Regardless of which career you find yourself in, there always comes a time when you need to take a bold step forward, whether in the company, with a different one or even go on your own. Career advancement requires a plan and sense of direction about where you want to go or what you want to achieve. So, do you feel stagnant in your current career or employment? Do you feel like everyone else is more advanced? Here are a few ways to start pushing yourself forward in your career.

1. Determine what success means to you

First of all, it will help if you define what success means to you. Where do you want to see yourself in the two, five, or ten years? What direction or career progression do you want to take? For example, do you want to climb up the position ladder in your current place of work? Do you want to join a bigger company? Do you want to set up your own business in the same industry? Answering questions like these should give you a direction you want your career to head and what to aim for. 

2. Invest in yourself

After deciding on what direction you want your career to take, you need to make the necessary investments in yourself, setting you off in your path of success. In most cases, investing in yourself means signing up for the required training and getting the certifications needed to advance. For example, suppose you work in the insurance industry in London and want to fast-track your insurance career. In that case, you find the best Insurance Courses London options, get enrolled, and put yourself in the driving seat of career progression. 

3. Focus on building and maintaining a helpful network 

Don’t be that friend or colleague who only gets in touch with others when they need something. Create and actively work on your social network and maintain a healthy relationship with others in your industry. While doing so, don’t shy away from communicating your hopes and aspirations. You never know who will remember you or link you up in case any opportunity becomes available. 

4. Work hard in your current position

The fact that you want to aim higher does not mean you should take your current position lightly. One great way to advance in any career is to work in your current position like everything depends on it, because it just might. Be passionate about your work and give it your all. That does not mean you should work extra long hours. It only means that you should do your best to produce good results for your current employer. 

Doing this offers two main benefits that will aid your career. First, hard work does not go unrewarded. Even if you think no one is noticing, someone could be watching, and your hard work can be rewarded with a promotion. Secondly, giving off your best will help equip you with the skills you need to advance, as you will learn a lot to enhance your skills and better yourself. Consider it another form of investing in yourself.