It’s Thanksgiving in the US on November 24th. An important time to step back and express gratitude for those around us.
For example, we want to expressly thank the model in this photograph.
But it can feel disingenuous and a bit smug to then turn round and pat our own-selves on the back.
Which is why lots of us never do it when it comes to our careers.
But do it, we must.
The belief that being modest, working hard, and being diligent will get you promoted and well paid, is a myth.
You need to shift your beliefs into a different gear, and give thanks to yourself.
It doesn’t mean being fake, loud, insincere or full of ego. It means blowing your trumpet because it’s very well deserved.
The world wants to hear it.
Have a career plan and talk to people about it. Make it clear you have ambitions. Don’t let your ambitions fly under the radar.
Set yourself one goal between now and Christmas to learn a new skill. We recommend learning something digital that’s related to your world.
Forward or copy someone senior into something you were proud of, or got good results for. Senior folk aren’t mind readers and they like to hear about success.
Contribute to LinkedIn: Post. Comment. Share what you know and your thoughts about it.
Find a mentor in your organization. Someone more senior who is connected. Ask them to help you and have a plan about what they can do to help.
Volunteer for a project, especially a high-profile one. Be clear about why you’re volunteering. It’s Ok to say that you want to stretch yourself if the project is not quite in your wheelhouse.
Build your network. Arrange lunch with 2 new people between now and the end of the year.
Organize a coffee session with a group of like-minded colleagues about a topic or a work challenge you have a shared interest in.
Update your CV/Resume regularly. It’s amazing how much we forget through our careers. We recommend keeping a notes page underneath your CV to capture things as you go along.
Tell some-one at work you’re thankful for them. It’s a good thing to do.
Whether you celebrate thanksgiving or not, take a beat today to be thankful for you.
And don’t forget the guy in the photo with the turkey hat. He got paid for that.
With love,
The Jolt.