Change Happens in Plain Sight
If you’ve been in the workforce long enough, and that doesn’t mean decades, you likely noticed how quickly job roles are being created and disappearing. Some roles become obsolete as their function is no longer required, while others are replaced by new methods and technologies. Humans need to constantly invent and innovate which is why the work environment is constantly changing.
When I began my career as a “Junior Typist”, I never imagined that role would one day become outdated. Reflecting on this, I’m reminded of other jobs that have faded into history:
- Lift operators at Myer, announcing each floor as the lift stopped;
- Milkmen, delivering milk in glass bottles to the front door; or
- Dunny Men who would collect “nightsoil” from the old-fashioned out houses
- Service station attendants, who filled your car with fuel and check your oils levels
While it’s tough to see jobs disappearing, I focus on the opportunities that change brings. I’m a strong advocate for delegating, deleting and outsourcing repetitive and low value tasks. This approach not only fosters growth and transformation but also frees up time to develop and upgrade skills. Imagine if jobs never evolved, we might still have roles like:
- Slubber Doffers, removing empty bobbins from spinning frames in textile mills; or
- Knocker-Uppers, a person acting as a human alarm clock tapping on windows or doors to wake people for work
Unlocking Doors to find Succes
AI software is already revolutionising the way we handle repetitive and routine tasks. While its not yet perfect, AI excels at exploring ideas, answering questions and reducing time spent on researching or data compilation. Yes, AI will displace some jobs, but there’s no need to fear it.
In today’s fast paced world, adaptability and growth are essential. Upgrading your skills is no longer optional—it’s the key to staying relevant. Skills are the new superpower: they set you apart, make you indispensable, and unlock doors you never thought possible. Step by step, your career path broadens, presenting more opportunities to advance or pivot.
Why Upgrading Yourself Matters
Investing in yourself yields tangible and intangible rewards such as:
- career advancement and leadership opportunities
- higher remuneration or new income streams
- greater productivity and efficiency
- personal growth, increased confidence/building a growth mindset
- better worklife balance gained from time management and a sense of fulfilment
- staying ahead of your competition
By investing in yourself, you’re not just preparing for success—you’re creating a life of purpose, fulfilment, and impact.
Think of personal growth like upgrading an iPhone. Each version refines your strengths, and keeps you relevant in a fast-changing world. Each iteration of yourself should be smarter, more capable, and better equipped to handle new challenges. This mindset fosters continuous improvement and positions you at the forefront of opportunity.
“Every skill you acquire doubles your odds of success”
– Scott Adams
True Upgrades Go Beyond Surface Changes
For an upgrade to be truly successful, it must go beyond a mere change in habits or processes. It requires a deeper transformation—a new way of thinking, acting, and doing business.
When an upgrade is limited to adjusting processes and minor habits, it’s more of an improvement than a true upgrade. Think of it like adding an “S” to a model—for example, moving from the iPhone 6 to the 6S. It’s a step forward, but not a complete overhaul. These incremental improvements, while valuable, serve as milestones on the journey to your next big transformation.
Tracking progress in this way is a powerful motivator as small improvements give you a glimpse of the change you’re working toward. Incremental steps like taking on-line courses or listening to podcasts are valuable, but the real transformation occurs when these efforts culminate into a profound shift that defines a new version of you. This upgrade transcends self-improvement, shifting your focus toward creating significant impact—perhaps by becoming a champion in a previously unfamiliar field.
A company upgrade might mean moving the strategy from servicing a local market to taking it nationally or entering a whole new market of business that has never been previously entered. It’s a whole new ball game.
If your upgrade feels easy, its probably not a true upgrade. Real growth is challenging, and requires stepping outside your comfort zone. The reward? A version of yourself so advanced that going back is no longer an option.
Promotions Require Real Upgrades
Stepping into a higher role demands more than doing the same things better. It requires new skills, fresh thinking, and a behavioural shift. To truly grow, you must practice new behaviours and focus on self-improvement before taking on the responsibilities of the next level. It’s about preparing to lead, inspire, and innovate.
Real growth comes from stepping outside your comfort zone and embracing the challenges of trying, failing, and trying again.
“What Got You Here Won’t Get You There”
– Marshall Goldsmith
The Consequences of Avoiding Growth
Despite the benefits, fear often holds people back from upgrading themselves. Many seek stability and comfort, resisting stress and pressure to change. However, this fleeting contentment often leads to discontentment and leaves you lagging behind.
The cost of self-funding your upgrade can also be a concern but many employers offer discretionary spending for learning development -it’s in your company’s interest to upskill you. Proactively approaching your manager about your learning and development goals could unlock support.
The best investment is always in yourself, whether funded by your employer or out of your own pocket.
Levelling Up – The Journey that Changed Everything
I’ve experienced firsthand the power of upgrading myself. Each time I’ve embraced learning something new or taking on a challenge, the ripple effects have been profound – shaping both my career and personal life.
For instance, I started my journey following a traditional secretarial/office manager career path. However, everything changed when I joined a progressive family business where continuous growth was ingrained in the culture. Adapting to this environment required me to embrace upgrades, not just fit in but to thrive. This commitment to personal evolution equipped me with the skills and confidence to reinvent myself, embarking on an entirely new career path filled with challenges and opportunities I had never imagined.
This is what levelling up is all about.
Upgrading yourself isn’t about striving for perfection; it’s about embracing evolution. It’s the ongoing journey of becoming a better version of yourself—for your career, your relationships, and your life as a whole.
Reflect on this: What’s Your Next Upgrade?
The question isn’t whether you should upgrade yourself, but rather, what aspect of yourself excites you most to improve? Whether it’s learning a new skill, taking a leadership course, or improving your habits, every effort you make doubles your odds of success.
Remember, skills are the new superpower. Keep upgrading, keep learning, and keep evolving. Your next version is waiting to be unleashed.
