It is hard to plan for something that you have no idea about. And, that is exactly what the future is, the unknown. Most companies are also unclear about how you can grow your career or what they would even expect of you to advance further. Another additional layer of stress is that at the same time you are also at competition with everyone else in your field who also want the same things as you. So really, you need to know how to develop your skills, but also, how to develop them faster than everyone else.

A viable growth model 

The 70-20-10 model was made to help people grow themselves the fastest. Basically, it breaks down to 70% of your professional growth will come from the direct work experience that you have from jobs that you have done, 20% is from the networking and interactions that you with other people and professionals in your field, and lastly 10% is from the educational training you undertook. Also, take every opportunity and presentation as an avenue for growth. Once you’ve completed the action, ask for feedback, and then perform the next time at an even higher level. Here is a 3 step strategy to plan your success:

1. Build a realistic vision

The first step is to gauge where you are currently and where you would like to be. Once a clear goal has been outlined you know what you are working towards instead of aimlessly striving towards an unclear vision.  When you are doing this the most important factor is to be realistic and honest with ourselves. Although objectivity can be hard, it is essential in mapping out your success. For starters, your ego has to be left behind and asking for input from a respected superior who you know will not sugar-coat the truth is a good place to work from.

2. Learn from experience

Two types of experiences will help you grow. The first type are functional experiences. These are things that help you hone in on a particular skill. The second type are management experiences. Management experiences help you develop skills under pressure and lead a team as well.

3. Seek advice

Another tip is to speak to people who are successful in your field. They can offer insight into what steps they took to reach where you would like to be and guide you in the right direction. Leave your ego behind and ask for input from respected superiors who you know will not sugar-coat the truth and guide you in the right direction. By mapping out your plan, seeking experiences that will help you grow, and speaking to successful professionals in your filed you can easily plan for success.