How to Control Your Career

It's not the economy, the job, or your boss that will control your career, it's you. Don't leave your success in someone else's hands - control your career with these four simple steps.

Focus on your long term goals:

Look beyond your current situation and don't be afraid to take on the 'grunt' work. Do the tasks well and recognize the long term rewards of these efforts. Always place yourself in a position to take on added responsibility.

Keep your expectations realistic:

Don't set yourself up for failure by having unrealistically high expectations. Be clear on your goals and the actions needed to achieve them. Work within your abilities and only on what you can control.

Take responsibility for what you do:

Take ownership of your successes and failures. Understand your responsibilities and make sure they're clear. Be accountable for all that you do and don't dwell on the mistakes - learn and move forward.

Know the difference between action and attitude:

A positive attitude and the way you think are certainly important, but it is how you act that's significant. It's the old adage "you can talk the talk, but can you walk the walk" on which you'll be judged. Accept what you can't control and act on what you can.

When all is said and done, the positive actions you take on a daily basis will help you control your career.