What do you do if your career is stagnant and you want to open new doors?

I have found that the first step of progression is actually to stop! Taking time for personal reflection can help to develop perspective on not only the goal you want to accomplish, but where you are starting from. It is from this vantage point of personal awareness that we can begin to build our steps towards our goals, using what skills we already have and identifying points to deepen current skills, gain new experiences or develop additional skills.

Assessing your career honestly is crucial when faced with stagnation. Here’s a concise guide: Recognize Signs: Acknowledge boredom, lack of growth, or unchanging salary/title. Self-Reflection: Evaluate skills, interests, and learning opportunities. Set Clear Goals: Define where you want to be and what qualifications you need. Inventory Skills: Identify mastered and needed skills. Update Skills: Stay current; seek training or certifications. Network and Mentor: Connect with professionals; seek guidance. Explore Roles: Consider industry switches or lateral moves. Embrace Change: Don’t fear leaving comfort zones. Stay Positive: Overcoming stagnation takes time; stay motivated. Adaptability: Be open to change; seize new opportunities

The most common barrier when faced with this question is in not adequately exploring the ways in which we interfere with ourselves (our own doubts, fear of failure, judgmental thinking, and confusion or lack of clarity about our own goals. A coach can help unlock the answers that are buried deep under all the interference that we create for ourselves.

Consider using the Enneagram type indicator to help you improve your self-awareness. When was the last time you genuinely assessed your career path with honesty? What do you truly love about your current role, and what are you merely enduring? How closely does this role align with the future you envision for yourself? This reflection isn't just about identifying gaps; it's about recognizing opportunities for growth or a pivot. Could this be the moment to realign your career with your aspirations? What's one step you can take today towards that alignment?

There's nothing better than to leave one's comfort zone to go and explore something else that we think may convert into personal growth. Imagine yourself with a deep understanding of your native language, but without the ability of speaking other languages, and then finding yourself surrounded by others that do not speak your own. Would it not be better if you were capable of communicating with everyone (or at least a few)? After all these years I tend to adhere to Robert Heinlein's quote of "specialization is for insects", in a sense that, even if we should pursue a deep understanding of our main area(s), delving into the ones that surround us is critical for one's growth and prosperity.

Read as much as you can, especially books of a rich diversity of authors on many topics. They are a treasure trove to increasing our knowledge, insights, and ability to connect to others’ perspectives. Further to this, have meaningful conversations with others; as Gloria Steinem said, the stories of each other’s lives are our best textbooks.

Successful people know that there is always room for growth and development. They prioritize learning and seek out opportunities to improve their skills and knowledge. To continuously learn and improve, start by identifying areas where you want to grow. This could be a new skill, a subject you want to learn more about, or a weakness you want to overcome. Then, seek out resources and opportunities to learn and improve.

When your career feels stagnant, continual learning is your compass: Curiosity: Cultivate it—read, attend webinars, explore courses. Skill Expansion: Identify gaps; learn coding, data analysis, etc. Certifications: Validate expertise (e.g., AWS, PMP, CISSP). Network: Connect, attend conferences, engage on LinkedIn. Mentorship: Learn from peers; offer your skills in return. Stay Current: Subscribe, follow thought leaders. Apply Skills: Hands-on practice matters. Adaptability: Embrace change; upskill. Feedback: Seek it; iterate. Passion: Pursue what excites you.

Curiosity can be a superpower if you wield it wisely. Learn for the pure joy of understanding yourself and the world better. Have you considered what new skills or knowledge could reignite your passion for your work? When was the last time you stepped out of your comfort zone to learn something entirely new, not just for advancement but for the sheer joy of discovery? How might dedicating time to learn continuously transform not only your career trajectory, but also your perspective on what's possible? Can embrace a mindset of perpetual growth lead you to doors you never noticed before? What's one step you could take today towards this lifelong journey of learning?

My experience has shown that the vast majority of opportunities are never published. You need to know someone who knows something who is willing to share that information with you. I know some people advise to network strategically, but I beg to differ. We never know who might have access to the right opportunity. Passing on networking with someone just because he/she doesn’t fit your industry/location/position/experience expectations could lead to lost opportunities in a big way.

Evaluate the available opportunities, select one and JUMP..!! If nothing is OK at that point of time, do more networking for more opportunities. Then REPEAT 3x

Expand Your Reach: Attend industry events, conferences, and webinars. Engage. Quality Over Quantity: Focus on meaningful connections—build relationships with peers, mentors, and experts. Share Knowledge: Contribute insights; be a resource for others. Attend Meetups and Workshops: Participate locally; learn and collaborate. Seek Mentorship: Connect with experienced professionals; learn from their journeys. Reciprocity Matters: Offer help; networking is a two-way street. Stay Updated: Follow trends, news, and innovations; discuss with your network. Be Authentic: Build trust; authenticity yields better opportunities. Follow Up: After events, nurture relationships over time. Stay Positive: Networking takes time; be patient and open-minded

Your circle has a significant impact on your personal and professional growth. Building a network of success-minded individuals is essential if you want to achieve your goals and unlock your full potential. By surrounding yourself with people who share your values, beliefs, and ambitions, you can stay motivated, hold yourself accountable, and gain access to opportunities that would otherwise be closed.

