Tips on how to become a top professional in your field

The world number one padel player, Paula Josemaría, has shown us that with effort, dedication and a leadership mentality, it's possible to take your professional career to the next level.

Paula says that to reach the podium you have to have a mentality of continuous improvement, set goals, do everything you can to achieve them and rely on your team. And this is something that any professional can apply in their day-to-day work to develop their career.

These 4 tips from the elite padel player will help you maintain an attitude of self-improvement and make the most of your career:

Set clear and achievable goals

In order to focus your energy and efforts, it is essential to set a series of goals that are clear, precise and, above all, achievable and realistic.

"I think being ambitious is very important and dreaming of being the best at something is perfectly normal. But when it comes to setting a goal in your career, you have to be realistic. I didn't set myself the goal of becoming the world number one 5 years ago, but I set myself a series of achievable goals and I put all my effort into achieving them because I knew that by fulfilling these first steps, the path would lead me to becoming the best version of myself, capable of reaching new and more ambitious goals," says Paula Josemaría.

Stay disciplined

Now that you know what you want to achieve, it is time to make a list of tasks and priorities. For example, if your goal is to study for an MBA while continuing to work, you need to set a schedule and be consistent, even if that means sacrificing hours of rest at the weekend.

If you want something, it costs you something, right? I am very happy with the life I have, but it also requires a lot of sacrifices that people are not fully aware of.

"If you want something, it costs you something, right? I am very happy with the life I have, but it also requires a lot of sacrifices that people are not fully aware of. Training hard for hours on end, not only on the track but also in the gym, or being away from my family and friends for weeks at a time, missing out on great moments and celebrations, are just a few examples. All of this is an effort that requires a great deal of daily motivation and mental health. What is my motivation? To reach my next goal, no matter what it takes," says Paula.

Surround yourself with the best team

"My coach Claudio, the rest of the team at the academy where I train and my partner Ari are a fundamental pillar in taking my career to the top. Claudio is the one I trust the most now and the one who tries to get the best out of me. And I am also aware that you have to work hand in hand with Ari to achieve your goals. In a two-person sport, the team is fundamental," says Paula.

Professionals need to rely on their team not only to achieve their goals, but also to make any project a success, just like an elite athlete.

Having full confidence in your manager is the first step to learning how to improve yourself, knowing where you need to improve and making the most of your best skills. All this without forgetting the importance of relying on all the members of your team. Each of them can help you to train and keep you up to date in a different area, so that you can become the best version of yourself.

Don't lose your positivity

Keeping a positive attitude is key to overcoming obstacles, bouncing back and moving forward. You may have worked hard over the past few months for a promotion that didn't happen. Don't get discouraged! Identify those areas for improvement and learn how to develop them so that you get the recognition you deserve at your next review.

"In sport, in work and in life, there's sometimes a bump in the road that can discourage us. You've given it your all and still haven't achieved your goal? That's OK, you've certainly managed to discipline yourself and you're a better version. Keep going, you've already put the stones on the path, now you just have to keep up the pace and I'm sure you'll reach your goal soon," Paula concludes.