3 Mistakes to Avoid Making in Your Career

Occasionally, I like to take stock of my professional network. See what business ventures and career moves people are making. I am constantly in awe of those I see taking bold, massive steps to fulfill their dreams. I will send a congratulatory message depending on my relationship with the individual. Express how proud I am of them and try to get a glimpse of the deciding moment that moved them to take bold, massive action. Time and time again, I am always humbled and inspired by their responses.

 And I always ask myself, why is it easy for some to accelerate their career and go after what they want without fear, yet many professionals with degrees and years of experience are still stuck in their careers and have no clue the secret these movers and shakers are using to effectively advance their career and financial worth? 

 But then, over the years, I've realized that...

Career success has very little to do with your abilities and everything to do with the beliefs you have about your skill set, your level of confidence, how clear you are with your career goals, and how well you define and market your economic value to decision-makers or hiring officials.

Here are three mistakes I see unfulfilled professionals making and what can be done about them:

Let's dive a little deeper into these 3 mistakes:

1. Not Pursuing What You Want:

I cannot stress the importance of having a vision and clarity for your career. The lack of clarity results from not knowing how you are wired and how to capitalize on your strengths. When you fail to realize this, you will lack the confidence to go after what drives you out of fear, even when opportunities are in plain sight. And so you end up settling or doing what others expect of you.
 

2. Thinking You Need More Degrees and Many Years of Experience

Here's what happens when you think that: If you don't have the degrees or experience, imposter syndrome sets in. And it holds you back. You start to believe you are not good enough. You don't belong. And so, you never become empowered to share your ideas for people to know what you are capable of. And you become insecure in your own worth and value. Instead, focus on the economic value you bring versus your qualifications.

3. Not Defining and Marketing Your Economic Value: 

The decision to hire talent boils down to their economic value. Irrespective of your role, you need to know your value and how to sell that value. Your economic value is assessed by:

1. How your skills and expertise generate a company more revenue and/or
2. How your skills and expertise save the company money.

Once you determine which bucket you fall in, you need to be able to sell your value. No one cares if you are the best thing since ice cream if you cannot show how awesome you are! Your economic value is justified by an amazing outcome- the value you bring to a client, team, or company. And your ability to help people think differently about a problem or solution.

The common denominator of all three common mistakes is the self. It's not an external barrier that prevents people from achieving greatness. Instead, it is your own belief system.

And luckily, this problem can be fixed. If you are not taught how to navigate your career, it will take years to figure it out on your own, and that's money you're leaving on the table month after month, year after year. If you are struggling to figure things out on your own, you need a new outlook. A new strategy. You need a mentor. You need someone who has already achieved what you want. Someone who is committed to seeing you win and thrive and spend what it takes to help you achieve what you want.

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Angela Ansa is the Co-founder and C.E.O. of Aspire Prosthetics and Orthotics, Inc., and the Founder of Career Oasis. After climbing the corporate ladder and obtaining a master's certification in life coaching, Angela created the most cutting-edge career development and career coaching program- Career Oasis. Designed to provide educated professionals with the mindset support, tools, and strategies to get unstuck and accelerate their careers into the direction they want so that their careers don't burn them out but give them more money, freedom, and a massive impact.