DISCLAIMER:
I am not, nor have I ever claimed to be an expert in any field. The list below is born from experience, research and the fact that, like most, I am a grafter who has yet to reach her full potential.
KNOW YOURSELF
If you have no idea who you are, why you are who you are, what you're about and why you are about a particular thing, or a number of things, how can you start to plan, or take the necessary steps to achieve your goals? Have a conversation with yourself; spend quality time alone and pick yourself apart to find out exactly who you are and what your intentions are for the future. Start by asking yourself this question: what do I like about myself?
UNDERSTAND WHY YOU ARE WHO YOU ARE
Once you know yourself, getting ahead in any capacity is all about having a clear understanding of the person you currently are and who you intend to be. Having perspective and being honest about your faults, flaws etc is a definite must for that all important go-forward. From you're sure about why you live, think and behave the way you do {etc} you can then start to reflect on whether or not the choices you have made, or are currently making, are indeed the right ones {for you}.
BE CERTAIN ABOUT WHAT IT IS YOU WANT TO DO AND WHY
If your choices are loosely based on a fragmented idea of your goals you might find that, instead of achieving, you're always pursuing and this is likely to have you feel discouraged, or perhaps quit on your ambitions altogether. Clarity is the next step after you understand who you are and why you are the way you are. Take pen to paper and list your interests, likes, dislikes, struggles, past achievements, the type of people you have in your life, feelings about yourself; your circumstances, the future you hope to have and then pick out all of the positives. You should begin to realise, if you haven't already, what you really want for your life and the reason {s} why.
SOAK UP YOUR CHOSEN PATH - WARTS AND ALL!
Research applies to absolutely everything, or so I believe, real talk... Knowledge and experience often go hand in hand however, if you gain knowledge first you'll leave yourself open to more opportunities to experience things more likely to bring you down the path you've chosen for yourself. Learn about and absorb every aspect of your chosen industry, career, or job etc and embrace all of it. Certain areas will never change and you'll have to accept that. Let your focus always be the end goal so that you can brush off any nonsense you're faced with along the journey, like water off of a ducks back.
BREAKDOWN ALL REQUIREMENTS AND SEE WHERE YOU FIT
Be realistic about your life as it is right now. Be honest about your expertise, where you need to improve and what it is you have to offer. Sometimes we might think that running in full steam ahead will show a willingness that is off the chart and will therefore be encouraged however, if such determination isn't, or cannot be backed up with the abilities required, it could be a wrap before it has even begun and you could find yourself back to square zero! {See what I did there? Lol}. Go where you fit, if it appeals, as long as it is line with what you want to do and be patient as you leave yourself open to learning so as to acquire what it will take to secure the role / opportunity you desire long term.
ASSESS YOUR PERSONALITY, SKILLS AND CAPABILITIES
Honestly, are you the type of person whom you would employ? Have a long, deep, truthful think about this one. What annoys you? Are you easily led, or distracted? How does your upset manifest itself? Are you working towards a personal change? What characteristics do you display on a bad day in comparison to when you're having a good day? How often are you able to keep yourself in check irrespective of what may be happening around you? Think about all of this and give yourself a real evaluation. How ready are you for the things you want?
DECIDE WHAT YOU ARE WILLING TO LOSE
A lack of sleep, a non existent social life, very few holidays, no friends you feel you have a bond with, being single, a less than satisfactory lifestyle {health, family, fitness etc}... Not every job, or career will take something from you however, that being said, you do need to be sure of what you would be willing to sacrifice at the 'drop of a hat' if that's what your dream opportunity required of you! Meditate on this to {mentally, spiritually and emotionally} prepare yourself for any potential challenges that may come your way...
GET THE APPROPRIATE EXPERIENCE
You will never be too experienced in any field to turn your nose up at starting over, or indeed starting from the bottom. We are blessed with a never ending cycle of education in more ways than one and what better way to both refresh current skills as well as develop new ones than by taking on the relevant work experience? I volunteer whenever I can to gain new skills, share those I have and to boost my credentials. It is always beneficial.
CREATE A RELEVANT PORTFOLIO
One size will never fit everyone. Fact! We're all different shapes, sizes and tones with different passions and talents so, our portfolio's should reflect that 1000%! Nothing about what you include should be generic. Tailor your portfolio to the prospective opportunity you are pursuing and take your time on it. Never be in a rush to have something ready before the rest because, while you're busy doing so, there will always be that one person who planned and prepared carefully - they did their research, they found themselves, decided what they're about and what they want then put that together in a beautifully laid out portfolio which became a winner.
WELCOME KNOCK BACKS
Would you believe me if I told you that you have never failed at anything in your life? I didn't think so... Well, you haven't. You may have ignored a lesson but, you have not failed once. The only time you could ever fail is if you choose to quit and you're not going to do that because, we both know you cannot give up on something you spend 99.9% of your time hoping and praying for. Every knock back is a push to do and be better. It is that simple. #YouGotThis and God has got you!
Thanks for reading!
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