You have done well and all of your hard work has certainly paid off. Your career couldn’t be better, your parents brag about you, you have no trouble in the dating department, and you live a balanced life. It is very easy, however, to reach the top of your game and become almost stagnant, forgetting that the journey isn’t over. Just because you’ve reached your career goals, and continue to, doesn’t mean you should stop challenging yourself both in your job and in life.
Just because you workout a few times a week, donate money to a few charities and have a bunch of friends doesn’t mean that there is nothing, or will be nothing, you can do to make yourself even more remarkable. You are quite impressive, but you are not there yet.
You Could Learn More
The most successful business minds always keep learning and advancing their skill set and knowledge. Don’ t develop a dormant mentality just because you’ve met with success thus far. Others will pass you by. Whether you take a new course, read books, pick the brains of others…you can always continue learning. Very rarely is there absolutely nothing you can be doing to help you professionally. Keep on top of industry trends and competition, discover new technologies, and stay up-to-date on current events that may affect your company and your industry.
You Could Look Better
Do you look your personal best? Fine, now you can afford the expensive suits, cocktail dresses and designer jeans that do admittedly make you look better. Your budget also makes room for things like manicures, facials and other personal maintenance needs. You could always look better. Find an old beach shot of yourself at 20 if you need inspiration. Those abs could be harder if you remained committed to your workout days, your skin could look better if you drank enough water, and if you cut drinking and got more sleep, you could look and feel more alert. Are you doing everything you can to remain youthful looking?
You Could Be More Charitable
You may not be as philanthropic as you think you are, claim to be, or compared to other young professionals. Sure, you may be financially comfortable enough to donate to a cause, purchase a charity ball ticket, and perhaps even participate in the silent auction. But to be actively engaged and influential in a charity requires going out of your way to make a positive difference. Bite the bullet and plan your own charity event, or participate in a charity run or bike tournament whereby you are responsible for raising the sponsorship funds yourself, in addition to physically challenging yourself in the name of the cause.
Find a Passion That is Not Work-Related
Every well-rounded YP has a passion- whether it is sports, music, or the arts. What are you passionate about? It is a question that will come up on first dates and job interviews. Aside from a conversation topic, having a passion is a nice escape from the craziness of your job and hustle and bustle of the city. It may be time to discover (or re-discover) yours.
Do Things that Scare You
Do something that scares you and pushes your boundaries, whether that is skydiving, scuba diving or even initiating conversation with a stranger. Challenge yourself physically doing something you never pictured yourself doing: sign up for a marathon, triathlon or commit to certain fitness goals at the gym. Make a list of things you want to do in the next few months, year and lifetime and begin to cross them off your list.
Be Inspiring and Influential
To have “made it,” you should be able to safely call yourself influential and inspiring. While you have made waves and garnished respect in your company, try to do the same in your profession. Make your mark and gain the respect of others in your field to be seen as an industry expert: speak on a panel, become a mentor, and/or contribute to industry publications. Become engaging socially- more memorable to people whom cross your path, even if they don’t seem to offer anything but friendship.
To stand out in today’s unforgiving cities, being successful, impactful and memorable is an evolving process. The second you feel the need to stop working for more marks the second you start slipping behind the others.