The Career Success Guide: 9 Core Principles for Building a Strong Career
Success at work isn't just about talent — it's about the habits you build every day. From solving problems to building relationships and owning your mistakes, these are the core principles worth prioritising if you're building your career.
1. Be the person who can figure it out.
You'll be handed tasks you have no idea how to complete. There's nothing more valuable than someone who can just figure it out. Do some work. Ask key questions. Get it done. If you do that, people will fight over you.
Takeaway: Capability under uncertainty is one of the most in-demand traits early in a career.
2. Swallow the frog for your boss.
One of the single greatest hacks to getting ahead early in your career: (1) Observe your boss. (2) Figure out what they hate doing. (3) Learn to do it. (4) Take it off their plate. It's a clear way to add value, put up a win, and build momentum.
3. Learn to sell.
To be successful, you either need to learn how to build or you need to learn how to sell. Most of us aren't technically gifted — so just learn to sell. The more you progress in any field, the more of your job becomes sales. If you can sell, you'll always make it.
4. Build a board of personal advisors.
The concept of "mentorship" has become too formal. Asking someone to be your mentor feels like a big commitment. Instead, build a Personal Board of Advisors — a diverse group of 5–10 people you can go to for questions, advice, or feedback.
5. Prioritise experience, not salary.
A 10x better foundation-building experience compounds much more effectively than that extra $5K in salary. You should be compensated fairly, but not all compensation is monetary. Think long-term. Build the strongest foundation.
6. Own your mistakes.
When you're starting out, you're going to suck at most things. You're going to make mistakes — that's okay. What's not okay: 1) not owning your mistakes, 2) making the same mistake twice. When you screw up, own it. Then build a system so it never happens again.
7. Avoid the comparison trap.
Early in your career, it's tempting to compare yourself and your progress to those around you. This person made X dollars last year. That person got Forbes 30 Under 30. It's natural, but dangerous — learn to turn it off. Focus on what you can control.
8. Always prioritise people.
Everything in life comes down to people and relationships. Cultivate deep relationships, but also learn to appreciate the power of weak ties. You can go far in life by just being someone that people enjoy having around.
9. Play the long game.
Careers are built over long periods of time. Invest in your skills, reputation, and relationships — they will pay dividends in opportunity, autonomy, and impact for many years to come.
The Bottom Line
None of these principles rely on talent alone. They're habits — the kind you can start applying today, regardless of where you are in your career.
FAQ
What's the most important habit for early-career success?
Being able to figure things out under uncertainty. Employers and managers place high value on people who can take on unfamiliar tasks, ask smart questions, and get results without constant guidance.
Should you prioritise salary or experience when choosing a job?
Experience that builds a strong foundation typically compounds more value over time than a small salary increase, though fair compensation still matters.
How do you find a mentor early in your career?
Instead of asking one person to be a formal mentor, build a "personal board of advisors" — a diverse group of 5–10 people you can turn to for different kinds of advice and feedback.