Write Your Own Story

Here’s the truth (and something that shouldn’t be a surprise): no one cares as much about your career as you do.

That's not to say that people don't care about you – your mentors, your colleagues, your loved ones – they all want to see you succeed. But ultimately, it's your journey, and your responsibility to shape your career into what you want it to be.

As we approach the end of the year, it's common to reflect on career and performance goals.

So how do you write your story? Here are a few key thoughts that should help you on your journey.

• Begin with the end in mind

It's much easier to chart a course when you know where you're going. Before you set goals, take some time to envision your ideal future. What kind of work do you want to be doing? What impact do you want to make? What are your strengths and weaknesses?

Once you have a clear vision of your end goal, you can start to work backward, identifying the steps you need to take to get there. This might involve taking on new challenges, developing new skills, or expanding your network.

• Find a mentor and seek guidance

No one achieves success alone. We all need the support of others along the way. That's why it's so important to cultivate relationships with mentors who can offer guidance, advice, and encouragement.

Your mentors can help you identify your strengths and weaknesses, set realistic goals, and navigate challenging situations. They can also provide you with valuable insights into your industry and connect you with opportunities that you might not otherwise be aware of. Never be afraid to ask for help, you’ll be surprised how many people are waiting to assist you.

• Find KPIs to measure your efforts

There’s an old saying; “you can’t manage what you don’t measure” KPIs, or Key Performance Indicators, are measurable values that demonstrate how effectively you are achieving your goals. In the context of your career, your KPIs should be aligned with your personal definition of success. What does success look like to you? Is it a specific job title? A certain salary level? The ability to lead and inspire others?

If your goal is to become a manager, some of your KPIs might include the number of projects you successfully lead, the number of people you mentor, or the amount of positive feedback you receive from your team.

• Don't be afraid to take risks.

Finally, the most successful people I know are those who are willing to step outside of their comfort zones and take risks. This doesn't mean that you should be reckless, but it does mean that you shouldn't be afraid to try new things and challenge yourself.

Remember, your career is a journey, not a destination. There will be ups and downs along the way. But as long as you stay true to yourself and your goals, you WILL ultimately achieve success.

So, what's your story going to be?