What do you want your legacy to be about this year?
As we move through just the first month of 2022, we already have new strains of COVID19, delayed school terms and skeleton-staff offices. Its safe to say, we may be bracing for another bumpy year. That couldn’t be further from the truth! Having lived in the face of uncertainty in this pandemic climate for over two years now, we are more resilient, flexible and have a better hold in ambiguous environments. So instead of bracing for another bumpy year, look to a year of using these developed skills and take calculated risks, expand your networks and capabilities and make strategies to build and grow your legacy.
So, here is my 5 top tips to helping build your legacy in 2022
1. Know your why
When you don’t understand your WHY, you lack a deeper reason for wanting something, and thus it is hard to sustain the motivation to pursue it. The research of Dr. Amy Wresniewski on the construct of career orientation, has shown that the higher the level of identity you have with the work you do, the greater your level of success and wellbeing will be. So, understanding your WHY and then setting goals aligned to that purpose, will help you progress in your career and sustain that engagement with your career long-term.
2. Take calculated risks
To own your career, you need to not take opportunities but seek out opportunities. When faced with ambiguity, don’t linger on the uncertainty, be proactive instead of reactive and take calculated risks. What 2021 showed us was that people are not afraid of change anymore. In the latter half of the year, the talk of the Great Resignation was ripe, as people realised more of what their purpose and passion were, and started taking leaps to better align their lifestyles and careers with them. If a career move isn’t on the cards, consider a sideways move. The notion that sideway moves inhibits your progression is outdated. Sideways moves allow for learning and development opportunities, new experiences or exposure on projects and opportunities to broaden your networks. Replace complacency and comfort with taking control and chances!
3. Develop your personal brand
You are your own brand. Everything you do signals your values, your goals and your skills to the world. To have a great career, you need to bring the best version of yourself both in and outside the office each day. Your brand influences what others think of you and influences your career advancement. You should clarify and establish your personal brand and understand within yourself what you want to be known for and communicate that throughout your world – online and in-person. First step, identify your values. Next, think of activities, actions or behaviours that demonstrate those values. Then you can practice embodying those actions in your daily interactions and being.
4. Have a learning mindset
There is no better time to upskill. What we saw in 2021 was more flexibility with both working and resourcing for learning and development opportunities. Whether you upskill within your organisation or consider external study, your skills are your most valuable commodity. You should regularly be enhancing your skills including new technical skills relevant to your role but also soft and digital skills, and adding these to your CV, LinkedIn and other professional profiles.
5. Mentoring Matters
Mentoring is about supporting others through advice and help. It is a way of investing in your future. As a mentee, finding the right mentor in your career can accelerate your career advancement. The benefit of making a connection with someone with connections speaks for itself. As a mentor, the personal satisfaction of helping another, and the opportunity to learn from fresh perspectives in up-and-coming leaders, will strengthen your personal and professional abilities. Combined, the two-way mentoring relationship gives both mentors and mentees the experience of establishing and nurturing a committed professional relationship, development of trust, goal planning and execution, roles and responsibilities and collaboration techniques. Overall, mentoring matters.
Take control of your 2022, take changes, be bold and courageous and remain humble.