Accelerate your career #1: uncover your motivations

The purpose of building a career is personal development. If you focus solely on promotions and financial gain, you risk becoming disillusioned and frustrated when that dream job goes to someone else. However, if you prioritize enjoying your work and the contribution you can make to society, your career progression often accelerates naturally. But how do you achieve this? Uncovering your motivations is the first—and most essential—step.

Statistics from the Dutch Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS) reveal that one in five highly educated professionals receives a promotion within two years at the same employer. This often makes work more enjoyable, thanks to stimulating new challenges. However, promotion can also bring difficulties. What if you end up in a role with responsibilities that don’t make you happy? Such a move may not provide the fulfillment you’re looking for.

Personal development

Ask yourself questions like, "What energizes me?" "What draws me to certain types of work?" and "In what kind of environment do I thrive?" Answering these questions will give you clarity about how to develop further, what role suits you, and which organization fits your goals. This process of uncovering your motivations is a crucial career step—and often the most challenging. We’re not always aware of what drives us. Moreover, discovering your motivations may reveal that changes are necessary in your life, which can trigger internal resistance. It might feel easier to keep things as they are and avoid digging deeper.

To develop in the right direction, it’s important to take charge and make time for self-reflection. A practical way to do this is by spending a few days in quiet solitude, stepping away from the hustle of work. You’ll also need courage: dare to ask yourself critical questions about what truly brings you joy in your work. The reverse can also help—reflect on what you dislike or find frustrating about others’ behavior, as this can also reveal your motivations.

Look ahead

Visualize the organization you’d like to work for in three years. How do they operate? What are the workplace norms, company culture, and the type of products or services they offer?

Mood board

Creating a mood board can be a powerful tool to clarify what makes you happy. Select images, headlines, and texts that resonate with you and reflect your interests. Through this creative process, you actively engage in self-reflection, uncovering unconscious preferences and interests. This will help you gain deeper insight into your values and motivations, both personally and professionally.
Uncovering your motivations is only the first step. To successfully accelerate your career, more is needed. In the next blog, discover additional strategies to structure your efforts, seize growth opportunities, and give your development a boost.

Life Long Development

At TIAS, we strongly believe in Life Long Development: a continuous journey of learning and growth, both personally and professionally. We see personal and professional development as a golden combination. Growing as a leader is only possible when you truly get to know yourself. That’s why our programs focus on leadership development and transformation.

For every stage of your career

At TIAS, you’ll find a program tailored to your ambitions, learning goals, and career stage at every phase of your professional journey. Our programs help you bring out the best in yourself and create impact for your organization and society. Would you like to discuss how we can support you or your organization? Please contact one of our Program Advisers.