Defining the top of a career can be subjective. For one person, the top could mean landing in the C-suite of a Fortune 500 company. Another person might see the top as leading a small local business. Definitions aside, I think we can all agree that it’s a space designated for people who are relentless, audacious, visionary, dedicated workers.

The pinnacle of a career looks different at every phase of it because as you grow into a more seasoned worker, your perspectives, needs and interests change. As you add more notches to your belt, reaching the top of your career will most likely be the result of meeting long-term goals and following precise strategies that take into consideration what you’ve done, who you know and what you can accomplish for your employer. Here are three changes you can make that can help you get there:

1. Change your mindset

When I first started on my career path, all I wanted to do was to make a name for myself. I wanted my expertise to be valued. I wanted recognition. I wanted the perks and privileges of being the boss without truly understanding what being the boss meant. My work ethic was primarily built on fighting tooth and nail to have my voice heard or overshadowing colleagues in order to stand out. My career was all about me. And while that may seem like the best perspective, it’s an “entry level” state of mind. In order to make it to the top, you definitely must make a name for yourself, but you also must develop a leadership mindset. Real leaders at the top of their careers or organizational hierarchy are silent yet strategic, demanding without being demeaning, action-oriented and prudent. They don’t necessarily seek attention and accolades but instead stay focused on doing good work, which naturally attracts respect and elevates their position within an organization.

2. Change how you work

I’m an entrepreneur turned corporate executive. The best part about entrepreneurship is that it helped me understand what “doing the work” means from a birds-eye view. If I didn't work, then I didn’t eat. Building something from the ground up requires a certain tenacity, skillset, unwavering dedication, optimism and vision that not everyone has. These skills allowed me to build a personal and professional brand that I’m extremely proud of, but it also taught me what decision-makers look for in their next leader. To join the ranks of those at the “top” you have to to reflect their tenacity, skillset, unwavering dedication, optimism, and vision — the very same traits that I used to build my company.

3. Change your view of the top

The “top” of your career might seem like a nice cushiony place to be. But once you actually get there, that’s when the work gets harder. I knew that becoming a leader in a solid company with an award-winning portfolio meant that my work would be challenging because my primary goal is to keep the reputation and capabilities of the company headed in the right direction. Being at the top is not the time to slack off. When you look at your career and determine that you want to be a top-level employee, don’t work toward this position because you want things to be easy. Choose leadership because you welcome a serious challenge.

The journey to the top can be rewarding and challenging no matter what the top of your career path looks like. Top-level leadership is a space for people who plan for it and are committed to it. No matter how you start out, to find your spot at the top, consider making changes in who you are to become who you want to be.

Aniesia Williams is a senior vice president, Brand, Chicago.

Tommy Lisbin