[OPINION] Building a door when opportunity doesn’t knock

By Harvey Mackay

There are some people who spend their entire lives working with an attitude not unlike Snoopy, the cherished “Peanuts” cartoon character. Snoopy sat droopy eyed at the entrance of his doghouse lamenting, “Yesterday I was a dog. Today I’m a dog. Tomorrow I’ll probably still be a dog. SIGH. There’s so little hope for advancement.”

I view career advancement as a vital aspect of professional life. It is not just about climbing the corporate ladder or getting a bigger paycheck, although those can be nice perks. It is about personal growth, expanding your skills and increasing your ability to contribute to your organization and society.

When I think of personal growth, I’m reminded of a story that U.S. President Abraham Lincoln once told a group of government employees:

“You people remind me of the boy who set a hen on 43 eggs and expected them to hatch. Then he rushed to tell his mother what he had done.”

‘“But a hen can’t set on 43 eggs,’ replied his mother.

“‘No,’ replied the boy, ‘I guess she can’t. But I just wanted to see her spread herself.’

“That is what I would like to see you people do,” concluded President Lincoln.

I strongly believe in the power of education and self-improvement. Continuously learning and adapting is essential for career advancement. Stay current with industry trends and expand your knowledge base.

“Continuous learning is the minimum requirement for success in any field,” said Denis Waitley, motivational speaker, author and consultant.

Work on improving areas where you’re lacking and leveraging your strengths. Find ways to increase your efficiency without sacrificing quality. Focus your energy on tasks that have the most significant impact on your goals.

Let your excitement for your work shine through. It can lead to more opportunities and inspire those around you. If your enthusiasm is waning, seek out new challenges or projects that can reignite your passion.

Actively pursue opportunities to learn new skills or improve existing ones, whether through formal education or on-the-job training.

Be a good communicator by improving your writing and speaking skills. Clear and effective writing is essential in most professions. Enhance your public speaking skills to better articulate your ideas and gain confidence.

Consistently delivering high-quality work is crucial in building trust. Your reputation is built one task at a time. Follow through on your commitments and ensure tasks are completed to the best of your ability. Make sure your efforts are visible to those who make decisions about promotions and career opportunities.

Apple co-founder Steve Jobs said: “Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking. Don’t settle. As with all matters of the heart, you‘ll know when you find it.”

Setbacks are part of the career journey. Learn from them. Maintaining a positive attitude can help you see opportunities for growth in the face of adversity.

Be resourceful. Be proactive in seeking out the information you need to succeed.

Cultivate a network of professional contacts. Every new connection is a potential opportunity. These relationships can provide support and advice as well. Seek mentors who can offer insights based on their experiences. Be open to mentoring others.

Regularly ask for feedback on your performance and pay attention. Anticipate the needs of your department and address them before being asked. Always aim to provide solutions, not just identify problems.

Establish clear, achievable goals for both the near future and down the road. Keep track of your progress towards your goals and adjust your strategies as needed.

Embrace change in this dynamic business world, a key component of career advancement. Look for ways to innovate. This can set you apart from your peers and show your value to the organization.

Career advancement is not just a goal; it is a journey that involves hard work, strategic thinking and a commitment to excellence. It is about finding ways to add value, improve processes and make a difference in your workplace and beyond.

Don’t be like Snoopy. Career advancement is a marathon, not a sprint. Prepare for the long run with continuous learning and relationship building.

Mackay’s Moral: To climb the career ladder, don’t just step up; build the rungs by improving yourself every day.

●Mackay is an American businessman and author