How I Got Promoted

Friday I got promoted. It took four and a half months. Here’s how I did it.

1. Get a Mentor. Look at who’s the best, who’s already successful. Ask them questions. Implement what they say.
2. Read books. Taking some advice from Brian Tracy I started reading 30 minutes a day. I’ve finished 5 books already. The result is a new hunger for knowledge and a desire to read as many books as possible.
3. Look and listen for opportunities. Keeping my ears open to conversations as I walk through work gives me ideas. Just one snippet is enough to fuel several ideas.
4. Follow Through. For me this is the most important of all. Ideas are useless without follow through.
5. Do what they tell you. Don’t be a lemming. However, if a superior with experience and knowledge says you may want to work on this, then work on it.
6. Always stay positive. Condition yourself to be positive and upbeat regardless of what’s happening in your life. Don’t bring your personal stuff to work. We all have bad days but do your best to power through the negative emotions.
7. Pray. Pray all the time. Pray whenever you think of it. Pray especially when you’re in an interaction that is challenging, frustrating and demanding. Ask God to give you the words and actions that will be the best solution for that situation.
8. Self-promote. Tell the right people what you’re doing. Figure out a diplomatic way to stand out from everyone else.
9. Say yes. If the higher ups ask you to do something, do it. Be seen as agreeable and adaptable. Don’t be a pushover but do your best to step up. Be seen as a “go to” person.
10. Warm up. Pro athletes don’t play the game without warming up. They throw the ball around. They practice their shots. Do the same. Visualize your game. Use affirmations to create the day/game you want. Walk into the job believing that you’re the best and the game is yours to lose.