Level Up Your Career in 2026
If you read the December Edit, then you already know I’ve started thinking about my 2026 self—and building a clear vision of what that next-level version of me looks like, feels like, and the habits she embodies. One of the biggest areas I’m focusing on next year is who I am in my career. In the past, I’ve felt stagnant here while other areas of my life have been thriving. It’s not a bad thing, but it is something I know I have more to give to—and more I want to experience.
So, how do you begin making meaningful changes in this area of your life?
It starts with getting incredibly clear on who this next-level version of you is, how she feels, and what habits she shows up with every single day. Creating this vision matters because you’ll return to it when things get messy, when life gets busy, or on the days you’re simply not in your “best self” energy.
1. Audit Your Current Self with Honesty
I personally like to journal about this and do a personal career audit.
What does my current routine look like?
Am I giving my best in the work I do?
Where did I grow this year, and where did I fall short?
Most of the time, we already know the answers. It’s just about giving ourselves space to acknowledge them. Write down the areas you want to improve—skills you need to build, habits that would support you, or behaviors that aren’t aligned with the woman you’re becoming.
Maybe you're lacking certain technical skills that are becoming more important in your role. Maybe you’re reacting to things instead of being proactive with work projects. Maybe you want to refine your communication in professional settings or elevate the way you present yourself online and in person.
Get granular. The little things end up becoming the big things.
2. Build the Vision of Your Next-Level Career Self
Once you understand where you are now, write about your dream career self in detail.
Ask yourself:
What does she do for a living?
How does she perform when no one is watching?
What does her morning and workday routine look like?
How does she carry herself in meetings?
What is her energy like in the office?
How does she handle conflict, feedback, or pressure?
What kinds of projects is she trusted with?
What does her office or workspace look like?
How does she dress for work?
How does she lead?
What types of work trips, clients, or opportunities come her way?
How do colleagues describe her?
Let this be detailed and inspiring—not just a fantasy version of you but a blueprint.
3. Align Your Beliefs and Identity With the Woman You’re Becoming
Now step back from the vision and identify the beliefs this version of you holds.
Does she believe her work is seen and valued?
Does she trust her ability to lead and/or support her team?
Does she feel confident in the way that she presents herself and communicates in business meetings, presentations, or work dinners?
Does she believe in herself and her capabilities?
From here, create affirmations that match these beliefs.
If something feels too far from your current reality, soften it:
“I am confident presenting to my team” → “I am becoming more confident presenting to my team.”
“I am highly skilled in my industry” → “I am learning and refining the skills that make me exceptional at what I do.”
Growth is still growth—even if you’re in training mode.
4. Take Aligned Action (This Is Where Change Actually Happens)
A vision without aligned action is just a daydream. You cannot speak affirmations and expect a promotion to land in your lap. Your daily habits must support the woman you’re becoming.
Break the year down into monthly, weekly, and daily habits that move you closer to your next-level self.
Ask yourself:
What does my next-level self do weekly to improve her skills?
How does she manage her schedule?
How does she prepare for meetings?
Does she block off time for deep work?
Does she take courses, certifications, or trainings?
How does she communicate with her team?
What boundaries does she have around her time and energy?
Consistency is the magic.
Start small. Don’t burn yourself out trying to overhaul your entire life in one week.
Other Ways to Level Up Your Career in 2026
• Network intentionally.
Reach out to people in your company, people who hold your dream job, or people at your dream company. Don’t do this to waste anyone’s time—come with a purpose, thoughtful questions, and genuine curiosity.
• Attend networking events or professional memberships.
Look for young professional groups, women-in-business communities, industry clubs, or alumni networks.
• Elevate your professional presence.
Update your LinkedIn, portfolio, website, or personal brand. Your online presence should reflect the level you're stepping into.
• Seek out mentorship.
Mentors don’t have to be older—they can be colleagues, former managers, or people in adjacent industries with skills you admire.
• Ask for feedback regularly.
You cannot grow without understanding how others experience your work. Good feedback is a shortcut to leveling up.
• Raise your hand for new responsibilities.
Growth lives outside your comfort zone. Take on a new project, lead a meeting, volunteer for something that stretches you.
• Invest in your skillset.
Courses, books, workshops, programs—even 20 minutes a day compounds.
As you step into 2026, remember that leveling up your career isn’t about becoming a different person—it’s about uncovering the most empowered, capable version of yourself. When you move with clarity, intention, and consistent aligned action, the opportunities that once felt out of reach start to feel inevitable. I hope this inspires you to create your own vision, elevate your habits, and step boldly into the professional woman you’re becoming.