Take Control as CEO of Your Career

If you want to succeed in your career, you must aim to have control over it. While that may sound like it’s not possible because you never know what’s going to happen, there are strategies to help you keep course with your ideal career destination – even when things happen to us that are out of our control. But what is the best way to do this?

You have to become the CEO of your career!

When you do, you have more control over the lifestyle that you live, and you’re able to give to your community so it can grow positively too.

You can’t achieve your ultimate idea of success unless you start deciding on the direction of your career. It’s like the old adage says, ‘make a plan and work the plan’.

One of the biggest gaps people face in their careers is deciding on the milestones (aka jobs, companies, roles and responsibilities) that will help them reach their ultimate career destination. The destination is dependent on what you want to achieve, do, and experience. 

Have you ever taken time to plan out your career? If not, you’re getting in the way of your own success. Work on developing a plan to make your dreams a reality.

Career planning involves mapping out each aspect of your career.

>> What are your goals, and how can you achieve them?

>> What types of experiences are you looking for?

>> Is there a mentor you can turn to for guidance?

>> Can you identify any areas where you require improvement?

With some careful consideration and thorough self-reflection, you’ll be on track to coming up with the answers. If you want to get on track fast, join me in my upcoming live workshop where you can build your career roadmap in a week.

But wait — why do you need to map out your career in the first place? Does not having a plan really pose a threat to your success? Yes, yes it does.

A Plan Sets Everything in Motion

Are you struggling to figure out where to start in your career? That’s where having a plan comes in handy! You can lay out all the steps you have to take to reach success.

First, consider what education or training you might need before you start working. Next, you might list out some job positions that you’ll have to fill to reach your goals. Don’t forget to include any opportunities you’re interested in or skills you need to gain, too.

Once your career roadmap is complete, you’ll know exactly what needs to get done. You won’t have to waste any time figuring things out! Instead, you’ll understand what your next move is so you can get right on it.

A Plan Makes Your Goals More Attainable

Without any career planning, it’s difficult to recognize how to reach your goals. Especially if you’re just getting started in your career, it might even feel impossible to get to the top.

But when you map out your career’s entire future, it’s easier to turn your dreams into reality! List out each of your goals and spend time coming up with solutions for attaining them. Once you have an idea of how you’ll get there, getting started won’t feel so intimidating.

Plus, keep in mind that your plan can change. If your career goals shift at any point, you can reassess your plan and make adjustments as needed. All that matters is you have a basic career map telling you what to do next. If any aspect of it changes, consider it as part of the process!

A Plan Enables You to Take Charge

When it comes to your career, you’re the only one in control. Yes, some factors have an influence, such as your boss or mentors. However, you’re the one that calls the shots at the end of the day.

With a solid career plan, it’s much easier to hold yourself accountable. You’re the one mapping out each step along the way, so whether things go wrong (or right) is all up to you. But it doesn’t have to be you solo in developing this, join me during the live Career Roadmap in a Week Workshop to build in realtime, get your questions answered, and get on track fast. 

Here are 5 critical things you can do to get started to become the CEO of your career and life.

5 Tips to Be the CEO of Your Career

Ready to start calling your own shots? Keep reading on for 5 tips for taking control.

#1 Keep an Eye on the Future

It’s a good idea to focus on the present, but it’s even better to look ahead while you’re at it. How can you take control of your future if you don’t even think about it?

Prepare yourself to expect the unexpected, always. By doing so, you’ll never get caught off guard. That’s crucial to prevent your career plan from getting thrown off track. Start with building a career roadmap – one that outlines where you’re headed, the career milestones you wish to achieve, the job titles you will hold, the skills you need to learn, and your ideal job that you want to be in just before you gracefully exit your career into retirement.

#2 Never Stop Learning New Skills

As the CEO of your career, you have to make sure you’re a valuable asset to any company. You need to know how to market yourself effectively to gain access to better opportunities. One of the best ways to do this is by keeping yourself knowledgeable.

Are there any new skills that are necessary or beneficial to your field? Or, is there any software to learn to set you apart? Start building your skill map that outlines what skills you need and where you’ll focus your time. Not sure where to start? Grab my free guide that outlines the essential skills you need to excel.

#3 Stay Active Within Your Network

When was the last time you spoke to a former colleague? Have you logged into your LinkedIn account in the past three months?

If you want control as CEO of your career, you need to remain active in your professional network. Keep in contact with ex-coworkers, and seriously utilize your LinkedIn for networking. You’ll establish deeper connections in your field and gain access to rewarding opportunities. P.S. I’d love to connect with you, join me.

#4 Track Your Career Goal Progress

Part of taking control of your career means monitoring your progress. You won’t be able to see your next steps if you lose sight of how far you’ve already come.

Consider keeping a career journal for yourself. Make a note of any improvements or changes you should be making and document your wins. You might also use it to help guide any career-related decisions you come across.

#5 Don’t Be Afraid to Take Risks

If you want to be the CEO of your career, you can’t shy away from taking risks. It might feel intimidating, but you’ll miss out on incredible opportunities otherwise.

Weigh out your options when you’re presented with them. You can even form a backup plan to fall onto, if necessary. But as long as your decision is educated, it doesn’t matter if it’s risky. Let yourself be bold!

Lasting Thoughts

Remember, if you want to succeed in your career, you must aim to have control over it. To become the CEO of your career and life, you need a career roadmap. A plan sets everything in motion, it makes your goals more attainable, and it enables you to take charge. When you keep an eye on the future, identify and learn new skills, get active in your network, track your career goal progress, and take risks, you level-up. When you reach new heights, you’ll be saying “I’m doing the best work of my life.”

Your next step, grab my Free Guide – 7 Essential Skills You Need to Excel.

[Free Guide]

Essential Skills You

Need to Excel

These skills are growing in demand by employers and likely your boss (and your future boss).

It’s time to build your toolbox of skills now to prepare for your future.