Stop and Start These 12 Things To Boost Your Career in 2024!
Discover the 12 behaviors you need to avoid in order to boost your career in 2024 and achieve professional growth.
Success in your career isn't merely about the actions you take. Sometimes, it's about the actions you avoid. In an ever-evolving work environment, it's increasingly essential to recognize and tackle behaviors that may be stunting your professional growth. As a professional career coach I have worked with many clients at different stages of success and I have helped them further that success. In this article I will share 12 things you must stop or start doing to boost your career in 2024.
1. Stop Winging it (Start Planning)
Planning is an integral part of professional growth. The adage, "Fail to plan, plan to fail," couldn't ring truer in today's competitive job market. Without a clear career plan, it's easy to lose sight of your goals, resulting in a haphazard approach to your job. Instead, draft a comprehensive career plan that outlines your short-term and long-term objectives. This plan will serve as your roadmap, guiding you towards the desired career trajectory. One of the most common pitfalls I see when people are winging it is that they only end up doing things that are a low barrier to entry. If it is easy for you to apply to a job online with a generic resume in one click then it is easy for everyone else too.
2. Stop Working on Autopilot (Start Engaging)
Coasting through your career can lead to stagnation. If you're merely going through the motions without any conscious effort or enthusiasm, you're doing a disservice to your professional growth. It's crucial to break free from this career autopilot mode and actively engage with your tasks. Align your work with your career goals and stay away from anything that can derail your progress. One of the biggest benefits of engaging with your work is it allows you to notice what works and what doesn’t. If you explore those ideas a little more you may be able to come up with a way to optimize your day to day work and create more efficiency for your employer. If you quantify how you make or save your employer money you have easy grounds to ask for a raise.
3. Stop Avoiding Growth (Believing You Know It All)
Adapting a know-it-all attitude can become your professional downfall. With the workplace constantly evolving, resting on your laurels isn't an option. Embrace a growth mindset, and strive for continuous learning. This not only involves augmenting your existing skill set but also seeking out fresh perspectives and ideas that challenge your current knowledge. Staying on top of your industry and the current edge technologies and methodologies is one of the best ways to remain competitive in the job market.
4. Stop Putting Yourself Last (Death by 1000 Paper Cuts)
Sacrificing your needs for the sake of others might seem like a noble act, but it could lead to burnout. It's crucial to prioritize your well-being and carve out time for self-care. This applies inside and outside of your career. In your career, time-blocking your time so you can work on your own individual contributions or stretch projects that will create progress is an essential step of putting yourself first. Outside of your career looking after your physical and mental health, enables you to show up fully energized and ready to tackle professional challenges.
5. Stop Succumbing to Burnout (Remember Time is Your Most Valuable Asset)
The one thing that everyone on this planet has in common is the number of hours, minutes and seconds in a day and that it is limited. Time is a nonrenewable resource. If you're not careful, your days can quickly become a blur of endless tasks and meetings, leaving you feeling overwhelmed and burnt out. It's essential to protect your time by setting boundaries and learning to say no. Focus on tasks that align with your career goals and outsource or delegate the ones that don't. Don’t be one of the 3 in 5 people that are experiencing negative mental and physical impacts of work related stress. APA Work Well Being Survey
6. Stop Failing to Track and Publicize Your Accomplishments (Start Advocating for Your Successes)
Keeping a record of your achievements is an effective way to showcase your value to your organization. If you're not documenting your successes, you're missing out on crucial opportunities for career advancement. You are missing out on career advancement opportunities because unlike what you were told your work does not speak for itself you have to speak for it. Create a professional portfolio that highlights your accomplishments, competencies, and skills. This will serve as tangible proof of your capabilities when seeking promotions or negotiating salary increments.
Related:
Mastering the Art of Self Promotion
7. Stop Assuming Everyone Knows Your Value
Don't be the best-kept secret in your industry. If you're relying on others to recognize and appreciate your value without any effort from your end, you're setting yourself up for disappointment. Be proactive in showcasing your expertise and contributions, whether it's through regular updates on your LinkedIn profile or sharing your insights on social media platforms. If you are gunning for an internal promotion you need to be having regular check-ins with the decision makers advocating for your successes and clearly communicating your goal.
8. Staying Quiet (Not Asking for What You Want)
Silence won't get you far in your career. If you have specific career aspirations or needs, voice them. Whether it's seeking more responsibilities, requesting a raise, or expressing your interest in a promotion, it's crucial to communicate your desires clearly. Remember, you won't get what you want if you don't ask for it.
9. Stop Going it Alone or Surrounding Yourself with People Who Don’t Encourage Your Ambition
Your professional growth is influenced by the company you keep. Surround yourself with supportive and ambitious individuals who inspire and motivate you to achieve your career goals. At the same time, remember that you don't have to do everything alone. Don't hesitate to seek help or guidance from others, be it mentors, colleagues, or coaches. Remember one of the fastest ways to get to where the people one or more steps ahead of you is to learn from their mistakes.
10. Stop Keeping a Negative Mindset (Start a Positive Feedback Loop)
A negative mindset can be a significant barrier to career success. Dwelling on the downsides of your job or focusing on what's not working can drain your energy and motivation. I can speak from personal experience as well as from what I have seen in my clients. Human psychology has this incredible affinity for the negative emotions we feel. It is instinctual as it facilitated our survival. However in the modern day where most of our failures are not going to result in life and death it is not a useful quirk. Instead, cultivate a positive outlook, and focus on the aspects of your job that you enjoy and excel at. A positive mindset will help you navigate career challenges with resilience and determination. Focusing on the positive you can see how you get 1% better each day and this is a positive feedback loop that will compound so long as you stick with it.
11. Stop Having Tunnel Vision (Start Broadening Your Horizons)
While having a career plan is crucial, it's equally important not to let it limit your vision. Be open to opportunities that may not be part of your plan. Sometimes, the best career moves are the ones you didn't anticipate. Being flexible and adaptable can open doors to exciting and rewarding career paths.
12. Stop Neglecting and Ignoring Feedback
Feedback, whether positive or negative, is a valuable resource for professional growth. It provides insights into your performance and highlights areas for improvement. Ignoring feedback can result in missed opportunities for growth and development. Take feedback to heart, learn from it, and use it as a stepping stone to enhance your skills and performance.
Tip: When you receive feedback and consider taking it to heart it is important to think about who is giving it. If they are not on the trajectory you want perhaps that means do the opposite of what they suggest. If they are on the path you want for yourself truly follow it. Last but not least if it is feedback coming from your manager or the decision maker for promotions or raises always take the feedback and integrate it.
Conclusion
In conclusion, overcoming these self-imposed barriers can significantly enhance your career growth. It's about being proactive, adaptable, and open-minded. Remember, the path to career success isn't about doing more; it's about doing less of what's holding you back. Start today, stop these 12 things and propel your career forward in 2024.
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