A few months ago, I began working with a senior manager. When we started, she was discouraged with what seemed to be a stalled career, feeling stressed by unhappy clients and frustrated with partners who were unresponsive. She was discouraged, losing interest in her work, and she felt her attitude slipping.   

Over the next few months, she got her head on straight.  With a clear focus of who she aspired to be, we identified the appropriate behavior and activities for her and aligned them with her focus. She gained control of her life by practicing key disciplines consistently and stayed true to what would make her successful. My last call to her was with a person who was self-assured, in control, and doing the right things. She had regained her life and career and felt so much better.

What changed? I’d like to believe it’s because I’m so good. But really, it was her willingness to accept responsibility for herself and her career. When she did, she let go of the excuses to explain her situation and worked at moving beyond her current situation to what she really wanted to be. And it paid off.

So, what keeps you from your next level? What hinders you from being an effective professional who experiences personal satisfaction in your career? Are you as good as you can be or is there more?  

Just remember: it’s not your firm, your clients, your partners, your staff or even the blasted copy machine. It’s you. When you make the difficult choice of assuming responsibility for your situation, you’ve taken the first step on the journey to not only rise to the next level professionally, but also in personal fulfillment. It’s a hard thing to accept. But once you do, you will understand what having a Great Week is all about, week after week.