Simple steps you can take now to improve your career in the future

The year is well underway, with most of us back in the rhythm of work and life, feeling too busy to step back and consider the direction your career is taking you.

Author and leadership coach Megan Dalla-Camina says this is the perfect time to take a beat and consider if your career is serving you.

This doesn't mean quitting jobs or moving countries and similar dramatic live changes, she tells 9honey.

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"Sometimes the change you're seeking doesn't need to be external," she says.

"You can start by shifting your mindset and approach to the work you're doing right now.

She explains three practical steps to achieve this:

1. Seek out new challenges

Look for opportunities within your current job where you can step outside your usual responsibilities. This might involve volunteering for a project, asking for more responsibility, or finding ways to contribute to areas that excite you.

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2. Connect with a mentor or coach

Find someone who can help guide you in your career journey. A mentor or coach can offer valuable perspective, advice, and support as you work on aligning your current role with your career aspirations.

3. Set incremental goals

Break down your larger career goals into smaller, actionable steps.

Whether it's learning a new skill, building relationships with key people in your organisation, or taking on leadership opportunities, setting smaller, manageable goals makes the process feel less overwhelming and helps you maintain focus as you work toward your larger vision.

Once you're feeling better about your work situation now, she says to look ahead to the rest of 2025, with these five steps for creating the career you want.

Dalla-Camina suggests:

1. Get clear on your vision

The first step is understanding what you truly want in your career. This means defining your core values, goals, and aspirations.

Take the time to reflect on what lights you up, whether that's leading a team, mentoring others, or contributing to a greater cause. The clearer you are on your vision, the more intentional your actions will be in moving toward it.

Ask yourself: What does success look like for me, and how does that align with my deepest values?

2. Build purpose and meaning

Once you have clarity on your vision, the next step is to infuse your career with purpose and meaning.

Purpose is the fuel that keeps you going, even when challenges arise. Look for ways to connect your work to something bigger than yourself. This could mean aligning your career with your passions, focusing on work that benefits others, or finding creative ways to make your current job feel more meaningful.

When you live with purpose, your work takes on a deeper significance.

3. Create radical confidence

Confidence is key to taking bold steps toward your career goals. Radical confidence is about believing in yourself, even when others might doubt you or when fear creeps in. Start by acknowledging your strengths and accomplishments, no matter how small they may seem. Practice self-affirmations and visualise your success.

Remember, confidence is a muscle that grows stronger with consistent practice. The more you trust in your abilities, the more opportunities will open up for you.

4. Focus on wellbeing

Your career thrives when you're operating at your best, which means prioritising your physical, emotional, and mental wellbeing. Incorporate self-care routines that help you recharge, whether that's meditation, exercise, or spending time with loved ones.

Wellbeing isn't just about avoiding burnout; it's about creating a lifestyle that supports your success.

When you're well-rested, healthy, and balanced, you show up more powerfully in your career.

5. Implement effective boundaries

In order to create the career you want, you need to protect your energy and time. This means setting clear, effective boundaries both at work and in your personal life.

Learn how to say no when something doesn't align with your values or goals, and practice communicating your limits with confidence.

Boundaries are not just about saying no. They're about saying yes to what truly matters and protecting your time for things that nourish you.

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"The journey doesn't end with this year's goals. To ensure you're on the right path, it's important to continuously reassess your career trajectory.

"Regularly check in with yourself about what's working and what's not. Ask yourself whether your work continues to align with your values and vision. Keep nurturing your network, and remain open to learning and evolving," she says.

"Your career is a lifelong journey. Staying flexible and curious will ensure you're always moving toward what's right for you."

Megan Dalla-Camina, Founder & CEO of Women Rising.

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