1. Take an action-oriented approach to your career. Establish goals and strategies that will allow you to leverage your talents. Leveraging your talents can be the difference between meaningful success and mind-numbing mediocrity. Align your professional goals with your strengths, interests, and experience and then chart a course for success by creating a plan that will allow you to utilize your talents to achieve your goals.
2. Make important decisions that will support your priorities. We all have different opinions on what is most important in life. There isn’t a right or wrong answer, whether it is money, family, or advancement. Always take these priorities into consideration when you have a decision to make. Ask yourself, “Will this enhance that which is important in my life?” If you don’t make conscious effort to assert your priorities in the decision-making process, you will find your career and your life going in the wrong direction.
3. Remove the word failure from your vocabulary. Successful executives don’t limit themselves to the status quo. From time to time, calculated risks must be taken. Unfortunately, a fear of failure prevents many professionals from such risks, holding them back from all they are capable of accomplishing. Try something new and if you don’t get the results you desire it doesn’t mean that you failed. Consider it a learning experience, reassess the situation, create a new plan and move forward.
4. Become an expert in your field. When you are leveraging your talents at work, you have the greatest opportunity to excel. Take this one step further by immersing yourself in the learning experience. Read industry publications and reports, stay informed of changing trends, and position yourself accordingly. Share your knowledge when appropriate and you will become the go-to person for advice in your specialty.
5. Build up your self-confidence. If you don’t believe in yourself, no one else will. Self-confidence is vital to achieving the greatness within you. Acknowledge and then eliminate any self-doubts that are standing between you and success. Surround yourself with people who will provide you with support and encouragement and stay away from those who erode your confidence.
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