Most people aim for average. Don't. Do this instead.
This is probably not going to be your typical "how to" article, but hear me out.
You see when I work with my coaching clients I usually let them know in advance that I'm a "tough love" kind of coach. That means I'm honest, I don't sugarcoat anything or beat around the bush.
I believe this is the best approach to drive career growth. Direct feedback, the honest truth, and the tools to overcome any obstacle.
This week's email is my way of showing you tough love in the hopes of setting you up for success in 2023.
The truth about promotions
It all started last week as I was finalizing the work on my new course (The Promotion Accelerator). I noticed something alarming.
I was digging for data about promotions and came across the calibration curve.
Here it is: (This is what companies use to evaluate their employees).
According to the calibration curve the majority of employees, a whopping 68%, are doing just enough to meet expectations. That means the majority of employees are not positioning themselves for promotion.
It blew my mind. Almost every single person I talk to wants to get a promotion, but only a handful of ambitious professionals are doing the work to create an opportunity for themselves to level up.
Growing your career is not a given. If you do what everyone does, you'll get what everyone gets.
Leveling up is not about working harder, it’s about working smarter. Anyone can do it, but very few break the cycle of mediocracy and have the courage to think differently. Most people are stuck delivering average results. It’s easy and it’s comfortable so they never question it.
The people who get promoted fast and often? They don’t follow the herd. Instead, they look inside and ask themselves: what would it take to make this goal a reality?
Instead of hoping and waiting, they make a plan and take action.
The opposite of mediocracy is… intentionality
You only need to do one thing differently to break the cycle and get yourself to the right side of the calibration curve. You need to be intentional about it. You need to think about it and want it enough to actually put a plan in place and make it happen.
Here’s what is going to happen when you do:
(1) You’ll have more clarity, confidence, and focus.
(2) You’ll create your own luck. What you focus on is what you attract. The more you think about something the more your brain pays attention and starts showing you the possibilities.
(3) Your efforts will compound. When you pure all of your energy in one direction, you are going to get there faster.
Every action you take builds on the previous one and you end up with compounding results.
A career plan gives you a professional and a mental advantage. It’s a win-win.
If you are ready to make yours, follow this guide and create a killer plan for 2023.
Average = Career Killer
You can’t aim for average and expect extraordinary results. If you aim for average, you’ll get average.