“Innovate and Share” is a powerful approach to break career stagnation. It involves creating new ideas, methods, or solutions (innovate) and disseminating them within your network (share). This can lead to recognition, learning opportunities, and potentially open new doors in your career. It encourages continuous learning, collaboration, and adaptability, which are key to career growth in today’s dynamic work environment. Remember, innovation isn’t just about big ideas; it’s also about unique ways to solve small, everyday problems. Sharing these innovations helps build your personal brand and establishes you as a thought leader in your field. So, start innovating and sharing today

Share to help ignite others' zest for development because we all tend to keep the status quo. When was the last time you ventured beyond comfort to innovate in your role? Have you considered the power of sharing your insights and breakthroughs with a wider audience? How might stepping into the spotlight as a contributor to your field refresh your career and position you as a beacon for change and innovation? What's one idea you could share today that might open a new door tomorrow?

Avast ye! ?? If ye be aimin' to carve a path as a thought leader and unlock new opportunities in yer career, set sail fer innovation in yer current berth! Be the buccaneer who charts new waters and discovers untapped treasures. Once ye've plundered those riches of knowledge and wisdom, share 'em with the world! Whether it be tellin' tales on the digital parchment, raisin' yer voice at gatherings of fellow sea dogs, or joinin' in hearty discussions with yer peers, spread the word far and wide! Show the world yer savvy and passion, and ye'll find yerself hoistin' the flag of a true thought leader, with doors of opportunity swingin' wide open fer ye to plunder! ??

“Volunteer Strategically” is a concept that involves choosing volunteer opportunities with a strategic mindset to advance your career. It’s not just about giving back to the community, but also about developing new skills, expanding your network, and gaining experiences that are relevant to your career goals. For instance, if you’re in the marketing field, volunteering to manage a non-profit’s social media campaign can help you gain practical experience. Similarly, if you’re interested in leadership roles, taking a lead position in a volunteer organization can provide you with valuable management experience. The key is to choose volunteer roles that align our own career path and can help demonstrate our abilities to potential employers

One of the key skills I am working on currently is ‘sitting with uncertainty’. This has not been a comfortable place for me personally but after coming to the realisation during my studies that uncertainty goes hand in hand with change, I realise now how important it is to have a robust well considered plan for change. Yet in the next step be open and accepting that there are almost always variables outside of my control when we are in the world of social change. Thus, no amount of planning and forethought can accurately predict every period of change, sometimes we have to adapt to change outside of our control, so sitting with uncertainty enables me to be prepared for the unexpected.

Ahoy there, matey! ? If ye find yer career becalmed in the doldrums and yearn to chart a new course, then it be time to hoist the sails of change! Embrace the winds of transformation and be willing to venture beyond yer familiar shores. Whether it be swappin' professions, weighin' anchor for a new berth, or even chartin' yer own course as a captain of industry, be ready to adapt and evolve. Remember, every voyage, be it smooth sailin' or stormy seas, be a chance to learn and grow. So keep a weather eye on the horizon and a flexible spirit in yer heart, and ye'll find yerself ready to seize the treasures of fresh opportunities awaitin' ye! ??

Embracing change is a journey that requires courage, resilience, and an unwavering belief in our potential to grow. It's essential to recognize that change can be difficult, but navigating these challenges can lead us to remarkable personal transformation. Let's remember that the path to success is often paved with obstacles, uncertainty, and a little self-doubt. Yet, in every challenge lies an opportunity for growth and self-discovery. As we step out of our comfort zone and confront our fears, we begin to unlock strengths we never knew we had.

To succeed, reinvent yourself every three years and stay ahead of the curve. The "S curve" model demonstrates the life cycle of skills in a company or career. Don't wait until it's too late to reinvent, and transform your life and career according to who you are with Personal Reinvention. Whenever you start something new, you start at the base of an S curve, where growth is slow. Progress to the steep part of the curve where growth feels fast, and then to mastery where growth slows down. Overcome your old self, focus on the future, and recognize when it's time to introduce the next personal reinvention to continue your journey of personal growth and self-improvement. Remember, change drives life.

In addition to the other sections of this article: -Developing a personal brand involves showcasing expertise and achievements through platforms like LinkedIn or personal blogs, engaging with audiences to establish credibility. -Diversifying skills beyond current roles, through interdisciplinary learning or additional training, ensures adaptability. -Side projects or freelancing offer opportunities to broaden experience and income streams, leveraging expertise for diverse clients. -Evaluating work-life balance is vital, setting boundaries for personal well-being and productivity, and seeking support when needed.