You are a professional woman at the top of your game. You have been effectively juggling multiple responsibilities and it’s now time to go to the next level. What should you do as the fearless leader: rest and go to your favorite vacation spot? You may have left behind some healthy habits working long and endless hours. Reaching the top may be a one-time event, but staying at the top is a dynamic process:

1. Know thyself: You may have focused all your energy toward becoming number one, but your strategy to remain at the top and continue to grow needs to be in place. Is your forte to create a start-up business, manage an ongoing venture, or lead a large team in a leading corporation? Seek for fresh advice. Look at your business as if it was the first time and you were a potential buyer. Would you invest? What would your plans be to grow the business?
2. Set your priorities: Look at your strengths and prioritize strengthening your Achilles’ heel for the long run. Bring talent to complement yours and re-prioritize your needs and goals as you move on. Your priorities may have changed and you want to take advantage of the opportunity to create new strategies.
3. Strategize to reach the next level: Although others may be trying to de-throne you from your hard-earned position, avoid being sidetracked. Instead, think about ways in which you’d continue to improve your position and your organization. While you have to keep an eye on your competitors, the focus of your attention ought to be on your continued growth to stay ahead of the game.
4. Create a plan: Your plan was to become number one and you have succeeded. It is now time to create a fresh plan to make yourself strong in your new position. At the same time, this is a great opportunity to stimulate further growth to go onto the next level. Ensure that your goals are measurable and that your timelines to achieve those goals are in place. Invite your key people to be a part of the planning process and communicate your plan to everyone within your organization.
5. Check your progress regularly and continue to move up the ladder of success, enjoying each and every step of the way. Thank those who have assisted you on your journey and motivate your team and organization to continue moving forward together.

Written originally for w2wlink.com by Dr. Gabriela Cora. Click here to buy her book Leading Under Pressure.