Beware Self-sabotage (2)

Ignoring mentoring moments: Mentoring doesn’t have to be over a period. It can take a moment. For example; observing how that person makes a presentation fun, the way a colleague turns a potentially volatile situation around; joining the team of that high achiever to stretch yourself are all mentoring moments that will teach you a lot. Look out for such opportunities.

Underestimate yourself: Why do people do this? Lack of confidence, low self-esteem? Perhaps. There’s always more that you can do or become. Don’t take yourself for granted. