Marketplace trends come and go. The working world today is remarkably different from a decade ago, and it will likely be unrecognizable a generation later. While the seasons may change, career success can weather times or trends. The trajectory of great careers is subjective - it has no prescriptive path. Building a rewarding career, however, does rely on a few fundamentals. A solid foundation can drive success and help you realize your ultimate potential.

Vision

Work is an integral part of all our lives. We devote significant time and mental space to our careers, with work affecting our ideas of self-worth and happiness. 

The best person to determine what success means is you. Everyone has different ideas of what meaningful work is. Take the time to understand your personal definition of success. An excellent way to affirm this vision is by writing it down. List things that value, inspire, and motivate you. Flip through them every day as reminders of your goals and the life you aspire to build.

Planning

Clarity about goals and dreams make the next step easier – planning. With great insight comes better decision-making. Take the first steps towards realizing your dreams by mapping a career plan. It could be a formal career plan or something simple that works for you. 

Define a timeline and list the general requirements of the jobs you seek. Establish long-term goals as well as short-term milestones. These exercises can help you determine where you are currently, along with additional skills you might require for the job. 

Networking

Working towards a successful career is exhilarating but can be fraught with self-doubt. When in doubt, look for inspiration from people in the same field. Seek out people who share similar values and goals. Networking brings different perspectives and also reminds you of an ecosystem that can support your growth. Establish simple goals for yourself such as reaching out to new people weekly. 

Building new relationships is a vital step towards realizing your vision. Just as Richard Chase the founder of Chase Edler said “The email you send today will be your lead tomorrow”.

Learn from experiences

With a road map in place, direct all your energies into making things happen. Remember that goal posts can shift in the course of your life. There will be setbacks and disappointments. Things don’t always go to plan but changing course is a part of the process. Consider it an opportunity to re-assess and grow, not a sign of failure. 

The bigger picture

Success does not come overnight. When faced with a possible diversion, remember the bigger picture. Ask yourself whether this new development fits into your long-term plans. The small steps on the way play a crucial role in realizing your ultimate vision.  

Continual Learning

As you check each career milestone, remember to invest in yourself. It can be challenging when work overwhelms. However, the long-term returns of upskilling are significant. 

In today’s ever-changing global marketplace, you need to get ahead and stay relevant. Continual learning is to the mind what exercise is to the body. It enhances what you already know and provides avenues to improve areas of opportunity.

Knowing yourself is at the heart of being successful. Passion is impossible without self-discovery and a solid work ethic. Believe in your talents, make smart decisions, and keep the drive alive. Following through on the fundamentals drives success – a differentiator not only for work but life overall.

External partner's article