Four tips for Career development

Career development is so important. While it is an all-encompassing process, it's not really difficult to understand. If you'd like to improve and enhance your career, consider these four tips to help you get started.

1. Develop a strong work ethic.
You can't be afraid to work hard. If you're lazy, you're going to struggle to climb the ladder. It's also important to remember that you have to work smarter as well. Always look for new ways to improve your workflow and systems. If you tend to be tired a lot, take a look at what you spend the most energy on. There might be some tasks you can hire someone else to take care of. Don't be afraid to improve and need the help of an assistant to be more productive in the workplace.

2. Find a mentor.
Understand that if you want a mentor, it's important to be strategic about it. In most cases, a mentor is someone who has a career you'd like to emulate. If you're a healthcare consultant and want to be at the top of your field, take a look at the major names in healthcare consulting. Pick one professional and find ways to serve them. If they're at the top of their game, chances are they're busy. Instead of asking for a lunch date to pick their brain, offer to help them with their schedule. Do their dirty work like picking up their dry cleaning or volunteering in their office. Once you serve, they're more likely to help you get to where you'd like to go as well.

3. Develop new habits that help you improve.
It's good to drink lots of water in order to remain energized. Relying on water and a healthy diet versus coffee might be a great habit to develop. Waking up an hour earlier to get in the office will help you become more productive. Many people work really well when they wake up early to accomplish their goals.

4. Network.
In many cases, it's not just about what you know. It's also about who you know. With that understanding, always remain focused on meeting new people. Take time off of your busy schedule to check in with people and develop relationships. Even if your connection is a ten-minute phone call to check in and say hello, this will help you maintain connections, build relationships and network well.