Life can be unpredictable and, when the unexpected occurs, it’s easy to put your career on the backburner. But losing momentum can have long-term ramifications, especially if you miss out on opportunities to advance.
If you want to make sure you don’t let your career track stall, here are some tips for keeping things moving in the right direction.
Learn to Shake Off the Bad
Everyone faces challenges in their personal and professional lives that distract them from what is going right. While acknowledging a setback is perfectly normal, allowing it to linger in your mind can impact your mood and your career.
When you experience a negative event, give yourself a moment to recognize the emotional impact. Then, work to shake off those feelings of negativity and refocus on the positive, such as what you learned from the experience or what you can do to make your next attempt successful. This helps you maintain a constructive mindset, giving you the ability to prevent your career from stalling.
Build a Support System
If you have people around you who can hold you accountable and help you stayed focused, it’s easier to maintain momentum while you are on your journey. Select a few people in your life who can serve as sources of encouragement during times of hardship, and share your experiences with them when you need some uplifting words and support.
Just make sure the relationships aren’t one-sided by preparing to act as their champions, as well. This creates a strong back and forth, ensuring everything is reciprocal.
Be Your Own Cheerleader
At times, acting as your own cheerleader can also prevent your career from stalling. Counter any negative self-talk with positive statements about who you are as a professional and what you have to offer. Work to see the potential in any situation, even if it is challenging at first.
It can take time to learn how to be your own advocate, particularly if you developed a habit of negative self-talk. But, with practice, it becomes easier to combat that feeling, letting you craft a more positive perspective on yourself.
Similarly, seeing the brighter side of difficult situations can also take work. Life can throw you unexpected curveballs, and not everything is under your control. However, most experiences give you a chance to learn and grow, either as a professional or simply as a person. Fight the urge to give up and renew your commitment to keeping your career moving forward.
Ultimately, maintaining momentum takes diligence, but being able to advance your career and stay on track makes it worth the effort time and time again. Remember, you can only progress if you position yourself to do so, so fight back against negative thoughts, contact your support system, and be your own advocate. That way, you can keep moving forward, no matter what life tosses your way.
If you are interested in learning more or would like to find a new job to advance your career track, the professionals at The Advance Group can help. Contact us to discuss your professional goals today and see how our expertise can make getting your momentum back a breeze.
