What are your success secrets?

Take our quiz to find out how to turn your career dreams into reality

By Jennine Profeta

Updated November 2, 2012

Is something stopping you from landing that perfect job or writing that novel, but you can't put your finger on what it is? It's possible – gasp! – that it's you! Take our quiz to determine what your personal roadblocks are and learn how to knock 'em over for good.

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Question of 5

How do you define success?

	being content with myself
	being served by minions
	not being a bother to anyone

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

	pretty much where I am right now
	that much closer to "what I want to be when I grow up"
	famous – when will people wake up and see how great I am?

How often do you daydream?

	every now and then – it's important to remind myself of my goals
	always – it's the only way to deal with this hellhole I'm in
	never – it's a waste of time

You'd like a new job. Do you:

	think, I'll never get it anyway, so why bother trying?
	call a headhunter?
	assume you're overqualified for the positions available and continue resting on your laurels?

Do you regard education as:

	not all it's cracked up to be
	something you're not good at
	one way of getting closer to your dreams

You're blocking the road

Things probably haven't changed too much in the last few years...you're doing the same old thing and aren't too happy about it. The problem may be that you haven't defined your goals or are haunted by voices that warn: "Don't get too big for your britches!"

Jump-start your success
"Put some time into thinking about what you want," says Barbara Quinn, Chatelaine's career expert and Vancouver-based author of Snap, Crackle or Stop: Change Careers and Create Your Own Destiny (Perseus). Then cut ties with anyone who keeps you down or is as miserable as you are. Quinn says it's important to hang around those who are pursuing similar dreams, so that you can see what success looks like. "You need to work on visualizing yourself as being successful," says Quinn. "This picture will help you counter the psychological obstacles that inevitably creep in." You may also want to consider investing in a career counsellor who will help you develop a plan of action. For more tips, read Time for a career change?

You're your own speed bump

You're getting there...just not as quickly as you'd like. You're aware of your skill set and continue to work at both your strengths and weaknesses. But why, for all that is good and holy, aren't you getting ahead faster?

Jump-start your success
"You need to step out of your comfort zone," says Barbara Quinn, Chatelaine's career expert and Vancouver-based author of Snap, Crackle or Stop: Change Careers and Create Your Own Destiny (Perseus). "You'll get ahead further by changing jobs." Not quite sure what you're looking for? Read Live the life you want. If job-hopping isn't an option, Quinn suggests showing off your promotion potential by accepting new assignments that highlight your skills or seeking development opportunities that build up your resumé. "Companies today expect people to take charge of their own career, so show them you can and you will," says Quinn.

You're misdirecting traffic

You know you're a superstar, but no one will give you the opportunity to shine. According to you, it's your bosses/english/peers that are holding you back. "Some people feel entitled but are really just legends in their own minds," says Barbara Quinn, Chatelaine's career expert and Vancouver-based author of Snap, Crackle or Stop: Change Careers and Create Your Own Destiny (Perseus). In her experience, this can result from a deep-rooted fear of failure disguised as inflated ego.

Jump-start your success
The problem with tooting your own horn too much is that you may be scaring people off. Plus, you may be misjudging your own skills and strengths. (Check out another quiz: What are your secret strengths?) "You have to seek honest feedback from those who will be candid," advises Quinn. She recommends approaching a colleague, your boss or – best of all – a former boss. "They are often the most objective," she says. Then look at your qualifications: would an evening course or workshop help you get closer to your dream? "Some people have this view of how they're going to get ahead, but don't have the credentials," says Quinn. "Get them!"

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