Top 7 Skills for Success in your Career

The notion of success is different for everyone. It is personal. Whilst you might see success as something centred on quarterly sales targets for your business, your friend or colleague might view work-life balance as their yardstick for success. Either way, we all need guidance from time-to-time to help us refocus ourselves in achieving our goals. Here at Fortem Coaching, we explore the skills you need to help you achieve, whatever your view of success is.

What is success?

The definition of success is ‘the accomplishment of an aim or goal’.

When we talk about ‘success’ in general, without linking it to a particular outcome, it is a subjective term. Its meaning is personal to your own goals and it changes throughout time. This fluidity can mean that as we progress through life, the bar can become higher and higher each time we achieve our goal. For example, when you were at school, your aim may have been to gain a place at a prestigious university. Once you reached that goal, what came next? A graduate role at a top London firm maybe? Or a job within one of the FTSE 100 where career progression was almost guaranteed for anyone willing to put the hours in. Our personal definition of success is influenced by our own values and these change with age and experience.

So, how do we ensure we are functioning for success?

TOP 7 SKILLS

1.       Get comfortable with being uncomfortable

Progress is fulfilling. In order to grow and progress, we have to learn new things, go to new places and meet new people. In short, we have to put ourselves out there. We have to step outside our comfort zone, even when fear kicks in. If you do not get past the fear and embrace a little discomfort, you will stay where you are and eventually you may end up stuck. 

2.      Learn to love rejection

Rejection is part of life. You are never going to be right for every job and not everyone is going to love you, but the right people for you, will. Perseverance is the number one trait that sets all successful people apart from mere mortals. It is not that life has been easy and free from rejection – it is that they do not give up. Learn lessons from rejection and use them to move forward towards your goal.

3.      Network, network, network

People are the best educators. Surround yourself with different types of people - those who inspire you, those who nourish you, and those who push you to be your best. If you ever meet someone who is willing to share their knowledge with you, grab it with both hands and be thankful. That is the greatest act of kindness.

4.       Trust Yourself

Life is always going to throw challenges at you. It is not always going to be sunshine and champagne. But trust yourself that you have the strength to keep going, to try again, or do better.  Confidence comes from trusting yourself.  It is not about expecting perfection but having compassion for yourself when you mess up - because everyone does!

5.       Avoid Making Comparisons

Compare and despair at your peril!  Focus on your side of the street. Do not compare yourself to others. You only see what they want you to see and you do not know their struggles, failures and insecurities. When we compare our insides with other people's outsides, we end up feeling worse.  Focus on you.

6. Be disciplined 

Let’s face it, not every day is going to be sunshine and rainbows. At times, work – and the people management that comes with it - can be very challenging indeed. But you must commit to showing up and trying your best, even when you don’t want to. Make sure you are clear and focused on why you are doing what you are doing and stick closely to your goals. This will help motivate you during those times when your enthusiasm levels may be dwindling.

7. Get a coach

“Everybody should have a Coach” Google CEO Eric Schmidt

Many successful people in politics, sports and business are where they are today because of having a coach. From Oprah Winfrey to Richard Branson, many successful people realised early on that they could truly reach their full potential with the support, advice and accountability of a coach. With the support of a coach, you identify and remove any blind spots and gain clarity on your true goals. This upskilling and self-development is sure to enhance your journey to success.

Career Coaching with Clare Harris

Leadership and Career Coaching with Fortem Coaching can help you explore these skills in relation to your strengths and areas for development, creating clarity for your career path ahead. We work with you to help define your own goals and support you with the skills required to achieve them.

If, like many others, you would like to explore these skills with our LEADERSHIP and CAREER DEVELOPMENT COACHING, contact Fortem Coaching now for your free 30-minute consultation.