Surfing is one of the most frustrating experiences I've ever had. Call me a landlubber if you want, but trying to stay on top of a solid board amidst constantly shifting water is a stark reminder of just how rigid we can be. However, as a life lesson, few are more on point. Related: 7 Degrees That Lead To High-Paying Careers When you find a comfort zone, it’s tempting to simply keep repeating it over and over again. It’s true in life, and it’s true in careers. But top-level SVPs and CXOs know better. They are always attempting to disrupt the familiar, because they understand that this is the quickest way to achieve progress. They approach an executive search with this mentality. You are riding a wave, and staying on top means constantly adapting strategies and tactics to deliver the results you’re after. Refusing to do this means getting thrown off the board and into the drink. Here are the strategies my executive clients use to secure MAJOR salary and title increases: