In our careers, we often turn to mentors or industry experts for guidance, but one of the most valuable sources of career wisdom can be found in our friends’ experiences. While their career paths might be different from ours, there’s much we can learn from their journeys. By having open conversations with friends about their challenges and successes, we can uncover transferable skills, innovative strategies, and fresh perspectives that could make a real difference in our own professional growth. Whether it’s learning about emotional intelligence, adaptability, or resilience, the insights we gain from our friends can be just as impactful as advice from a seasoned mentor.

The knowing-doing gap is the space between understanding what needs to be done and actually doing it—a common obstacle in professional growth. To bridge this gap, use the A.I.M. framework:

• Assess what actions will have the most impact in your role.

• Implement these actions immediately on a small scale.

• Maintain consistency by practicing these actions daily and refining as needed.

In your career, have you ever wondered if you’re better suited for entrepreneurship? If you find yourself regularly asking your manager how you can take on more responsibility and work without supervision, it may be a sign that you crave autonomy. Entrepreneurs are problem-solvers who embrace risk, thrive on self-motivation, and feel limited by traditional roles.

This article explores the key traits of potential entrepreneurs, offering five critical questions to help you determine if you’re ready to move from employee to entrepreneur. If you’re seeking more freedom, innovation, and control over your work, starting your own venture could be the next step.

Often, it’s not what you do that limits your career, but what you fail to do. From skipping learning opportunities to avoiding risks, acts of omission can hold you back in subtle yet powerful ways. Discover common career omissions and learn how to take proactive steps toward growth and advancement. The cost of inaction may be higher than you think—take charge of your career today!