7 rules of surprising but true advice on how to get things done and advance your career

7 Surprising Truths That Will Catapult Your Career

Advancing your career isn’t always about following the well-trodden path. Sometimes, the most effective strategies are the ones that seem counterintuitive. This article unveils seven surprising but true rules that can help you get things done and propel your career forward.

1. Embrace “Good Enough” (and Know When to Stop)

Perfectionism is a productivity killer. Striving for absolute perfection can lead to analysis paralysis, missed deadlines, and ultimately, lower quality work due to burnout. The key is to understand the concept of “good enough.”

The Pareto Principle (80/20 rule) suggests that 80% of your results come from 20% of your effort. Focus on identifying that crucial 20% and delivering excellent work there. For the remaining 80%, aim for “good enough.” This allows you to allocate your time and energy more efficiently, completing more tasks and projects overall.

How do you know when you’ve reached “good enough”?

Define clear criteria upfront. What are the essential elements that must be present?
Set a time limit. Once the limit is reached, move on.
Seek feedback early and often. Don’t wait until the end to get input.
Ask yourself: “Will further refinement significantly improve the outcome?” If the answer is no, stop.

2. Say “No” More Often (and Mean It)

Saying “yes” to everything might seem like a good way to be a team player, but it can quickly lead to overcommitment, stress, and decreased performance. Learning to say “no” strategically is crucial for protecting your time and energy, allowing you to focus on your priorities and excel in your core responsibilities.

Saying “no” doesn’t have to be negative. Frame it constructively:

“Thank you for thinking of me for this project. While I appreciate the opportunity, my current workload doesn’t allow me to dedicate the necessary time and attention to it. Perhaps [suggest another colleague] would be a better fit.”

Learn to prioritize your tasks. Understand which projects align with your career goals and which ones are simply distractions. Saying “no” to the latter allows you to say “yes” to opportunities that truly matter.

3. Procrastinate Strategically (Yes, Really!)

Procrastination is often demonized, but it can be a powerful tool when used strategically. Strategic procrastination involves delaying tasks that are not urgent or that might benefit from further information or a change in circumstances.

Here’s how to procrastinate effectively:

Identify non-urgent tasks. Which tasks can be safely delayed without causing negative consequences?
Use the waiting time to gather information. Research, brainstorm, or seek input from others.
Focus on high-priority tasks. Use the time you’ve saved to tackle your most important responsibilities.
Re-evaluate delayed tasks periodically. Are they still relevant? Can they be delegated or eliminated altogether?

Strategic procrastination allows you to be more efficient and effective by avoiding unnecessary work and making better-informed decisions.

4. Embrace Failure (and Learn From It)

Fear of failure can be paralyzing, preventing you from taking risks and pursuing new opportunities. However, failure is an inevitable part of growth and learning. The key is to embrace it as a valuable source of feedback and use it to improve your performance.

When faced with a setback, ask yourself:

What went wrong?
What could I have done differently?
What lessons can I learn from this experience?
How can I apply these lessons to future situations?

Don’t dwell on your failures. Instead, focus on the lessons you’ve learned and use them to fuel your future success.

5. Network Authentically (It’s About Building Relationships, Not Just Collecting Contacts)

Networking is often viewed as a transactional activity, focused on collecting business cards and making superficial connections. However, true networking is about building authentic relationships based on mutual respect and shared interests.

Here’s how to network authentically:

Focus on giving, not just taking. Offer your expertise, support, and connections to others.
Be genuinely interested in others. Ask questions and listen attentively to their responses.
Follow up and stay in touch. Nurture your relationships over time.
Attend events that align with your interests. This will make it easier to connect with like-minded individuals.

Authentic networking is a long-term investment that can pay off in unexpected ways throughout your career.

6. Delegate Effectively (Even When It’s Hard)

Delegation is a crucial skill for leaders and anyone who wants to advance their career. It allows you to free up your time and energy to focus on higher-level tasks while also empowering others and developing their skills.

Effective delegation involves:

Choosing the right person for the task. Consider their skills, experience, and workload.
Providing clear instructions and expectations. Ensure the person understands what needs to be done, how it should be done, and when it needs to be completed.
Granting sufficient authority. Give the person the power to make decisions and take action.
Providing support and guidance. Offer assistance when needed, but avoid micromanaging.
Providing feedback and recognition. Acknowledge the person’s contributions and provide constructive criticism.

Delegation can be challenging, especially when you’re used to doing everything yourself. However, it’s essential for scaling your impact and advancing your career.

7. Track Your Accomplishments (and Tell Your Story)

It’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day grind and forget to document your accomplishments. However, tracking your achievements is crucial for career advancement. It provides concrete evidence of your value and makes it easier to demonstrate your impact during performance reviews and job interviews.

Create a system for tracking your accomplishments:

Date	Project/Task	Accomplishment	Impact/Result
2023-10-26	Implemented new CRM system	Successfully launched the new CRM system on time and within budget.	Increased sales team efficiency by 15% and improved customer satisfaction scores.
2023-11-15	Led cross-functional team to develop new product	Successfully launched a new product that met all key performance indicators (KPIs).	Generated $1 million in revenue in the first quarter.

Use your accomplishments to tell your story. Highlight your achievements during performance reviews, job interviews, and networking events. Quantify your impact whenever possible to demonstrate the value you bring to the table.

Remember that your career is a journey, not a destination. Embrace these surprising truths, adapt them to your own circumstances, and continuously strive to learn and grow. By doing so, you’ll be well on your way to achieving your career goals and making a meaningful impact.

By consistently applying these seven rules, you’ll not only get more done but also position yourself for significant career advancement. It’s about working smarter, not harder, and embracing strategies that might seem unconventional but ultimately lead to greater success.