We can’t always be the masters of our destinies. Sometimes our lives will throw us in an unexpected direction, leaving us to pick up the pieces and try to rebuild. But it’s at these kinds of moments when the strengths and perseverance of the human spirit get to shine, and we are at our very best.

One of the most effective ways to remove yourself from dire straits and improve your living situation would be to pick a career path and steer it towards a series of attenable goals. You’d be surprised at how many resources you’ll have at your disposal, from free online GED classes to various counseling and advisory functions.

If you’re looking for a way to steer your career in the right direction, here’s one way you could do it.

Understand What’s Success for You

Success can mean many different things depending on your starting situation. If you don’t have a job and are lacking any qualifications, learning how to do something and earning that piece of paper that certifies you as competent in something is a major success.

If you’re already working, success could come in the form of a promotion, a larger salary, or a shift to a different station. It depends on what your goals are, and at this point in the process, you must understand what your end goal is, and what are the things you’ll need to do to get to it.

Find a Way Forward

A lot of goals you put in front of yourself in life are attainable. You just need to find the right sequence of steps that will get you to where you need to be.

For example, getting extra qualifications can help you move up the corporate ladder. Spending some time learning how to create a better first impression can help you get that first job. These are the things you can do that will, one by one, lead you towards completing your goal and steering your career in the right direction.

Find Someone to Look Up To

Having a mentor can be a tricky thing, as you’re asking someone to devote their precious time to you and your career bending endeavor. If you’re able to develop that kind of relationship with someone, do your very best to respect their time and space and avoid suffocating them with the minutia – carefully choose the thing you run by them.

Otherwise, you can find someone in your work environment who can serve as a kind of model for you and your progression. This is a one-sided relationship that’s not nearly as valuable as having a mentor, but it might help you understand just what it takes to move from A to B in your business environment.

Do the Real Work

Changing a career direction is hard work. You’ll need to completely rework your network. You’ll need to adopt new skills. You’ll need to find out what’s expected of you and then overdeliver, consistently, and with a smile on your face. But no one said that changes are easy.

Every step you’ve taken so far should serve to make sure you’re making the correct choices about your career. If you’re secure in what you’re doing, all the almost inevitable hardship will be just a tad easier. You’ll know it’ll be over one day, and you’ll know what’s awaiting you on the other end.