My Big Fat Courageous Career

In my opinion there is one skill required in your career in order to have ongoing success.

Just one I hear you cry?

This one skill is placed above all others and will help you navigate your career setting you up for many a conversation or dilemma. Courage.

Being courageous comes in many forms – it may be those little butterflies you get before asking for that pay rise. Or the nerves that come before a job interview or announcement. The jitters you get when confronting a colleague or finally handing in your notice. The commitment to going with a decision you have made and seeing it through even in times of adversity.

What comes with courage is a commitment to the outcome. Being focussed on the goal or vision and not sidelined by fear.

Courageous people in a business sense can be liked one day for their actions and despised the next. In a turbulent economy courageous leaders are dragged over the hot coals and yet still they are committed to their cause. They take full responsibility for their actions and results.

So how can you factor in a dose of courage into your career?

Up skill

Be prepared to learn new things and in turn this may support business decisions you have to take. This could be presentation skills, a technical gap you have or even investing in personal development.

Get a mentor

Have a sounding board that you can bounce ideas around with and use them to add confidence to your career. Mentors have usually been there and done that and will happily champion your cause.

Have a plan

Working towards a plan with clearly defined goals will give you the backbone you need when you have a little wobble or get caught off track. Being able to refocus and zone in on what you plan to achieve will help you reset.

Reward your inner lion

When you have achieved something then give yourself a pat on the back. Celebrate and reward your commitment.

Courageous people realise that putting in extra effort, being proactive and maybe taking risks can provide substantial benefits in the future. What is the alternative?

To not try something new?

Achievement requires courage. Go forth.

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141 Comments

- - smiles said
  - 29 Apr 2015
    1:12 pm
Some really good tips here. Thanks for sharing them.

- - mom109463 said
  - 21 Feb 2015
    10:57 am
Great article but it is so prevalent in everything in life, we need the courage to do anything, even going to a meeting at the local Kindy, some people including myself find this daunting, anything ourside of our comfort zone, we all need to push ourselves that little bit more and with each step we take it makes the next one so much easier, I was fortunate with my career that I was exceptionally good at my job and my male manager recognised this eventually when he was under the pump, and he basically took me under his wing and assisted me, it was not something he was known for and obviously he did it because I made him look good, but hey it worked, I benefitted and when it came time to move on he was fantastic in referring me to future employers, I am forever grateful for the opportunities that having a mentor offered me at the time.

- - priyachirag said
  - 27 Jan 2015
    2:15 pm
I’ve spend the last decade trying to find my niche and a fulfilling job. Good tips to follow and hopefully get me out of my rut!!

- - mom94125 said
  - 09 Jan 2015
    9:01 pm
this is a good article and very inspiring as well

- - kazh said
  - 28 May 2014
    12:39 pm
What a positive article. Thanks

- - catgrrl3 said
  - 22 May 2014
    9:52 pm
when I was working, I always wanted a mentor, i like the challenge of improving

- - sarah_wardleworth said
  - 20 May 2014
    9:52 pm
Good read thanks for the information

- - christial said
  - 15 May 2014
    10:24 pm
I’m always looking to learn new things and improve myself when the chance comes along!

- - Mrs Bucket (that's pronounced Bouquet) said
  - 13 May 2014
    5:19 pm
Being a former career Public Servant I have to admit it’s very different from private enterprise. It must be a bit nerve racking asking for a pay rise, I’d definitely need some courage, however the day I handed in my notice was one of the best days of my life. Thanks for sharing your tips, a good insight.
- tam_watters replied
  
  06 Oct 2014 , 6:51 pm
  I’m a public servant as well, after studying for years for what I thought would be a wonderful life career in education I have spent the last ten years being bitterly disappointed. This article has helped me realise it may not be the career for me.
- - Happymum said
  - 08 May 2014
    1:04 pm
I like the idea of getting a mentor

- - scottie said
  - 05 May 2014
    12:03 pm
great points too from no1ladydj – know your own worth

- - no1ladydj said
  - 02 May 2014
    7:46 pm
The other thing to be aware of is your own worth. Know what you’re good at, recognize your positive traits, and without “blowing your own trumpet”, make sure that you seek rewards and recognition commensurate with your input and your worth. Don’t ever settle for second-best or not being valued for your abilities and contributions.
- ginoula5 replied
  
  27 Aug 2014 , 1:59 pm
  Very well said, couldn’t agree more.
- - alioop said
  - 06 Apr 2014
    6:11 pm
Thank you, very motivational – we all need to strive for our full potential

- - mle00 said
  - 24 Mar 2014
    1:09 am
Which is all very as long as you have the financial stability to got out and spend the time chasing your dreams!

- - someonesmother said
  - 10 Mar 2014
    3:27 am
Wonderful advice, a very motivational article.