The Harsh Truth About Career Success
There's a huge difference between Ambition and Reality
Hi Superstar,
It’s been way too long since I last wrote to you! Honestly, I’ve missed you—like, really missed you. And if you’re quietly thinking “Same here!” but still haven’t subscribed to the job board, I might need a little convincing! (Just kidding... maybe.)
Now, back to what really matters. Have you ever noticed that when it comes to career success, we often overlook one harsh truth? The reality of achieving our dreams isn’t always as smooth as we imagine. In fact, most times, what’s in our heads is far from what happens in real life.
The first truth is tough to swallow, but here it is: You might not be as special as you think you are. Now, before you think I’m being too harsh, let me explain. It’s easy to feel like your unique experiences set you apart—trust me, I’ve been there. I used to believe my early start in the workforce made me stand out. But the corporate world has a way of humbling you. Just because you started early or have a passion for something doesn’t mean success will automatically follow. The workplace doesn’t hand out trophies for ambition alone.
This is why Career Success requires more than just ambition. Don’t get me wrong—having big dreams is important, but so is being realistic. A lot of us start with grand visions of where we want to be in our careers, whether it’s becoming the top leader in our industry or making a huge impact. But here’s the thing: to reach those heights, you have to work with what you’ve got right now. Instead of getting lost in the big picture, focus on breaking your goals into smaller, actionable steps. That’s how you go from dreaming to actually doing.
One of the most important steps in achieving your career goals is understanding your starting point. Take a step back and evaluate where you are right now. Before you even set those big goals, assess your skills, experience, and resources. Be honest with yourself—what are your strengths? What gaps do you need to fill? By knowing your current position, you’ll have a much clearer idea of how to get where you want to go. Think of it as mapping out a journey; you need to know where you’re starting before you can plan the best route.
Once you have that clarity, the next step is to set SMART goals. These are goals that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. For example, instead of saying, “I want to get promoted,” make it specific: “I want to be promoted to a managerial position within the next 12 months.” Make it measurable by setting targets like “I aim to increase sales by 20%.” Make sure it’s achievable based on your current skills and resources—don’t set yourself up for failure by reaching too far, too soon. And of course, give yourself a clear timeline for when you want to accomplish this goal. Having SMART goals keeps you focused and helps you track your progress along the way.
Another key to success is to break down big goals into smaller, manageable tasks. When you have a huge career ambition, it can feel overwhelming—like staring up at a mountain. But by breaking it down into bite-sized pieces, you’ll find the climb much more doable. For example, if your long-term goal is to lead a department, start by taking on smaller leadership roles like managing a project or mentoring a junior team member. These small wins build momentum and bring you closer to your bigger aspirations.
Furthermore, Evaluate the resources you have at your disposal—whether it’s time, money, or support from others. We all have constraints, whether it’s a heavy workload or personal commitments, and it’s important to be realistic about what you can take on. Balancing your goals with the resources you have ensures that you don’t set yourself up for burnout or disappointment. It’s all about working smarter, not harder.
Lastly, stay flexible and be ready to adjust your goals as needed. Life changes, and so do your circumstances. Just because you set a goal doesn’t mean it’s set in stone. Be open to pivoting and making adjustments based on new information or changes in your career environment. Flexibility is key to staying resilient, and it doesn’t mean you’re giving up on your dreams—it just means you’re smart enough to adapt.
Remember, success isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress. Celebrate your small victories, seek feedback from mentors, and don’t be too hard on yourself. It’s okay to move at your own pace. Ambition is great, but pairing it with realistic planning is what will ultimately help you achieve your career goals.
Your career journey is like a destination you’re heading toward, but before you start the journey, you need a clear, thoughtful plan.
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Yours truly,
Your Career Cheerleader,
Mary-Esther Anele
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In terms of measuring progress, how do you factor in looking for opportunities beyond your current employer?