Own Your Career

Your career is up to you. Here’s how to own it.

1. Know what you want and why you want it.
   We all have to sell ourselves at some point and it’s much easier to sell yourself when you work with a purpose. A big indicator of your purpose is feeling fulfilled by your contributions and having fun doing it. So, what’s your story?
   
2. Be self-reflective and own your strengths & weaknesses.
   Look inward and be honest with yourself. Knowing what you’re not good at is just as important as knowing what you are good at. Acknowledging your faults, and the willingness to grow, is a sign of strength.
   
3. Be open to feedback.
   Feedback is tricky, but it’s a gift. Here’s a secret: feedback is just that, feedback. It’s not the ‘one and only way’ to do something and meaningful feedback is not meant to shame you. Be a good listen, consider the source, perspective, situation and your values and apply appropriately.
   
4. Intentionally apply what you learn.
   Referencing #3, we can all learn something from feedback but this also means applying what you learn from conferences, webinars, and other events you spend money and time on. There is usually something to take away even if it’s not what you expected. Use your time wisely and find it.
   
5. Know your core values.
   Formally defining what is most important to you helps you make decisions, set boundaries and build meaningful relationships.
   
6. Ask for what you need.
   People can’t read your mind. If you’re not getting what you need to grow and advance your career, you need to ask for it. If you don’t know what to ask for, do more self-reflection. Go back to #2, #3 or #5 if you need a place to start.
   
7. Focus on your daily contributions, not money or title.
   Being fulfilled comes down to what you do every day. Yes, you need a certain income to live comfortably but if money is your goal, you will never reach it. When you faithfully continue to strive towards your purpose, the money will come. If more money is in fact what you need to make ends meet, see #6 and be prepared to justify your case for a raise or promotion.
   
8. Strive for excellence (not perfection) and consistently go above & beyond.
   Perfection doesn’t exist but there’s no harm in striving for excellence to keep challenging yourself and the status quo. Don’t settle for mediocre. Why not make going above and beyond the norm? Show people what you’re capable of and you’ll be entrusted with more and more.
   
9. Volunteer for things no one else wants to do.
   Similar to #8, these experiences will set you ahead of everyone else. Everyone remembers the one who stands out. The drive alone to embrace new things and face fears will be a big differentiator when it comes down to you and someone else for a new opportunity, position or promotion.
   
10. Learn from everyone around you but know who your trusted advisors are.
    Identifying a mentor is hard so keep it casual – no need to formalize a relationship and make it a chore. Network with a purpose to make genuine connections with those of like spirits and build a relationship you both benefit from. You’ll find some doozies in your search but you can learn from them too.
    
11. Look at challenges as opportunities and take advantage.
    ‘Challenges’ set us back but ‘opportunities’ indicate a drive for change. You won’t always get what you want, but if you can see the opportunity in those situations, you can find a new lesson to tackle and keep you moving forward. See #8.
    
12. Don’t be afraid to surpass your peers.
    Your success does not indicate their failure. They own their own careers and it comes down to the choices you make that move you forward or set yourself back.
    
13. Keep moving forward.
    Take chances. Fail. Learn from experience. Keep getting back up.
    
14. Pay it forward.
    Remember those who guided you on your path and contributed to your career and return the favor to someone else.