Throughout my career, I’ve learned many lessons—some easy, others challenging—but all of them have shaped me into the woman, entrepreneur, and leader I am today. Looking back, I see how each step, whether good or bad, helped me grow. I’ve compiled these 7 essential career tips that you can apply directly to your work. They’ve been game-changers for me, and I’m confident they can help you too.
1. Define your own success
Success isn’t one-size-fits-all. Create your own definition and plan accordingly. What truly matters to you? Whether it’s achieving a promotion, achieving work-life balance, or pursuing a passion project, establish what success means in your terms. Then, prioritize those goals daily. You don’t have to take on everyone else’s tasks. Help when you can, but never at the cost of your own ambitions.
2. Go for It—Even when you don’t feel ready
How often do we hold ourselves back, waiting for the “perfect” moment or the belief that we’re fully prepared? The truth is, we’re rarely 100% ready for anything. If something excites you or feels right, take the leap—imperfections and all. Remember, what feels like 80% to you might be 120% to someone else. So, don’t wait. Embrace the jump. What’s the worst that could happen?
3. Don’t wait to be noticed—speak up for what you want
For years, I thought hard work alone would lead to recognition and rewards. The reality is, people are busy, and opportunities don’t just come knocking. If you want something, ask for it! Make your goals known, and advocate for your needs and desires. Whether it’s a new project, a promotion, or just more responsibility, don’t assume people will notice you—you need to make your presence felt.
4. Work smarter, not harder
We’ve all heard the advice to work harder to climb the ladder, but there’s a limit to how much effort you can put in before burnout hits. The real secret to success is working smarter. Focus on being strategic about your time and efforts. By finding ways to maximize impact with less effort, you’ll avoid burnout and set yourself up for sustainable success.
5. Speak up in meetings
How many times have you held back in meetings, fearing that your opinion doesn’t matter or that others will think your questions are “stupid”? Here’s the truth: Your voice does matter. You were hired for your expertise, so own it. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or share your insights. In fact, your ideas could be the very spark that moves the conversation forward. So, speak up, take space, and let your voice be heard.
6. Don’t hide your ambition
Ambition isn’t something to be ashamed of—it’s something to embrace! Be transparent about your career goals with your team and management. Whether you’re aiming for a promotion or want to take on a new challenge, communicate your aspirations. The more you share, the more likely it is that others will help you achieve them. Keep your goals top of mind, especially during performance reviews, and show that you’re ready for the next step.
7. It’s okay not to be okay
We all have days when we’re not feeling our best, and that’s okay. Don’t be too hard on yourself when things aren’t going your way. Embrace those moments as part of the journey. Acknowledge your feelings, take time to recharge, and remember that it’s impossible to be “on” every single day. Step outside for some fresh air, take a nap, or simply give yourself permission to pause. Tomorrow is another day, and you’ll approach it stronger.
Success isn’t a destination; it’s a journey, and it’s one that should be uniquely yours. Embrace your ambition, trust your instincts, and take ownership of your career path. As women, we often hold ourselves to impossibly high standards, but remember: you don’t have to do it all alone, and it’s okay to stumble along the way. The most important thing is to keep moving forward.
Follow me on LinkedIn for more tips on building your career https://www.linkedin.com/in/hendrikavreugdenhil/
