3 Habits that Made me a Data Analyst

Hey friends,

Can you believe it’s March already and almost 3 months into 2024? Many of us set goals for 2024 and around this time it gets hard to stay on track. What makes me work towards my goals is having the right mindset. Last week I published a video on the 5 habits that made me become a data analyst and here are 3 (more) that motivate me to reach my goals in life and career.

3 (more) habits that made me a data analyst

1. Shift your focus to learning over immediate success

Shifting my focus from immediate success to continuous learning is a habit that has paid off. My first job as a data analyst was a pay cut for me. Although I was making less money and others could say was “less successful”, this was the job where I learned all my data analysis skills.

I learned how to use BI visualization tools, build ETLs, and properly interact with stakeholders as a data analyst. To add to this, I took a data science bootcamp which helped me really understand big data, data engineering, and what data science is. I didn’t end up becoming a data scientist after the bootcamp and no immediate pay increase, but one year later I leveraged the combination of all these skills to 2x my salary and get my job at Amazon.

What I have learned from all this is that YOU are your own greatest asset. The more you do to teach yourself through learning and growing your skills, the greater the asset to yourself. The habit of continuously investing in myself through skills and prioritizing learning over “immediate success” is what has made me successful as a data analyst.

2. Prioritize learning over passion

We often don’t get started unless we have a clear view on what our passion or purpose is. The reality is, discovering what you’re good at takes months and years of learning. Rather than focusing on passion alone, prioritize getting skills. All these things you try may not be what you want to end up doing but it will definitely help in getting you there. It’s better than sitting and waiting for your passion and purpose to come to you.

Instead of following your passion, follow what you’re good at. You’re more likely to be successful in your career when you have the right skills.

3. Overcome fear

“If today were the last day of my life, would I want to do what I’m about to do today? And whenever the answer has been No for too many days in a row, I know I need to change something” - Steve Jobs

Knowing that life is short makes it even more important to make the big choices in life and overcome fear. When we understand that time is limited, it gives us the clarity to make the choices that fear stops us from making. Right now is the youngest you’ll ever be in your life and that changes everything. I use this powerful perspective when facing big decisions I’m fearful of and remind myself that life is too short not to try!

🎬 My New Videos

The harsh reality of being a data analyst | career, job, interview What is it really like being a data analyst including all the cons and difficulties? I answer this including tips for junior data analysts to navigate a new role.

Remote data analyst desk setup (work from home) After working from home for 10+ years, I talk about the best productivity desk setup I found works for a data analyst working remotely.

Why it feels impossible to get a data analyst job | AI, career, tech I give my perspective on the job market in tech for 2024 and what you can do to stand out.

✍️ Quote of the Month

"Today is your opportunity to build the tomorrow you want."— Ken Poirot

Want to learn more from me? Check out 👇

• 🚀 1-1 Coaching → I coach data enthusiasts with personalized data roadmaps, comprehensive resume feedback, and guidance through the uncertainties that come with navigating your life and career

• 📚 Resources → Data roadmap and helpful links

• 📄 Data Analyst Resume → Free ATS friendly resume template (make a copy in google docs to edit)