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Make yourself irreplaceable

How to succeed as a designer (and any other creative)? Make yourself irreplaceable. Here are 5 steps that you can take today.

Alex Dovhyi
Alex Dovhyi
1 min read
Make yourself irreplaceable
Credit: Jordan Whitfield

Monopolize a particular skill

Become the only one in the world who does what you do. To do so you will need specific knowledge.

"Specific knowledge can be found by pursuing your genuine curiosity" – Naval

Talk about the problem when you know the solution

When you notice that a problem occurs somewhere, only come to report it with proposed solutions, even if those are still rough ideas.

Offer help before you get assigned

Don't wait for work to fall on you from the manager's hands. When you feel you have the bandwidth - offer your help with tasks you think might be valuable.

Work smart. Then work hard

Working hard can get you where you want. Working smart will help you understand where you want to get. Don't confuse those terms and you will be happy.

Accept that life happens and nobody is irreplaceable

The only thing you should be sure of is that you can figure anything out. Anything, not everything. Accept change. Adjust quickly. Act immediately.

To wrap up:

  • Become the only one in the world who does what you do.
  • Never come with a problem without proposing a solution.
  • Don't wait for work to fall on you but remember that the award for more work is more work.
  • Work smart.
  • Accept that nobody is irreplaceable.

Did you enjoy this one? Let me know what's the most interesting point for you.

Alex Dovhyi Twitter

Product designer exploring design’s interplay with product, business, and technology, and answering your questions about freelancing, career, and personal growth.

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