How not to lose momentum in your career

Welcome to March. Yes, there are 27 days until the end of Q1. If you are like me, you might be wondering how we got here so soon. It feels like the day before yesterday I had greeted my colleagues with “Happy New Year," then yesterday I looked over at my other colleague with a polite smile and said “Happy Valentine's Day,” and suddenly I’m in the midst of March. If you're squinting at your Google Calendar, wondering how time has slipped away so suspiciously fast and how you're already behind on your Q1 goals, you're not alone.

It’s tough to face the fact that you’re already behind in the first quarter, but here’s the thing: there’s still time to catch up, reset your momentum, and crush it. Success in your career is rarely a straight line. It’s more of a winding journey with peaks of inspiration and valleys of self-doubt. You might find yourself racing ahead one moment, brimming with enthusiasm, only to feel stuck or stagnant the next. Life has a way of throwing curveballs, and the journey of building a career is no exception. Let’s unpack the steps to safeguard your career momentum.

1. Set evolving goals. Start by (re)defining your short-term and long-term goals. Maybe you already thought this through at the beginning of the year, but now is a great time to reevaluate. Maintaining your momentum isn’t about avoiding the detours and setbacks but rather about understanding what truly drives you forward. Are you aiming for a promotion within the next year? Do you want to develop a specific skill? Remember that life is unpredictable, so be flexible and give yourself grace. Reassess your objectives to ensure they align with your evolving priorities and values. Momentum thrives when your goals feel relevant and attainable.

2. Serve others through your passions. Once you’ve identified your goals, ask yourself how they can serve others. Whether it’s solving problems, inspiring others, or creating something impactful, channel your passions into acts of service. This amplifies your sense of purpose and energises you to keep going.

3. Seek out challenges. If your career starts to feel too routine or predictable, it might be time to shake things up. Volunteer for a new project, take on responsibilities outside your usual scope, or learn a skill that intimidates you. Challenges keep you engaged but also position you as someone who’s adaptable and driven.

4. Leverage the power of community. Fanning your flame of momentum isn’t a solo endeavour. Surround yourself with the right people who push you to grow, challenge your thinking, and hold you accountable. Their support can help you see new possibilities and stay driven when doubts creep in. If you don’t have people in your immediate surroundings who can uplift you, then seek out online communities or new groups (book clubs, masterminds, conferences) that align with your values and aspirations. 

5. Celebrate small wins. In the rush to achieve big milestones, it’s easy to overlook the small victories but I challenge you to stop and celebrate. Celebrating doesn’t have to be a grand gesture. It could be as simple as treating yourself to your favourite coffee or sharing your success with a trusted friend. The important thing is to acknowledge your efforts and keep building on them.

6. Keep learning. Alvin Toffler, an American writer and philosopher, said, “The illiterate of the 21st century will not be those who cannot read and write but those who cannot learn, unlearn and relearn." The moment you stop learning is the moment your career starts to stagnate. Whether it’s attending workshops, reading industry blogs, enrolling in online courses, or simply asking questions, continuous learning keeps your mind sharp and your skills up-to-date. The more versatile you are in your learning, the more opportunities you’ll find to keep moving forward.

Career momentum isn’t about always being at full speed. It’s about staying engaged, flexible, and focused. Progress is progress, no matter how small. Don’t underestimate the power of persistence, because you’re creating momentum in ways you may not even realise yet. You are capable and resilient; this year’s career journey has only just begun. Q2—Here we come!

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