Start with Knowledge and Skill Before Status

Assess your five 'buckets.' Rate your current levels of knowledge, skill, network, resources, and reputation from 1 to 10. Be honest—where are you weakest and which buckets are you tempted to skip?

Prioritize learning and doing. Set a plan to invest daily time in learning (books, courses, interviews) and practicing (volunteering, projects, challenges) before seeking better titles or quick rewards.

Resist shortcuts. When offered roles or rewards beyond your current skills/knowledge, pause to consider if accepting would be building on sand. If so, politely decline or negotiate for a development plan.