In career coaching engagements, clients often look for a tangible and guaranteed outcome. A new job secured, clarity on their decision whether to stay or go, or a specific job title to aim for. And though these are definitely possible outcomes (when you put in the work), it’s also important to note that navigating your career is highly influenced by many different factors outside our control, like economic conditions, job market saturation, the hiring team’s decision-making considerations, and many others.
When navigating one’s career, it’s helpful to be clear and grounded on what matters to you (as the primary stakeholder of your career and life), while being agile enough to assess, learn, and re-calibrate as needed.
Here are 4 ways you can revamp your career strategy, when you think it’s no longer working for you.
1 – Expand your brand and overall identity
Oftentimes, we limit ourselves to a version of ourselves that no longer fits us, our team or the situation we’re in.
“I am a people-person, not tech-savvy.”
“I am an expert in writing, so don’t let me facilitate meetings.”
Knowing our strengths is a good thing. But it can become a double-edged sword when it becomes our own constraint or prison that keeps us from being our next-level better version.Points for reflection:Points for reflection:
- What part of my professional identity am I afraid to outgrow?
- What areas am I being called to grow more into?
2 – Find your your balance between clarity and direction
Some leaders or mid-career professionals wait for things to become crystal clear and all variables laid out before acting. But clarity often comes after we take the first few steps, not before.
When uncertainty is high and the pace is faster than ever, overthinking will only further delay action. Even the best of the best don’t have everything all figured out before taking action. Great leaders are able to find a sweet spot of clarity and confidence, and move decisively amidst the complexity.
Points for reflection:
- What is a “good enough” direction for the next 30 to 60 days?
- What check points or milestones will help you assess your direction?
- What or who can give more clarity as you move along?
3 – You need evidence to build your confidence
Confidence isn’t something you wait for, it’s something you build through action and results.
This is probably what James Clear meant when he said, we should aim to be 1% better everyday and to celebrate small wins.
Confidence is a byproduct of our small wins. As we notice and celebrate our small wins (i.e. resisting the temptation of cake, holding back your judgment, or taking a deep breath when you were triggered), we are telling our brains that we are capable of doing what we said we’d do. And that helps us build more confidence.
Points for reflection:
- What small wins can you recognize from this week’s mundane moments?
- How were you able to handle difficult moments better than before?
- What new habits were you able to successfully execute this week?
4 – Stop comparing
Comparison is the thief of joy. – Theodore Roosevelt
Feeling left behind is often a comparison problem, and not necessarily a performance problem. Seeing people post about their promotion, certification or credentials or landing a new job can make us wonder, “But what about me?”
Before entering the rabbit hole of comparison and self-pity, be clear first on what success looks like for you and what your goals and timelines are.
Points for reflection:
- What are your goals for the next 3 months? Next week? Next 3 days?
- What values and needs are most important for you to honor?
- What are my personal indicators of success?
Career development is not a straight line
Career development isn’t as straightforward as it seems. No matter how well thought-out our plans are, there would still be unexpected twists and turns along the way. A boss you dislike (or who dislikes you), a delay in your promotion due to budget constraints, a change in your family’s dynamics, further technological advancement, and more.
If you ask me, there are only two foundational things you should focus on: awareness (of yourself as an evolving being) and agility. These two will help you navigate your way through.
No Special tools needed. You can start today, and do it consistently to make a difference. Coach Kurly de Guzman is a Career and Leadership Coach and one of a LinkedIn’s Top Voice based in the Philippines. She continuously seeks ways to help coaches, leaders and teams thrive through her newsletter, leadership and career development workshops as well as group and 1:1 coaching session for clients.
