How Remote Workers Can Take Control of Their Careers

Finding SELF control in an out of control career

Many remote workers report feeling a lack of control over their careers, especially with the recent trends of companies pushing for a return to the office. This blog post will explore how remote workers can use the "SELF-Control" strategy from Self-Made U to take control of their careers and achieve their goals, despite these challenges. Tools like group coaching, goal planning, and leveraging a community can help individuals gain SELF-control, which means using your own thoughts and feelings to make decisions that create the life you want.

The SELF control strategy is a continuous process: the more you depend on yourSELF, the more self-aware you become, which leads to feeling more confident and in control.

The Challenges of Remote Work

While remote work offers flexibility and autonomy, it also presents unique challenges. The physical distance can lead to:

• Reduced visibility: It can be harder for remote workers to showcase their contributions and stay top-of-mind with their managers. 
• Limited networking opportunities: Building relationships with colleagues and superiors can be more difficult when interactions are primarily virtual. 
• Feelings of isolation: Working remotely can sometimes lead to feelings of loneliness and disconnection from the company culture.

These factors can contribute to a sense of feeling stuck and a lack of control over career progression. However, the "SELF-Control" strategy provides a framework for overcoming these obstacles.

The "SELF-Control" Strategy

This strategy, based on the principles outlined in "Becoming Self-Made," empowers individuals to create their own reality. It involves:

1. Start with a Decision (S): What do you want in your career? Is it a promotion, a raise, or a new set of responsibilities? Self-control starts with deciding what you want and how you want to feel. Define your goals and write down the initial steps to get started.
2. Eliminate Self-Sabotaging Feelings (E): Recognize and challenge negative thoughts and feelings that may be holding you back. Respond to these thoughts with questions to help you distinguish fact from fiction. For example, if you are feeling overlooked for a promotion, ask yourself:
   • "What evidence supports this feeling? "
   • "Is there another perspective I should consider? "
   • "What actions can I take to address this situation proactively?"
3. Leverage your strengths (L): Identify your unique skills and talents. Remote work requires skills like self-discipline, organization, communication, and problem-solving. Highlight these strengths in your interactions with your manager and colleagues [previous conversation].
4. Finish with a Decision (F): Take action to achieve your goals. This may involve setting up regular meetings with your manager, volunteering for new projects, or seeking out professional development opportunities [previous conversation]. Taking action is the key to achieving your goals.

Applying "SELF-Control" to Your Remote Work

Here's how to use "SELF-Control" to take charge of your remote career:

1. Define your goals: Identify your career aspirations. Use the "Wheel of Life" exercise from "Becoming Self-Made" to assess your current level of satisfaction in various areas, including your career. This exercise can help you determine which areas need more focus and improvement. Based on your assessment, set specific and measurable goals.
2. Manage your mindset: Be aware of self-sabotaging feelings like anxiety, overwhelm, and frustration. Refer to the "Feelings Chart" in the "Becoming Self-Made" planner to identify primary and secondary feelings associated with negative emotions. By understanding the thoughts creating these feelings, you can choose alternative thoughts that generate positive emotions, leading to more productive behavior.
3. Enhance your visibility: Regularly communicate with your manager and team, providing updates on your progress and accomplishments. Highlight your contributions and demonstrate your value to the company. Proactively seek opportunities to showcase your skills and expertise [previous conversation].
4. Build strong relationships: Make an effort to connect with your colleagues, even virtually. Participate actively in online meetings, engage in virtual social events, and reach out to colleagues for informal conversations [previous conversation].
5. Embrace continuous learning: Seek out professional development opportunities to enhance your skills and knowledge. This could involve online courses, industry webinars, or certifications [previous conversation].

Remember:

• "Becoming Self-Made" is about feeling in control, not being a victim of circumstances.
• The more you rely on yourself, the more you understand yourself and enjoy the journey of growth.
• You have the ability to create the career you desire, even while working remotely.

To take a deeper dive into this topic, check out the Becoming Self-Made podcast, episode 68. If you want to better understand the SELF control strategy, join us at an upcoming free coaching friday session.