Have you ever looked at yourself in a different light to where you are today? Do you dream of taking your career to better places?
Now’s the time to effect change. And it all begins with your attitude.
“Attitude is the most important quality and can influence how you see things or your performance. Pessimistic people usually see things negatively, and they tend to underperform because they assume the worst of everything,” says career coach Evelyn Masotja.
She says positive people usually tend to do a whole lot better in their careers, and are happier, no matter what the circumstances at work.
“A good attitude is an asset to cultivate and learn as well as sustain,” she adds.
Someone who knows just how much your attitude can determine your performance is Durban-based graphic designer Celiwe.
“I disliked my boss and never saw any of the good she did, even when she tried to mentor me,” she says, adding how this year the office will see a different person with a new perspective.
“I’m going to bring out the greatness in me and it shall reflect through my work. I’ll not sweat the small stuff.”
1. Commit again
Recommit to do your best, and be the most knowledgeable and useful person in your line of work. Renewed effort can stimulate thinking and ignite passion. Challenge yourself to do things differently.
Pamela, an executive sales assistant, feels stagnant in her position, to the extent that she’s looking for another job.
“My current job is boring and isn’t what they offered me in the beginning, and there’s no growth,” she says about looking at new ways to restore her drive.
“Since I studied accounting in varsity, I have offered to assist in the finance department and hope it won’t be an interim solution as I am interested in it. I also hope I can present to my managing director new industry projects I’ve been researching; it would be a great opportunity,” Pamela says.
In her book How to Reinvent Yourself and Stay Relevant, Sonia Booth says you need to assess if your career aspiration is aligned to who you are and what you want to be.
“Personal branding enhances your self awareness. When you go through the personal branding process, you develop an understanding of what makes you unique, valuable and powerful and it helps optimise and flaunt your strengths.”
Nwabisa, a financial advisor at a leading bank, commits to empowering herself.
“I feel as if I’m overworked and seeing little return. So, this year I want to study further and invest more in myself so that I can move up the ladder in my industry,” she says.
2. Set new goals
Pretoria-based training consultant and career coach Khanya Matlala is adamant that you set goals, even if it’s just one, that “would reflect who you want to be in the workplace. It will get you thinking, behaving and responding well to difficult situations.
“If you challenge yourself to excel in your current position, that can be your advantage wherever you go.”
She adds, “Do things differently. This may include extra skills courses. As you set new career goals, you’ll have something to look forward to. For example, you may plan that ‘if I improve my targets and achieve them, I’ll be recognised, then I may be due for a promotion’. But this starts with being excellent where you are, which you can take to any work opportunity,” explains Khanya and suggests you don’t be too hard on yourself, as it can lead to you being demotivated.
“Remember that tough times don’t last forever. Be mindful of the fact that everyone is doing their best. You focus on who you want to be and let that shine through in everything you do. Letting go, you’ll feel energised, focused and motivated.”
When you’re in a leadership position, Mapula Ngwenya, an executive leadership coach, suggests mentoring someone in the company to get their passion back.
“Set new goals for yourself. For example, start with young professionals or a junior staff member. This encourages you to refresh your memory on your policies and procedures, and reminds why you love your job,” she says.
Learning new skills can put the spring back in your step and enhance your current career.
READ MORE | Is losing the secret to success? Here’s what experts say about failing forward
- Who (not what) do you want to be for the rest of your life?
- What are some things you would like to fix or change about your industry, community, country or the world?
- What are some things you really love and want to share with the world but haven’t, for fear of being judged by others?
- What are you (seriously) willing to invest your time, money and energy on?
3. Detox your space
Your environment depends on how you see things. Have a positive attitude towards your colleagues and the work you do, no matter what. If things are not where you want them to be, start working towards your goal.
“Practice patience with yourself and others, and don’t get distracted by negative energy around the office. Be the calm presence that helps keep everyone, including yourself, focused on the bigger picture,” adds Evelyn.
Change your environment to match how you want to feel. Let go of certain things or bring in new items to make the environment work for you.
Mapula says, “One of the most effective ways of changing one’s environment is to rearrange the office. For example, you can put up colourful posters with messages of encouragement. These can brighten up your day instantly.”
Make a habit of avoiding all the negativity, including colleagues who complain about everything. After all, detoxing your work space goes beyond just cleaning your desk and office.
4. Be present
Authors Nadia Bilchik and Lori Milner, in their book Own Your Space, ask if you’ve ever taken a moment to think about all the people who assisted you and introduced you to others? Are those people in your networks? Once you have a good network, it’s easy for you to stay on top, they write.
Thembi spent most of her time going to work, fetching her child from after-care and then heading back home.
“I didn’t network with people in my office, except when I was doing the job,” she says. “Then one day my boss asked me to represent him at one conference and that day my life changed. I met amazing people who were willing to mentor and help me upgrade my career.”
One of the people the authors interviewed is Johanna Makgalamele, CEO of TWF Travel, who says, “You’d be surprised at what you could learn. Every experience is part of the journey. I talk to different people before I board my flight. Be present. In the present you’ll be amazed at what you learn about yourself and what networks you can build around yourself.”
Try these four steps to reinvigorating your career in 2024. We can’t wait to hear your successes!
