The wind blows hardest at the top of the mountain

Climbing higher in an organization, like in sports, brings more visibility, responsibility, and scrutiny. David Beckham said, “The wind blows hardest at the top of the mountain.” As you continue to strive for the job you want, it’s important to continue practicing the good habits that got you this far. As you get closer to the top of the mountain, a broader perspective is gained and it’s important to learn from past experiences so that you can perform at your best when you carry this larger responsibility.

Many people start their career with specific aspirations. For me, it was to become a CEO because I wanted to be able to make the largest impact on an organization and for the employees. It’s common to associate career achievement with job titles, but perspective shifts over time, revealing many paths to reach success. When taking the time to reflect on personal values and aligning focus to reach those goals, it can accelerate career trajectory and help bring understanding that it’s more about progress than title.

Successful leaders have realized that the mindset of continuous improvement, common in the sports world, is crucial for achieving long-term goals. The greatest athletes focus on getting better each day rather than winning every time. They invest time in studying their craft, setting routines for success, and making meaningful adjustments to gain an advantage. Similarly, in our careers, we can focus on improving our leadership and technical skills, understanding that it will help us better serve our members in the long run.

Strong leaders create habits to help balance their career aspirations with finding joy in their current position. Here are some key areas to focus on to remain centered on improvement and to be ready for the next level when the opportunity aligns with your journey.

Remain passionate. Engage in professional development and collaborate with other credit union professionals to expand our impact. Find what motivates you most and stay informed and participate in efforts that have a positive impact in the community and industry. This will drive us to continue learning and innovate so we can bring fresh ideas to our credit unions, and ultimately better serving our members.

Build relationships. At the end of the day, nothing worth achieving should be done alone. It brings more satisfaction when you have others to celebrate with. Our industry thrives on cooperation, and it crucial to connect with people who genuinely care. Inside the credit union, in the community, and through the credit union world, make time to support others and capture support from others to make progress toward our ultimate goals.

Focus on getting better every day. Set short term, and no more than three achievable goals that build toward the bigger goal of where you want your career to go. These goals should purposefully align with the credit union’s vision to ensure that you are moving cohesively in your development with where the organization wants to be.

Use these three themes to be more consistent. Understand your core values and work for a credit union that aligns with what you care about most. Be purposeful with your time for work, family, and personal growth.

I encourage you to create a rhythm for yourself, balancing assigned work and to set time to grow your talents. This is where the greats really set themselves apart from other elite athletes. Assess your progress quarterly, commit to improvement, and seek outside opinions. The people around you will support your growth and help you be ready for the next level.

Remember, success in sports parallels success in credit unions. Winning isn’t always about trophies or promotions; it’s about making progress. Take charge of your habits so you are ready for the next level. When the right opportunities arise, you’ll be prepared to showcase what sets you apart and have the courage and confidence to do it well.