Have you hit a wall in your career? Do you feel like you lack purpose and direction? It’s not uncommon. It can be difficult doing the same thing day in and day out.
But there are ways to combat these feelings of stagnation.
Use the tips below to move your career back into gear:
1. Set Challenging Goals and Evaluate them on a Regular Basis
This sounds simple, right? But there are many of us who don’t set goals. Having set goals enables you to start creating a plan for your future.
If you don’t set and write down your goals, then you’re less likely to work toward them on a regular basis. Research has shown those who have clear, written goals are much more likely to succeed than those without them.
Do you want to receive a promotion at work? Or help your team hit quarterly goals? Outline ways to achieve it and put it somewhere you can see it regularly.
When you see the goal, stop and do a mental evaluation of your progress toward your goal.
2. Never Stop Learning
When you finish your schooling or training, you might have sworn off books or learning for a while. That’s okay. But don’t let it become your normal routine.
Continuing to learn is important for your career. Some professions require continuing education to stay current with industry updates, like the medical field. Many others don’t.
But seeking out additional certifications and reading business and industry-related titles can still help you get ahead.
Need proof? There are many company CEOs who have an established habit of reading for professional improvement.
One example is Elon Musk. As a youth and long before his role as CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, Musk read some encyclopedias after reading all the books in his home and school libraries.
3. Change Up Your Routine
Sometimes all you need to avoid complacency and stagnation is a new routine. Envision what you want your new career trajectory to look like. What can help you get there faster?
Maybe you decide to set your alarm clock 30 minutes earlier to help you get a few extra items checked off your list each day.
Or if you don’t have a habit of exercising regularly, change it up. Start exercising regularly to combat health conditions, improve your mood, boost your energy, and much more.
Those benefits alone can help fight off the feelings of sluggishness.
You can also try scheduling your day for maximum productivity. For example, block off several hours on your calendar as working hours where you don’t schedule meetings or check emails.
Reserve that time to dive deep into your projects and crank out quality work.
4. Give Yourself Breaks, then Get Back to Work
Maybe you’ve been in the fast lane a little too long. To reset your batteries, take a break. Take a vacation or even a staycation to give your mind and body a chance to rejuvenate.
Unplug and disconnect as much as possible from work to give yourself the needed distance to come back ready to jump back into your daily routines.
5. Solicit Feedback and Act on It
Sometimes we look at our own careers, and it’s hard to determine what’s missing or what’s there that needs to go.
Solicit feedback from family, friends, or even a consultant. Having an outside opinion can help you see things you might not have noticed before.
Is there a character trait holding you back? Is it time for you to move on to a new company? Ask for feedback and then consider how to put it into action.
Hit the reset button on your career, and start making progress today!
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