LinkedIn as a Career Motivator
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There is no bigger career motivator than the fear that comes from seeing your friends and colleagues move forward in their career when you are feeling stagnant. A new title in a LinkedIn profile is evidence that colleagues in your circle are progressing forward in their careers, and that realization can leave you questioning your own career journey. Rather than letting fear make you second guess your career decisions, allow the feeling to motivate you to step up to new challenges and branch out into new areas of your profession.

Reach out to your connections to congratulate them on their new title. If you are one of the many who feel that LinkedIn connections are superficial, staying connected can help you push past the acquaintance stage. A gesture as simple as a phone call can open unexpected doors for you; at the very least, you may be able to find out what motivated your colleague to make his or her move and, in turn, find your own motivation. This is a wonderful way to stay connected and show your support as a team player.

Take this opportunity to assess your career and determine if you are ready to move to the next step. That doesn’t necessarily mean making a big move; the next step could be as simple as staying within your own company, in your existing role, but making the strategic decision to move forward in your career into new areas and new challenges.

If you need a little inspiration for a new direction, peruse through the profiles of those who are in the same industry. Look at their different career paths to see where similar career roles have taken them. Showcasing a specific skill set can help you segue into a new position or even a new industry.

Don’t second guess yourself! Assess the direction you would like to drive your career, and make the decision to step forward. You may be surprised at the many possibilities that exist for you.