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Leveraging Your Everyday Skills for Career Advancement
In this episode of Redefining Motherhood, I talk about how we get caught up in the daily grind and forget to acknowledge the incredible skills we develop along our journey. I show you how to harness the everyday skills you've developed and turn them into the keys to your next career breakthrough. Whether you're going for a promotion, starting a side hustle, or switching careers, the skills you use daily can certainly help you thrive.
Acknowledging Your Worth and Skills
In the midst of our busy lives, it’s easy to overlook the leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills we hone every day—whether it's coordinating logistics for our kids’ activities, negotiating peace between siblings, or organizing team meetings at work. These skills are incredibly valuable, and they’re the same ones that can help us climb the corporate ladder or make a successful career pivot. I’ve found that the first step in moving forward is to truly acknowledge the worth of these skills and the strengths we bring to the table.
It’s important to pause and give yourself credit for what you’ve accomplished. I’ve had moments of doubt, wondering if I was qualified enough to go for the promotion or transition into a new role, but each time I reminded myself of the skills I’ve built over the years—both in and out of the workplace—it helped me see that I was more prepared than I realized. Whether you’re a project manager balancing multiple clients or a stay-at-home mom managing a full household, your skills are real and transferable. Remember, just because you’ve been doing something for years doesn’t mean it’s not valuable. And if you’re feeling like you’re ready to take that next step in your career, trust that you already have the foundation to build upon.
Identifying and Leveraging Transferable Skills
One of the biggest keys to advancing in your career is identifying transferable skills—those abilities you’ve developed that can be applied across different roles or industries. Think about the communication skills you use daily, the leadership you show in managing projects, or the problem-solving abilities you employ when a challenge arises at work or home. These skills are often universal, and they’re what will set you apart as you move into new opportunities.
I remember a friend of mine who decided to shift careers after 20 years in one field. She was worried that she didn’t have the right qualifications for a new role, but when she broke down her experience, she realized that her organizational skills, project management expertise, and leadership capabilities were exactly what her new industry needed. It’s a reminder that while titles might change, the core skills we’ve developed often remain just as relevant. So, take some time to reflect on your own experiences. What skills have you been cultivating over the years, and how can they be applied to a new role or industry? You might be surprised by how much value you already bring to the table!
Leveraging Experience and Career Growth
Beyond skills, it’s crucial to focus on the experiences you’ve had throughout your career—especially the challenges you’ve navigated and the lessons you’ve learned. When we focus solely on the time we’ve spent in a role, it’s easy to feel stagnant. But if we look at the depth of learning and the problems we’ve solved, we start to see our own growth more clearly. I’ve found that this perspective shift is what allows us to effectively leverage our experience when seeking new opportunities.
For example, leading projects, managing change, and navigating corporate restructuring are all experiences that demonstrate valuable leadership skills. I’ve made it a practice to keep an ongoing list of the skills and experiences I’ve gained over time, and this has been incredibly helpful when it comes to articulating my value in performance reviews or job applications. By laying out my roles and the major achievements within each one, I’ve been able to paint a clearer picture of my career arc—and it’s a great way to boost your confidence when you’re gearing up for your next career move. This is something I encourage all of you to do as well: start tracking your wins and the challenges you’ve overcome, and you’ll see just how much you’ve grown.
Investing in Yourself
If you want to take your career to the next level, it’s important to continuously invest in yourself. That might mean taking online courses to enhance your qualifications, seeking out leadership training, or even taking on stretch assignments that push you out of your comfort zone. The more you invest in yourself, the more confident you’ll feel about stepping into new roles and opportunities.
For me, investing in my growth has been one of the most rewarding parts of my journey. Whether it was attending workshops, seeking mentorship, or challenging myself with new responsibilities, I found that every step I took to expand my skillset helped me feel more prepared for the next opportunity. It also showed others that I was committed to my own development—a crucial quality when it comes to career advancement. So, if there’s a course you’ve been eyeing or a project at work that would stretch your abilities, go for it! Investing in yourself is never a waste of time, and it’s what will set you up for long-term success.
Building Confidence and Taking Action
At the end of the day, confidence is what drives us to take action—and action is what leads to progress. As you continue to build on your skills, leverage your experiences, and invest in yourself, you’ll naturally start to feel more confident in your abilities. And with that confidence comes the realization that you’re ready to take on new challenges, whether that’s pursuing a promotion, switching careers, or starting your own business.
I know it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the idea of making a big career move, especially when you’re balancing so many other responsibilities. But remember that you’re already more prepared than you think. Your skills, experiences, and commitment to growth are all indicators that you’re ready to step into something new. Don’t be afraid to dream bigger, aim higher, and believe in your worth. You’ve got what it takes, and the journey of self-discovery and empowerment is one that will continue to evolve as you do.
If you’re ready to take the next step in your career, I encourage you to download my free resource that outlines the strategies I used to reach the executive level. Download your Free Guide Here.
Listen to the full episode here. Together, let’s redefine motherhood and career success on our own terms!
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