I was recently asked by someone for some advice.  The question sounded something like this, "Since we are both the same age but you have gotten farther ahead in your career than I have, I was hoping you could provide me with some advice on how to promote myself better to my employer."  What a great question! 

The person asking this question is on a journey to success.  He's asking the right questions and taking ownership for his own results.  As I though about the question more, I realized that while he perceieved this issue was promotion of his own skills and talents, the real question he was asking was, "How did you get where you are?" He was hoping that he could then take the answer and replicate it for himself.  I wish it were that simple. 

As I thought about how to answer the question, I decided to share with him a few things that I believe have enabled my success thus far in my career.  The bulk of my answer boiled down to two key things.  First, I have always had a plan.  Since graduating from college, I've always been one who had a 5 year goal for my career.  Certainly, my goals have changed over time, but the goal has always been there.  These goals have kept me focused and motivated to drive my career forward. 

Once you are clear on where you are going, being intentional about getting there was the second piece of advice.  That means taking advantage of opporutnities when they are presented.  Most often, opportunities don't come when you are fully ready for them.  You have to be ready to sieze those opportunities when they come.  It also means investing in training and experience that prepares you to achieve your goals.  As an example, if your goal is to move into management at your company and an opportunity to work on a high profile project at work comes along, you should volunteer for that project, even if you don't have the extra time in your day.  You may need to work extra for a while, but consider it an investment in your career.  Those who invest daily are the individuals who are getting promoted and getting ahead. 

After sending my response, what I realized is that it's a powerful exercise to ask yourself the question, "what did I do to get here?"  If your answer isn't pretty clear and easy to determine, you probably are letting life happen to you.  You may be relying on luck as your main strategy.  You probably should and could be farther ahead than you are.  All you have to do is decide where you are are going and begin the process of intentionally taking steps and making decisions that will get you there. 

-Jason