Imagine you’re at a coffee shop with your best friend, venting about work. You feel stuck, maybe undervalued, and you’re wondering how to get what you need—whether it’s a raise, a new project, or just clearer expectations. Advocating for yourself isn’t about being pushy or demanding. It’s about knowing your worth and making sure others see it too.

It all starts with clarity. What do you actually want? More feedback? A seat at the table? A better work-life balance? You can’t advocate for yourself if you’re not sure what you’re advocating for. Take the time to get clear on your goals, your strengths, and the areas where you want to grow. The clearer you are, the easier it is to communicate your needs with confidence.

And here’s the key: advocacy isn’t about going in with fists up, ready to fight for what’s yours. It’s about approaching conversations with respect, kindness, and a little bit of strategy. Speak up, but do it in a way that invites collaboration, not confrontation.

One of the best ways to advocate for yourself is by seeking clarity. Ask questions. Request feedback. Get clear expectations. When something feels off, don’t just sit with the confusion—address it. Not only does this show initiative, but it also helps you avoid unnecessary frustration and misunderstandings.

Most importantly, remember that advocating for yourself doesn’t mean bragging or being difficult. It means making sure your voice is heard, your work is valued, and your career is moving in the direction you want. You’ve put in the effort—now make sure it counts.

So, next time you feel hesitant to speak up, imagine you’re talking to that best friend at the coffee shop. What would you tell them to do? Now go do that for yourself.

You are in control of your career and your future—no one will advocate for you with as much passion as you can. But here’s the thing: shining doesn’t mean dimming someone else’s light. Success isn’t a competition where only one person gets to win. You can excel, and so can your coworker, Eloise. Her greatness doesn’t take away from yours, just like a candle doesn’t lose its flame by lighting another.

Starting a new job can be both exciting and overwhelming. During the initial 30 to 90 days, it is crucial to focus on understanding your role within the organization and what is expected of you. This period is not only about familiarizing yourself with the company culture and processes but also about establishing yourself as a valuable team member.

One of the key aspects of understanding your new role is building relationships with your colleagues, supervisors, and other stakeholders. Take the time to connect with your team members and learn about their roles and responsibilities. 

Set up a meeting with your supervisor to discuss your role and responsibilities. Seek clarity on your key objectives, performance expectations, and any specific goals that need to be achieved during the first few months. 

Don't be afraid to ask for feedback from your colleagues and supervisors regularly. Constructive feedback will help you identify areas where you can improve and excel in your role. 

Take advantage of training programs, workshops, and resources provided by the company to enhance your skills and knowledge. Stay curious and open-minded to new ideas and perspectives.

Set personal development goals aligned with your role and the overall objectives of the organization. Break down these goals into smaller actionable steps to track your progress effectively.

Be adaptable and flexible in your approach to work. Embrace change and be willing to take on new challenges that may arise.

When you start a new job, your boss might not immediately hand you a full workload. That doesn’t mean it’s time to sit back, binge-watch Netflix, or sleep until noon (for remote roles). You’re in charge of your own growth, and if you want to build a strong career, you have to take initiative—find work, create projects, and get involved in what’s happening around you. Progress doesn’t come from just working harder; it comes from working smarter. Being proactive, setting your own goals, and driving your own development (especially when your manager isn’t) can fast-track your career, leading to promotions, higher pay, and more freedom in the long run.

Now, let’s be real—you’re sitting at your desk, refreshing your inbox, and wondering if your boss even remembers you exist. Not great. But instead of waiting around (or, let’s be honest, scrolling through your phone), take control and make yourself useful—without falling into the trap of meaningless busywork. Here’s how to create your own work when there’s nothing official on your plate:

Every workplace has processes that are clunky, outdated, or just plain annoying. Maybe it’s a reporting system that takes way too long, or a spreadsheet that everyone dreads using. Instead of ignoring it, take a closer look. Could you automate something? Organize it better? Write up a quick proposal or even just test out a better way of doing things. Small improvements add up, and people will notice when you make their lives easier.

If you’re light on tasks, use the time to research something that could actually help your team. What are competitors doing better? What trends are popping up in your industry? What do customers keep complaining about? Pull together a few key insights and share them in a quick email, Slack message, or informal chat. No need for a full-blown report—just enough to spark conversation and show you’re thinking ahead.

Just because your boss isn’t assigning you work doesn’t mean no one else needs help. Check in with coworkers, especially in other departments. “Hey, I’ve got some bandwidth—need a hand with anything?” That one sentence can open up new opportunities, help you build relationships, and get you involved in projects you wouldn’t have known about otherwise. Plus, it makes you look proactive rather than passive.

Instead of just looking busy, use the downtime to level up. Is there a software your team uses that you’re not great at? A skill that would make you more valuable? Pick something practical—like getting faster at a reporting tool, figuring out a better way to track projects, or creating a quick reference guide for something people always ask about. It doesn’t have to be a huge undertaking—just something that makes you (and your team) more effective.

Throughout Durable Success there are resources that are tied to many lessons for extended learning and real-time tools for situations that frequently occur at work.  Please see below for two free resources from the program: