Don’t Put the Cart Before the Horse in Your Career

There’s a subtle truth in how the world measures potential:

You judge yourself by what you are capable of doing, but the world judges you by what you have already done.

Many professionals get stuck in the “If only I had a bigger role, I could prove my abilities” loop.

They wait for a senior title, a high-visibility project, or a leadership position before they bring out their best.

But here’s the catch.

No one hands over bigger opportunities simply because you say you can handle them.

They give them to the ones who have already demonstrated.

The discipline, skill, and reliability in the tasks they currently hold.

If you want to drive your career forward, you need to show you can steer.

Even with the role you have now.

This means:

• Exceeding expectations where you are.

• Owning your responsibilities fully, without waiting for someone to push you.

• Demonstrating initiative that proves you’re ready for the next level.

  
  

It’s like the proverb says — you can’t put the cart before the horse. 

The cart (your desired role) won’t move unless the horse (your proven performance) pulls it.

When you deliver excellence in your current role, you create a track record.

A record that speaks louder than your claims.

Performance pulls opportunity.

Then, higher opportunities don’t need to be chased.

They naturally catch up to you.

“It is the horse that drives the cart, not the other way around. In careers, your performance is that horse.”