You're aiming for long-term career success. How can you choose the right skills to develop?

If I were starting my career over, I'd focus on these steps: Identify the top skills in demand in my industry. Pick 3 skills that genuinely interest me. Dedicate 1 hour a day to learning and practicing each skill. Seek feedback from mentors and peers regularly. Consistency over time is the key. Imagine where you'd be in a year if you started today.

Begin by assessing the needs of your industry. Identify the skills that are currently in high demand by examining job postings, industry news, and professional forums. It's crucial to consider both hard skills, like specific software expertise or technical knowledge, and soft skills, such as leadership, communication, and problem-solving. By understanding what employers are looking for, you can create a targeted plan for skill development, positioning yourself as a valuable asset in your field.

- Evaluate Job Requirements: Analyze the skills and qualifications commonly required in your desired roles or industry. - Seek Feedback: Ask mentors, colleagues, or supervisors for insights on areas where you can improve or which skills are valuable. - Identify Skill Gaps: Compare your current skills with those needed for your career goals and focus on closing these gaps.

It's always a good idea to assess your skillset to identify where there may be gaps. Look at both industry-specific skills and easily transferrable skills like communication, collaboration, and problem-solving. Think about the most successful people in your industry - what skills do they possess that contribute to their success? Then ask yourself: Where do you shine? Where can you do more?

Think about future trends and their potential impact on your field. For instance, if automation is set to change your industry, it would be beneficial to learn how to work with emerging technologies. Keep yourself informed by reading industry publications and attending professional events. This foresight will not only help you stay prepared for changes but also position you as a forward-thinking leader among your peers.

- Research Industry Trends: Stay informed about emerging technologies and evolving practices that will shape your industry’s future. - Focus on In-Demand Skills: Prioritize developing skills that are projected to be in high demand, such as digital literacy or data analysis. - Adapt to Change: Be prepared to continuously learn and adapt to new trends to keep your skill set relevant and competitive.

It's amazing when you can build a business around what you love. It's important to understand yourself and master the skills you're already good at. Think about how you can create a business from those skills, but remember it will take time. Before diving in, take calculated risks. Understand the potential of the field, its earning capacity, and career growth. If these align with your goals and you're comfortable with them, that's great. To clarify what you truly want, ask yourself the "5 why" questions.

Confidence is the feeling of self-assurance arising from one's appreciation of one's abilities and qualities. After hearing this VERY actionable definition, I realized that I needed to take a good look at the abilities and qualities (AKA skills) that I am good at. That I value about myself. And once I do, I can double down on them. Make them a big part of my personal brand. Try this: 1) What are 5 abilities that you appreciate about yourself? 2) What are 5 qualities that you appreciate about yourself? 3) Pick 1 of each and come up with 2-3 ways that you can display these skills to the world this week.

Reflect on your personal strengths and interests. Developing skills in areas where you naturally excel or feel passionate can lead to greater job satisfaction and proficiency. If you're unsure of your strengths, consider taking personality tests or career assessments. Focusing on these areas can often result in a more enjoyable and successful career trajectory.

- Leverage Your Talents: Identify and develop skills where you already show natural ability or strong interest. - Align with Passion: Focus on skills that align with your interests and passions, making it easier to stay motivated and excel. - Build on Core Competencies: Enhance skills that complement your existing strengths, creating a unique and valuable professional profile.

Cultivating learning agility is crucial for enhancing your career longevity. This meta-skill involves quickly learning new skills and adapting to change. Embrace challenges as opportunities to learn and actively seek ways to step out of your comfort zone. This proactive approach to learning will keep you versatile and prepared to tackle new roles or projects as they arise.

Tap into your network for valuable insights into future skills. Engage with mentors, colleagues, and industry leaders to discuss the skills they view as crucial for upcoming trends. Networking goes beyond connections; it's about sharing knowledge and staying informed about industry changes. These conversations offer a broader perspective and can reveal skill gaps you might not have anticipated.

Lastly, dedicate yourself to continuous learning. Given that the career terrain is constantly evolving, your skill set must also evolve. Whether through formal education, online courses, or self-directed study, make learning a regular part of your routine. By consistently updating your skills, you'll not only stay abreast of developments but also unlock new opportunities and career pathways.

For so long I focused on growing hard skills, but it is the soft skills that will really get you far. Yes, of course, you need to know how to do the things. But it is also REALLY important to build the soft skills that will make you stand out on a human level. Some of my favorite soft skills (and skills I look for in team members) are: -curiosity -adaptability -empathy -self-awareness -leadership -resilience

How do you feel about yourself? Do you have the foundation within yourself to stay on the long path and not abandon yourself? This is one of the most important necessities for any long-term endeavor. Ask yourself: Can I remain connected to myself no matter what life brings my way? What would that look like? Feel like? Can I look back on my past experiences and reflect on a time when I did that? Gather the evidence of how you're able to be there with yourself and stick with yourself. The skill of self-connection/self-belief/faith in oneself will stand for you no matter where your path takes you.