No one wants to stay in the same job their entire career. First off, that can get extremely mundane, but it also means that you’re not progressing professionally. That’s no new opportunities or a better financial situation. But how do you get these job promotions and lateral career changes? Essentially, you have to manifest them. Here’s how:

1. Developing Skills

A college education is not enough to get you a good job. Most companies want experience and additional skills. Being certified in certain fields or being knowledgeable in particular softwares the company uses are two great examples. Companies are more likely to hire or promote you if they feel you are an expert in your area.

2. Show Initiative

Don’t wait to be told what to do next. Think of ways that you can make positive adjustments for the company or offer to lead a new project. When you step out of your comfort zone and take on these roles, you are improving upon your resume and showing your employer how you’d perform as a manager.

3. Stand Out

Start your day with a clear head and a go-getter mindset. Your day will be much better when you choose to be in a good mood. Be mindful of your attitude and take a deep breath when needed. Make it a point to connect with customers, coworkers, and bosses. When you are doing this, you are actually networking yourself.

4. Consider Your 5 Year Plan

Where do you want to be in 5 years? What actions do you have to take now to reach those goals? There’s no better time than now to start making changes for the future. Instead of letting time slip by, take action today so that you can get to where you want to be.

Don’t get discouraged if you don’t see changes overnight. Developing your ultimate career takes time, but you can do it. Put yourself out there and take control of your destiny. You will see how following these 4 steps will help you achieve all of your goals. Just keep at it and everything will start looking up.