Nobody is perfect. Bill Gates ignored the signs showing the importance of internet search. Richard Branson believed he could oust Coca-Cola and Pepsi with his meager Virgin Cola. Tim Cook launched Apple Maps before it was ready. Everyone makes mistakes, even those people who are largely regarded as outstandingly successful.

Still, mistakes at the beginning of your career can flat-out prevent you from reaching success. Here are a few of the most terrible career mistakes you could make, especially when you are just starting out - and how to avoid them, of course.



Allowing Opportunity to Overwhelm You

You could be a CEO, a CFO, a CTO, a CMO, a CIO, a COO... You could deviate from a traditional business career and excel through medicine, engineering, writing, education, childcare... There is no end to the directions your career could go, and if you are like most people, that infinite opportunity is utterly paralyzing. No doubt, you have had thoughts like, "What if I'm better suited for something else?" or "What if I hate this career?"

The truth is that not every career move you make will be optimal, but sub-optimal moves aren't equivalent to failure. You can always pivot your career in more interesting and profitable directions. Failing to act is easily the worst career mistake you can make, so the sooner you take steps down any career path, the better.



Refusing to Take Control

When confronted with this endless opportunity, you might be tempted to seek counsel from those more experienced or educated than you. This isn't a bad idea; in fact, acquiring a mentor might benefit your career acquiring a mentor might benefit your career in dozens of ways. However, you shouldn't expect anyone, including your mentor, to direct every aspect of your career. First, another person likely doesn't comprehend your interests, skills, or goals as acutely as you do; secondly, another person doesn't have as much to gain (or lose) by making important career decisions.

As scary as it might seem, you need to take control of your career and accept responsibility for your career choices. Though guidance can be useful, it is critical that you make career moves because you want to - not because someone else told you to.



Failing to Stay Informed

In every field, things change. There is not a single industry that has been left untouched by the Digital Age, and most industries are experiencing rapid and frequent transformation as new technologies emerge and new knowledge is gained. Regardless of where your career takes you, you must be committed to continuing education, so you can stay on top of developing tactics and techniques in your field.

While initially you might be able to supplement your experience with free training or inexpensive courses, eventually, formal, advanced education will mandatory. The cost of not earning an MBA is high; by missing the advanced skills and knowledge of the degree, your career development is likely to slow as younger, better qualified applicants take your desired positions. Fortunately, most advanced programs are available online, so you can continue gaining career experience as you enhance your education.

Letting Emotions Engulf You

Some of the most successful people are also the most passionate people. It isn't uncommon to hear of a CEO with a temper or a company president with boundless enthusiasm. Everyone experiences emotions, but it is how you react to your emotions that determines how helpful they will be to your career.

Your emotions can lead you to greatness, but they can also send you into an unproductive spiral. If your emotions run high and low, you need to focus on gaining control of your emotions focus on gaining control of your emotions, especially in stressful situations. This isn't to say that you should immediately disregard your impulses; rather, you should strive to balance your emotional reaction with logical thought. By doing this, you can harness the power of your intuition and prevent knee-jerk emotions from ruining your career.

Focusing Too Much on Your Career

In America especially, overwork is glorified. Workaholics are venerated for their dedication, and anyone who prioritizes family, hobbies, and health are seen as uncommitted to their careers. However, for the sake of your career, you need to develop an outside life. You can work long days and long weeks, but you must have something worthwhile to come home to. Otherwise, your career won't feel fulfilling, and you won't push yourself to success.