NAVIGATING YOUR CAREER PATH REALISTICALLY
This morning, I was driving while listening to a podcast, and I was so inspired that I had to pull over to write down notes on my phone ( I overuse my notes app lol). I truly appreciated the honest and raw conversation between Rebecca Minkoff and Jenna Lyons, which covered a range of topics, including building confidence, patience in career advancement, grit, and addressing misperceptions.
A client of mine recently shared her ambitious goal of moving from an entry-level role to a senior leadership position within two and a half years. While it’s certainly an ambitious goal, is it truly achievable? Many people desire the title and salary, but the key misconception is that it all happens overnight. It doesn’t. It takes time, perseverance, and significant hard work.
I applaud and encourage my clients to have ambitious goals, but I also remind them to remain realistic about the journey ahead. While having big dreams is valuable, overly ambitious goals can lead to frustration and disappointment if you’re not seeing the results happen immediately. Climbing the corporate ladder is not for everyone; it can be incredibly challenging and lonely, especially for women who often face additional obstacles in the workplace.
That said, it’s important to focus on the small victories along the way. Celebrating these milestones not only brings you one step closer to your main goal but also fosters resilience and confidence, especially during the inevitable ups and downs of a corporate career. I always tell my clients to practice patience, break down their long-term goals into actionable steps, and take the time to recognize how far they’ve come.
Throughout my career, I have come to realize the following:
Developing Your Skills: Advancing in your career requires dedication and time to develop the necessary skills. Instead of setting stressful deadlines, focus on growth and learning without rushing the process—this approach ensures you’re better equipped for future roles. Trust me, there are always opportunities for growth; do your best to acquire as much knowledge as possible.
Build a Reputation For Yourself: Earning respect in your industry takes time and consistent effort. If you want to be considered for new opportunities or future advancement roles, building a solid reputation is key.
Decision-Making Skills: Making time to reflect, practicing patience, and being less reactive can lead to improved decision-making. Sometimes it’s better to ruminate on things a bit longer before making a final decision.
I hope this blog post resonates with you and your own career journey!