Your relationship with your job might in perfect health.

You might be fully engaged and enjoying each working day.

However, don’t get complacent. Demotivation is always lurking in the shadows ready to take a bite out of your morale.

Immunize yourself from the danger of drudgery by planning your next step up the career ladder.

Steps to planning your advancement up the career ladder:

‘It’s not what you know – it’s who you know’. Get to know the right people and impress them with your work. Be conscious that people are always observing what you do and take the time (and effort) to build a strong network.

Spend time networking, networking and networking. You will soon find the right networks and those who are not. You will never know unless you go!

Use LinkedIn and social media. Make sure that your profile is up to date, looks professional and has good content.

Don’t give up, if you really want that job or promotion. Fight for it! It all comes down to one simple question: ‘How bad do you want it?’

Be single minded once you know your goal and set yourself targets on a regular basis. You may need to zigzag there but keep focused on what you want. Always focus on your own path and don’t be distracted by what others are doing.

Write down your goals. Seeing them in black and white is a reality check and makes you focus on them.

You can climb the corporate career ladder by having confidence in yourself to apply for new jobs and ask for promotions. You will never know unless you go.

Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. It’s what you learn from them that will help you to progress. Have the confidence to try new things, or take a sideways move to get a new perspective.

Put your hand up and volunteer to get involved in things at work (even if they are out of your comfort zone!).

Keep your eye on the job market (internally and externally) and apply for roles.

Think about the job specification, the experience and skills which you have and apply it against what they are looking for. Sell yourself and be passionate about wanting the job!

Do more than what is expected from you. Those who do that little bit extra, or who put themselves out for others are often recognized.

Be authentic and behave with passion, integrity and kindness. It’s a small world and someone in a junior position could very easily change jobs or progress. One day they may have an opportunity for you, or become a client.

Don’t be bitchy art work. You could be the best person ever at your job but if people don’t trust you, or you’re not likeable, then it’s all for nothing.

Think before you speak! Plus don’t put anything in writing which could come back to haunt you.

Be proactive. Say things like: ‘Is there anything I can do to help?’. If you need a job which needs doing, just get on with it.

Develop a skill set which is valuable, and always be the best you can be. Quality should be at the forefront of everything you do.

Do something you love! Try to find a passion that is connected to your career and become an expert in it. You will become the ‘go to’ person for that subject.

Learn to accept constructive criticism gracefully as this advice could be the making of you.