1. Know where you are right now
I found it really helpful to picture how I feel about my current role by thinking about it like a journey. Some examples of this journey and where you are in it can be found below:
- At the beginning taking the first steps?
- In a comfortable rut?
- At a crossroads wondering which way to go?
- At the top of a hill, surveying the view and wondering "What now?"
- Discovering that the path you are on is a cul-de-sac
- Finding life quite easy but challenging
- Finding life hard but too challenging
- Going in totally the wrong direction
- Soaking your feet in a bucket of water an hoping the pain will go away
- Out of breath and watching others go by
- On a superb plateau going nowhere
- Having fun, hoping it will last forever and knowing it won't
- Trudging along and doing OK but welcoming a bit of company on the way
2. Know where you want to be
What overall objective are you aiming towards, whether in your work life or your home life? Some examples could be:
- Specific work or personal goals
- Want to change job or get a job
- Want more time to do the things you want to do
- Know what you want to do
- Know what you don't want to do
- Have an overall sense of direction
- Want to improve your relationships at work and/or home
- Want to change anything about yourself
3. Know why you want what you want
This may also help if you don't have an overall objective yet.
It might seem impossible and very far away right now but write a list of everything about your dream job/life e.g. things you need from your job, things you would like from your job/life.
For instance, one thing I need from my job in future is to have regular working hours so I can see my partner. One thing I would like from a job is the ability to work from home once a week.
4. Showcase your skills to get where you want
Getting a promotion is 10% work performance, 30% image (the impression you create about your work e.g. negative, not coping, not interested in a promotion), 60% visibility (whether people know you and how well you work). Don't assume people remember your expertise, respect your formal authority, recognise your resource control and value your interpersonal skills. It's up to you to be proud of what you've got going for you.
5. Take opportunities to get where you want
So, you know what you want, now you've got to go looking for opportunities to make what you want a reality. Get yourself in the right place at the right time.
- Set goals, take small steps in a direction
- Pluck up courage
- Pick brains
- Keep going despite many difficulties
- Make contacts
- Volunteer
- Tell people what you want
- Have a positive attitude to change
- Re-train
Extra advice:
- Make sure you do something you enjoy
- Seize every opportunity that comes your way
- Sometimes you need to take risks
- Seek out a mentor who challenges yet supports you
