8 career lessons that made all the difference

Written by: Rajiya Rijal, Senior Account Manager

Over the years, I have realized that success is seldom an end goal— rather, it is a long, personal journey with peaks and valleys. In this article, I have gathered insights from my own experiences that have helped me navigate my 10+ years in the tech industry.?

Whether you’re starting over or looking to grow, I hope this helps you.?

Define goals and achievable targets

It is easy to lose sight of the big picture if you do not have a clear idea of what you are working to achieve. It is very crucial to understand the goals you are working towards. Sometimes these goals could be related to your role and sometimes, you just have to ask the right questions to make sure you are aligned with the company’s collective goal.

Looking at the larger goal and not knowing when and how to start can be overwhelming.

I recommend breaking down a big goal into smaller achievable targets. This approach will not only help you get started, but also help you define a roadmap towards the goal you have in mind. There are a couple of frameworks that can help you with setting goals, like SMART goals, OKRs, and The Goal Pyramid. I swear by a SMART To-Do list!

Reward yourself when you achieve a target

Do not wait for someone else to reward you for achieving your target. Self-sufficiency takes you a long way. Always find an internal way to motivate yourself. Success is about acknowledging the small milestones along the way. This could be as simple as taking a break, treating yourself to something special, or reflecting on the progress you’ve made. Rewards provide positive reinforcement and help keep you motivated throughout your journey.?

Sometimes I buy a book from my reading list as a gift for my achievements at work. It is possible to reward yourself even with a positive self-talk.

Strive for a marathon

Any personal or professional journey is rarely a result of a quick burst of effort. If you look at your career as a long-term goal, strive for a marathon, not a sprint. Achieving long-term goals takes a lot of preparation, dedication, and effort. Consistent effort is the key! Try to enjoy the journey and take every setback as an opportunity to learn.

Success comes in waves

Understanding that highs and lows are a part of success takes a lot of patience. It is easy to preach, however I find this one particularly hard to practice. When you set the bar high for yourself, it can be overwhelming for you long term. You could lose sight of the short-term milestones. It may seem petty at the time, but the key is to remain consistent. Hence, success comes in waves. While failures can be painful, it is very important to pick yourself back up if you want to strive for long-term success.?

Don’t seek external validation

This is a mantra I practice every day! Coming from a culture of receiving grade sheets at the end of every semester, this habit can be a tough one to crack. When you seek external validation, it is very easy to lose sight of the long-term goal you want to achieve. I recommend putting in your best consistent efforts and relying on results rather than an external validation that may not come your way.?

Be a phoenix every time

Failure is part of the package. Someone who hasn’t failed has not learned the lesson of getting back up. When you fail, don’t just learn from it. Transform and start the next chapter stronger with the lessons learned. When you are adaptable and flexible, the environment around you is more in your favor. This is especially true in the tech industry—remember to unlearn and relearn.?

For instance, during my first year working as a Project Manager, a client asked me how I organized the piling list of tasks in the ‘done’ column of a Kanban board. I did not know the answer. It was a strategic project for the company and I was replaced by a Senior Project Manager soon. Rather than holding back, this experience prompted me to learn more about the project management domain. I credit this experience till date to my career as a project manager.

Have the strongest work ethic

The fundamentals never fail you. This is a mantra I learned early in my career. When you have a strong work ethic and are committed to your work, it builds your character. Learning new skills and adapting is part of the trade, but building character is a life skill that can be your savior in testing times.?

Find balance

Like the ancient Chinese principle of Yin and Yang, finding a good balance between your professional and personal life is key to a long career. Always schedule time for your hobbies, interests, and family. A fulfilling career and personal life should co-exist and not compete. When you strike the right balance, you'll be able to sustain your energy and enthusiasm for both your career and your personal life.?

One of the things I learned from my mentor is that family and health always come first. It is the compass that steers me in the right direction. In particular, I am a mother of two young kids and I work full time. I have to prioritize on the go all the time. I always ask myself, “Is it urgent? And is it important?”

Final thoughts

Success is a multifaceted journey. It is personal and it comes with highs and lows. In my opinion, the key to long-term success is not rocket science. It can also be very personal to every individual. The key is to identify your criteria for success. Then, break it down and take one milestone at a time, learn as you go, and pick yourself back up when you fail!

What are your thoughts on this piece? Let us know in the comments, or reach out to Rajiya Rijal via LinkedIn.