watch the news, you’ll need to put that time to good use. Reader’s Digest explains that Richard Branson, Arianna Huffington, and other power people use their mornings to eat breakfast, exercise, and prioritize their tasks for the day. Mornings are also a great opportunity to reach out to potential new employers – your correspondence will hit their inbox before they become distracted by the day.
Plan for success
In addition to planning out each day, you’ll find it easier to achieve your goals if you develop detailed short- and long-term plans. These plans should include steps that help you measure your progress. For example, if your goal is to start your own business, your personal narrative should consist of specific actions you’ll have to take to make it a reality. This will encompass everything from how you plan to launch your business while you continue to work, achieving the necessary credentials, and how you will set your company apart from the competition. If your goals don’t include entrepreneurship, you can still create an effective career plan using these tips from the Career Advising & Professional Development department at MIT.
Set yourself up as an authority
As a professional, you have a unique set of experiences you can use to your advantage when seeking a promotion, moving to a new company, or launching your own brand. You can set yourself up as an authority by joining and actively participating in trade organizations and sharing your knowledge on easily accessible platforms, such as through volunteering or by maintaining a professional blog. Make yourself visible to key people within your organization and industry, and don’t be shy about discussing your accomplishments when asked. Maintain an air of humble self-confidence in all situations. This will allow your expertise to shine through in a way that makes you approachable for new opportunities.
Before you make any major career change, it’s crucial to set yourself up for success. You can do this by changing your habits to include actions that put you one step ahead no matter what industry you are in or where your future interests may take you.
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