book.chapter Guide your career

Embarking on a successful career journey is greatly influenced by having a clear and compelling vision of who you aspire to be and the impact you want to make. When this vision is deeply connected to something that aligns with your core values, the path to a fulfilling career becomes even more powerful. To achieve this, it is important to craft a strategic plan, set SMART objectives, track your progress diligently, and seek assistance when needed. These steps can make a significant difference between a flourishing career and one that falls short of its potential. Taking charge of your career trajectory means taking full accountability for your professional development and being proactive in your endeavors. It involves taking deliberate actions towards achieving your desired career outcomes, rather than passively responding to circumstances. By channeling your efforts towards making your aspirations a reality, instead of leaving them to fate, you can create the career you truly desire. "The landscape of employment is constantly evolving, and it is certain that many of the jobs present today will not exist in a decade. Conversely, the next ten years will witness the emergence of numerous jobs and enterprises that are currently beyond our imagination." – Andy Storch It is universally acknowledged that no one will have a greater interest in your career than yourself. If you adopt a passive stance, waiting for directions from others, you will find yourself stagnant. Instead, embracing ownership, being purposeful, and forging your own path is crucial. The initial step in this process typically involves establishing a vision for your career. It is important to understand that your career vision is not set in stone. It is almost certain that your vision will undergo transformations over time. It is entirely acceptable to modify your vision as you see fit, but having a vision in the first place is crucial. A vision provides you with direction and momentum. To define your career vision, allocate time for introspection. Find a tranquil space where you can ponder without interruptions, armed with a pen and notebook. Begin by jotting down all the aspects you appreciate about your current job or career. Then, list the elements you find lacking or unsatisfactory in your current role. Contemplate on what is missing from your current professional life. Consider other jobs that have captured your interest or sparked your curiosity. Reflect on your core personal values—those principles that you hold in high regard in both your personal and professional life. Engage in discussions with your family, friends, mentors, coaches, and trusted colleagues for their insights and feedback. If feasible, have a conversation with your manager about potential career paths. After thorough contemplation, decide on your career vision for the foreseeable future, document it, and share it with supportive friends. "Remember, this vision is yours alone, shaping both your career and your life. Numerous individuals live their lives according to the expectations of others, choosing careers or lifestyles to impress or satisfy their parents, friends, or family. They allow others to dictate their professional and personal paths." – Andy Storch While having a career vision is commendable, to truly empower it, you must link it to a purpose and outline a practical plan. The best approach to identifying these elements is to keep the process straightforward and focused. "Your purpose need not be grandiose or aimed at impressing others. You are not required to emulate Martin Luther King Jr. or Elon Musk in their quests to change the world. Your purpose is personal and should serve as a constant source of motivation, whether it's providing impeccable accounting services to ease your colleagues' workload, striving for excellence to secure recognition and advancement, or contributing to your company's success and overarching strategy. The key is to have a purpose that resonates with you and answers the question, 'Why do I go to work each day?'" – Andy Storch To discover your purpose, contemplate questions such as: What and who are most important in your life? What contribution do you wish to make? Which causes are close to your heart? Why do you show up to work each day? What legacy do you aspire to leave behind? What truly motivates you? Once you have clarity, document your purpose in a simple and concise manner. For instance, Andy Storch articulated his purpose as follows: "My life's purpose is to love and support my family, continue to grow and improve, model a healthy and intentional lifestyle, help people achieve their best work, and contribute positively to the world." Establishing a clear vision and purpose for your career is a commendable start. To bring them to fruition, however, requires a strategic plan for achieving your goals. Your career plan should outline the steps you will take on a weekly or monthly basis to progress towards your career objectives, effectively bridging the gap between your vision, your purpose, and your daily actions. It is advisable to set SMART goals—Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Timely. Incorporating mentorship and accountability measures can enhance your career plan, motivating you to take action consistently. "Remember the African proverb, 'If you wish to achieve quick results, you may attempt to do so on your own. However, if your goal is to achieve lasting success, seeking assistance is imperative.' Consider all the individuals who could potentially support you and do not hesitate to reach out. You may be pleasantly surprised by their willingness to help. They are unlikely to judge you or perceive you as weak for seeking assistance. Compile a list of potential supporters and initiate conversations. Just be mindful not to overstep boundaries or appear overly dependent." – Andy Storch One of the most compelling reasons to take control of your career is the simple fact that no one else is as invested in it as you are. You can either wait for others to guide you or take the initiative to steer your own course and carve out your path. "Crafting a comprehensive career plan is commendable, but it's important to acknowledge that numerous unforeseen factors can disrupt your plans. These could range from changes in management or company strategy to broader economic shifts, stock market fluctuations, or even global crises like the COVID-19 pandemic. The most effective strategy to navigate these challenges is to assume full ownership of your career and life, focusing on what you can control and operating as if you were an entrepreneur managing a business. This entails taking responsibility for all outcomes and not waiting for others to dictate your actions." – Andy Storch It's all too easy to drift along, allowing others to dictate the trajectory of your career. However, this passive approach is not conducive to achieving your professional aspirations. You do not need anyone's permission to pursue the career you desire. Nor should you passively hope for someone to come along and assist you. It is imperative to take complete ownership of your life and career and proactively work towards realizing your goals. "I encourage you to take a moment to reflect in your journal on ways you can assume greater responsibility in your career. This could involve volunteering for additional projects, initiating discussions with your manager or peers, enrolling in online courses, or applying for that job you've been eyeing. Alternatively, it might simply mean adopting a proactive mindset, eliminating complaints, and avoiding a victim mentality." – Andy Storch "Now is the opportune moment to shift your mindset, embrace full responsibility, and concentrate on aspects within your control, while minimizing concern for those beyond your influence. Regardless of your age or experience level, there has never been a better time to take ownership of your career and your life!" – Andy Storch Fortunately, you are not alone in this journey. Once you assume responsibility for your career, you can seek specific assistance. Potential sources of support include your manager, HR department, colleagues, friends, family, mentors, and individuals you meet at conferences or workshops, among others. The reality is that there are likely more people willing to assist you in building your career than you might initially think. Sometimes, all it takes is reaching out to them. For instance, having a career-focused conversation with your manager can be incredibly beneficial. Regardless of their personal feelings towards you, most managers are invested in your success, as it reflects positively on them and aids in their own career advancement. At the very least, make your manager aware of your career goals and plan. They are likely to offer valuable insights and help you devise a practical strategy to achieve your objectives. "It's an unfortunate reality that assumptions are prevalent in our world. If you do not communicate your aspirations, others may assume you are content with your current position. I have encountered numerous employees who are frustrated by their managers' lack of guidance. However, managers cannot offer direction if they are unaware of your desires for improvement or your career ambitions." – Andy Storch Remember to add a blank line after each paragraph to create clear separation and improve the flow for the reader. Ensure the text remains concise and retains all original information. Thank you!