Drive, Dedication, and Determination
The importance of all three to your career

In today’s competitive workforce, it’s up to you to manage your career and what you want out of it ... because nobody will do it for you! And to do that, you need the winning trifecta that builds careers: drive, dedication, and determination.

Drive

Let’s face it: first you actually have to want it. If you don’t care about a promotion, about a job change, about a new opportunity, then it really doesn't matter. You have to want more — and that's where drive comes in.

Identify not only what you want, but why you want it — whether it’s advancement, change, or adding flexibility to your current position. Once you’ve established a particular goal, remind yourself regularly of why you’re going for it, how important it is to you, and the difference it will make in your life. That’s what will keep the fire burning and your motivation strong!

Dedication

Constantly look for opportunities, both at work and outside of it. Really evaluate your strengths and weaknesses, and figure out how you can build on the former and improve on the latter. Expand your skill set by pursuing more training, formal or informal. And keep an eye out for places to use your talents, whether it’s within your organization or through a volunteer position or business association. And don’t forget to keep a portfolio of the projects that you’re working on — and update it regularly. This is one of the most vital steps you can take, because you’ll not only be constantly improving — you’ll have a record of your growth, which is great for giving you a sense of accomplishment in general.

Determination

Setbacks may happen — so learn from them. And don’t view them as defeat! You’re not going to get every promotion (we’re completely jealous if that’s not the case!) and you’re not always going to get the clients, projects, or assignments that you really want — the first time. But if you keep trying, keep looking out for new opportunities and making it clear that you not only want them, you’re ready for them, your career will be stronger for it.

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Your Responses:

Everyone needs an... Advisor: someone you can ask discrete questions.Ask them for introductions within the firm or how to do something.This could be a firm provided advisor, typically a formal relationship Mentor:someone you trust, someone that you can share your aspirations with.They need to know you very well. This person provides tailored advice for you and your career path Sponsor: is essential to success and advancement. This has to be someone with a ‘seat at the table’, who will carry your message behind closed doors, and will fight for you. This person must be willing to spend their political capital on you. They must know you well and know your work well.
Posted by: Christina
10/18/10 at 12:54 PM

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Great article! I have found that when you establish career goals and continue to work toward them you improve your value and your work reflects your efforts. I set a goal that required about 18 months and several hundred personal dollars to accomplish. My boss and family supported me but I felt that management didn't believe I'd finish. It paid off in big raises - $2.00 an hour the first year. I took on other goals which also resulted in more raises. Don't give up, even when others don't support you.
Posted by: Brenda
10/18/10 at 09:54 AM

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Great advice and a great boost for a Monday morning! I am a busy, working mother of three; looking for advancement and this article lines up with where I am in my life currently.
Posted by: Andrea Morris
10/18/10 at 09:36 AM

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Great advice and a great boost for a Monday morning! I am a busy, working mother of three; looking for advancement and this article lines up with where I am in my life currently.
Posted by: Andrea Morris
10/18/10 at 09:35 AM

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