How to Grow Your Career in 2026: What’s In & Out

How to Grow Your Career in 2026: What’s In & Out

TAGS:

INSIDE GOTO,
2026

January 13, 2026

Brittany Medcalf

Senior Talent Brand Manager

The way you shape your growth is changing. In a world that’s faster, more connected, and full of possibility, your ability to adapt, stay curious, and keep learning has never mattered more. So, in 2026, ask yourself: What habits, mindsets, and actions will help you thrive and what is better left behind?

To help you navigate what’s ahead, here’s a look at what’s in and what’s out when it comes to building a career you’re proud of, no matter where you work or where you want to go next.

What’s In

  • Owning Your Growth: Taking personal responsibility for your learning journey—setting your own goals, seeking out opportunities, and stretching into new areas that excite you. Growth is in your hands, and your future is what you make it, not just what is required.
  • Authentic Feedback and Connection: Inviting open, honest conversations—asking for feedback, welcoming different perspectives, and recognizing that growth comes from real interactions, not just formal processes. Authentic connection opens the door to new possibilities.
  • Mentoring and Mutual Support: Building relationships with peers, leaders, or even those outside your field to help one another grow. Mutual encouragement, sharing lessons learned, and offering guidance are all essential for moving forward together.
  • Lifelong Learning Mindset: Staying curious and open to new skills, ideas, and industries—even if it means stepping out of your comfort zone. Big or small, every new skill is fuel for innovation and keeps you future-ready.

    • Expert Insights: Talent Development Team Tips

    Our award-winning Talent Development team shares real-life pointers to help you drive your own growth in 2026:

    “A great mentor isn’t always your boss. Find someone you trust for honest conversations and a safe place to grow.” —Sarah Lynch

    “Be your own CEO. Set your pace, choose your path, and seek out new ways to learn—you own your progress.” —Rachel Morris

    “Curiosity is your edge. Use every learning opportunity—inside and outside your company to keep ahead in an AI world.” —Ashley Packard

    “Don’t wait to be asked—proactively build new skills and seek feedback. Staying adaptable fuels your long-term success.” —Derek Whitaker

    What’s Out

  • Passive Participation: Waiting for instructions or sticking only to what’s familiar. Growth happens when you choose to get involved and seek out change.
  • One-Way Communication: Treating feedback as criticism, avoiding tough talks, or relying solely on annual reviews. Authentic growth requires ongoing dialogue, not just one-way assessment.
  • Going It Alone: Assuming you have to figure everything out yourself. The strongest paths are built on learning from and with others.
  • Fixed Mindsets: Believing you’ve learned enough or that change is only for some roles. Growth belongs to everyone—and the path forward is always open.

    • Looking Ahead

    As 2026 unfolds, your willingness to own your growth, seek honest connections, and embrace new challenges will set you apart. Are you ready to embrace what’s next? The path is open. Take the next step.

    Check out GoTo’s Practically Tomorrow Podcast

    In this episode, Chief People Officer Meredith Hawkins and workplace expert Dan Schawbel discuss how AI is transforming talent development, the employee experience, and the future of work. Listen now for real strategies on upskilling, adaptability, and thriving in 2026.

    https://open.spotify.com/episode/52uMNLRfUHh0ATjT95EAX0?si=S5iOt1YXR6itB-Ymq-9fZg