Unfortunately, They Don’t Make ‘Spanx’ For Your Career

Businesswoman with dumbbell So, you’ve proclaimed 2015 to be the year you get in the best physical shape of your life. You’ve armed yourself with the best workout gear and gadgets, and made enough kale smoothies to last for months-GO You! ... But what about the health of your career?

Notice how the following ways to “get fit” careerwise mirror what all the health gurus tell you about your body!

Get Prepared
Update your resume on a regular basis, even if you aren’t currently looking for a new opportunity. You never know when you’ll need it!
Provide a clear vision of what you do. Be sure to list information such as: the number of people you managed, territories you worked in, products you worked with, and concrete accomplishments.
Spend Time with People You Admire
Take a look around at who you sit with at company meetings, collaborate on team projects, or even eat (your healthy) lunch with. Are they the top producers in the office or the ones barely scraping by?
Join committees, volunteer for projects, network- any activity that will give you exposure to successful people. That is where you will pick up new ideas, get advice, and learn about the latest goings-on in your industry. Most importantly, these people will make you accountable to a higher level of performance.
Develop the Skills to Overcome Obstacles
Nearly everyone knows that person. They have great potential and always seem to be at the right place at the right time. But if they aren’t working hard and measuring their success, they won’t survive on just their potential and “good luck”. Learn the skills to handle failures and overcome challenges. This will take you very far in your career.
Measure Your Success
Write down a list of duties involved in your job. What did you accomplish and how did it impact your income, department or company?
What metrics does your company use to determine performance? Move forward in some way that is measurable. (More sales calls, more clinical trials, extra research, etc.)

There are no shortcuts. Keeping your career in good shape is an ongoing process that requires dedication, concentration and consistency. Just like with your body- you have to put in the time and work to see results. So, get going!