As subscribers to my newsletter would know, I love reading motivational self-help books. Two books that I've read this month (How to Change your Life by Benjamin Bonetti and Change One Thing by Sue Hadfield) had similar themes: making a change to your life requires creating self awareness, then making that one first step towards change. A small change can snowball into a completely changed life.
This got me thinking about those first steps that can help you change the career side of your life. So many people are stuck in a job that they hate but can't seem to get the motivation to leave. Others like their job but are no longer feeling challenged or valued.
So here are some ideas for that first step that could dramatically change your working life:
Book an appointment with a career/life coach [feel free to contact me for recommendations].
Book a meeting with your manager to discuss your career. Be honest with them about how you are feeling and your ideas for career progression.
Stop working overtime or checking your emails after hours.
Stop procrastinating: Switch off your email and Facebook and get through your to-do list.
Read a career-focused motivational book [try your local library].
Book in a professional development course or investigate a TAFE/University course of interest.
Create or update your LinkedIn profile [see other blog posts for tips].
Update your resume [and seek professional assistance if required. I can help!].
Sign up for job alerts [from organisations of interest, SEEK, LinkedIn etc.].
Book in a networking coffee with a contact to discuss their career/organisation and hopefully receive some useful career advice.
Reach out to someone to be your career mentor.
Create a 'Career Club' with your friends. It's just like a book club except instead of talking about books you workshop your careers.
So go on, I dare you to make that first step and change one thing.