There are two kinds of people in this world: those who believe they can make things happen, and those who believe things happen to them.
That simple divide defines more than just your outlook on life. It defines the trajectory of your career, your sense of fulfillment, and even the opportunities that seem to “coincidentally” land in your lap—or not.
If you’re serious about growing your career, it’s time to decide which side of that line you’re standing on. More importantly, it’s time to step over.
The Two Mindsets
Let’s unpack these two kinds of people:
1. The “Make It Happen” Professionals
These individuals are proactive. They believe the outcome of their lives and careers is largely in their own hands—and they wouldn’t have it any other way. They understand that setbacks will happen, but they also know they have the power to respond, adjust, and move forward. They seek out opportunities, take ownership of their goals, and create momentum even when the path isn’t clearly defined.
You’ll often find these professionals volunteering for stretch assignments, building strong networks, investing in continued learning, and asking the tough questions about where they’re going next.
2. The “Wait and See” Professionals
This group takes a more passive, reactive approach. They often feel like passengers in their own career. They are waiting for their manager to notice them. Waiting for HR to offer training. Waiting for the job promotion email to pop up in their inbox. They may be hard workers—but they are not strategic drivers of their own growth.
The difference is not talent. It is mindset.
Why Mindset Matters More Than Skill
In today’s competitive professional landscape, mindset has become the ultimate differentiator. With technical skills constantly evolving and job markets shifting, the ability to navigate ambiguity, take initiative, and remain resilient often matters more than having the perfect resume.
A proactive mindset leads to action—and action leads to momentum.
Here’s the catch: it is easy to believe you’re being proactive when you’re actually just busy. But being busy isn’t the same as building. Answering emails, attending meetings, and hitting deadlines keep the wheels turning. But they don’t steer the ship.
To truly “make things happen,” you have to intentionally decide where you want to go—and then work backward to create a path toward it.
‘But It’s Out of My Control…’
We have all been there. A layoff blindsides you. A manager leaves and your promotion disappears with them. A pandemic halts an entire industry.
Yes—some things are out of your control. But what defines the “make it happen” professional is how they respond.
They ask:
- What can I learn from this?
- What do I need to do next?
- Who can help me get there?
- How can I pivot?
They don’t wait for the storm to pass. They build the boat while it’s raining.
If you are thinking, “But I’m just not wired that way,” good news: this is not about personality—it’s about practice. Proactivity can be learned. It starts with small shifts in how you see your role in your own story.
7 Ways to Become a ‘Make It Happen’ Professional
Here’s how to move from reactive to proactive—starting now.
1. Define What Success Looks Like for You
Too many professionals float through their careers without a clear definition of what they want. Promotions are great—but do they get you closer to the kind of life you want to live? More money is enticing—but is it worth it if you’re burned out?
Proactive professionals take the time to articulate their personal and professional version of success. Not just job titles, but impact. Not just salaries, but lifestyle. Get clear, and the path forward becomes more actionable.
2. Set Your Own Development Plan
Don’t wait for HR to offer training or your manager to give you direction. Own your learning. Identify gaps in your skillset and fill them. Want to become a better leader? Read books, take a course, find a mentor. Want to move into a new department? Learn their language. Show up with ideas. Ask to shadow someone.
Professionals who grow fast don’t wait for permission. They create their own curriculum.
3. Stop Waiting for Recognition—Ask for Feedback
Too many people assume that silence means they’re doing okay. That’s not always true—and even if it is, “okay” won’t fuel your growth.
Request regular feedback from peers, managers, and mentors. Don’t just ask how you’re doing—ask how you can be better. Be specific: “What’s one thing I could have improved about the way I led that meeting?” or “Where do you think I need to grow if I want to be considered for a promotion?”
Growth-minded professionals don’t fear feedback—they seek it out.
4. Network Before You Need To
One of the biggest mistakes professionals make is treating networking as a job-search activity. The most valuable networks are built when you’re not asking for anything—when you’re offering value, staying curious, and genuinely getting to know others. I recently saw someone comment they only network when it benefits them. This is the wrong approach.
Reach out to people you admire. Set up informal chats. Attend industry events—even virtual ones. Stay visible. The next opportunity often comes from a conversation, not a job board.5.
5. Raise Your Hand
You don’t need to be the most experienced person in the room to add value. Volunteer for projects. Speak up in meetings. Offer solutions when you see a problem. Leadership isn’t about title—it’s about behavior.
When others see you as someone who takes initiative, you begin to attract more opportunities. And here’s the secret: even if you’re not 100% ready for a challenge, saying yes forces you to grow into it.
6. Track Your Wins
In a world of fast-moving projects and endless to-do lists, it’s easy to forget just how much you’ve accomplished. Keep a “wins journal.” Document the projects you’ve led, the outcomes you’ve driven, the skills you’ve sharpened.
This isn’t just for confidence—it’s practical. When it’s time for a performance review, job application, or salary negotiation, you’ll have a clear, compelling narrative that proves your value.
7. Act Like the Future You
Want to be promoted to manager? Start acting like one now. Take ownership. Mentor others. Think beyond your current role. Dress, speak, and carry yourself like the version of you that you want to become.
When you show up like the future version of yourself, people begin to treat you that way—and so do you.
The Danger of the ‘Wait and See Approach
Let’s be clear: people who take the “wait and see” approach aren’t lazy. They’re often diligent, capable, and committed.
But the danger is this: when you relinquish control, you place your career in the hands of someone else’s timeline. You might get lucky. You might get noticed. But why bet your future on “might”?
The cost of passivity isn’t just missed promotions. It’s missed growth. Missed confidence. Missed chances to do work that lights you up.
The job market doesn’t reward potential. It rewards performance and proactivity.
It’s Not About Hustle—It’s About Ownership
Let’s not confuse “make it happen” with “always be grinding.”
This isn’t about burning the candle at both ends. It’s about owning your direction. Taking intentional steps. Aligning your efforts with your goals.
Some seasons of your career will be slower than others—and that’s okay. Rest is part of growth. But even in the slow seasons, you can stay intentional. You can keep moving. You can choose to learn, to listen, to build.
Every career is a narrative. The question is: are you writing it, or just reading it?
The professionals who grow—really grow—are the ones who take authorship. They decide where the plot goes. They edit what isn’t working. They chase the ending they want.
So, ask yourself:
- What chapter am I in?
- What chapter do I want to be in next?
- What do I need to do to get there?
Your story isn’t finished. But every day, you’re writing it—whether you mean to or not.
Be the Person Who Makes Things Happen
At the end of the day, the difference between a career that grows and a career that stalls is rarely luck.
It’s belief.
Do you believe you have agency over your life? Do you believe your actions make a difference? Do you believe you can chart a course and walk it—even if the map isn’t perfect?
If so, you’ve already taken the most important step.
There are two kinds of people in this world.
Be the kind who makes things happen.
If you’re looking to make a change or explore your employment options, then we want to talk with you. I encourage you to contact us or you can also create a profile and/or submit your resume for consideration.
We help support careers in one of two ways: 1. By helping Animal Health and Veterinary professionals to find the right opportunity when the time is right, and 2. By helping to recruit top talent for the critical needs of Animal Health and Veterinary organizations. If this is something that you would like to explore further, please send an email to stacy@thevetrecruiter.com.