When I finished university,
I traveled extensively and specialized in an area I thought would define my professional focus permanently. However, after obtaining a certification in that same field, I realized that skills I assumed I had mastered (like communication and leadership) still needed improvement. That realization marked a turning point in my career. Not only did I notice the change, but those around me started to see it too.
The shift to helping others grow
During this journey, I discovered something new that fueled my passion: helping others grow and adding value to their lives. As I reflected on my own experiences and those I’ve mentored, I realized that certain limiting beliefs often hold us back from reaching our full potential.
- "Find a job and stick with it": Many of us follow the traditional path of securing a stable job until retirement. While this mindset, passed down through generations, can provide security, it may also trap us in a comfort zone, preventing us from questioning whether we're truly satisfied with our career.
- Resistance to change: Often, we prefer comfort over the unknown. I know people who always order the same dish at a restaurant or take the same route to work. This resistance to change can hinder our professional growth.
- "Choose a career that sustains you": While this is a good initial strategy, we must understand that, like a business, our careers need constant reinvestment. We can't rely on one investment to last a lifetime, the world evolves, and we must evolve with it.
- "I can't grow anymore": Age or fear of appearing ignorant are common excuses that stop us from growing. The truth is, we can always learn something new, but we must be willing to take on the challenge.
Strategies to increment your professional growth
If any of these points resonate with you, here’s the good news: it’s always possible to grow. Growth is a personal decision, and being aware of this is the first step. Here are some strategies that have helped me grow intentionally:
- Assess your current situation: Take time to evaluate your strengths and weaknesses. Focus on polishing your strengths rather than obsessing over your weaknesses. Ask yourself: What’s more valuable, shining the gold you have or refining a stone that brings little value?
- Identify why you want to grow: What motivates you to advance? For me, it was the desire to be better at what I do. Every time I had a challenge, I’ve found an opportunity to turn it into a strength.
- Surround yourself with people who push you forward: We are the average of the five people we interact with the most. If these people are constantly growing, you will too. Engage with circles that motivate and drive you to take action.
- Step out of your comfort zone: True growth requires discomfort. Those who fail repeatedly are the ones who eventually reach their goals. Don’t be afraid to try something new and fail—every attempt brings you closer to success.
- Invest in yourself: Many people avoid investing in their personal development, hoping someone else will do it for them. However, when you pay for a course or a book, you are more committed. Instead of asking, “How much will this cost me?” ask, “How far can I go?”
- Be strategic: Growth isn’t about doing anything and everything. Plan your development and set clear short- and long-term goals. Write down your objectives to avoid forgetting them, and maintain a consistent focus.
If you’ve made it this far, it’s because you’re genuinely interested in growing professionally. The best time to start is today. Ask yourself:
- Where do I want to go in my career?
- How far do I believe I can go?
- Will I take control of my growth, or will I wait for someone else to do it for me?
Remember, there are no limits to your growth because there are no limits to your ability to learn and evolve.
Jorge Paz is a consultant, coach, and speaker with over 15 years of experience in managing software implementation projects, providing supervision, support, and project evaluations. He has worked on projects across various Latin American countries, supporting project teams both remotely and on-site.
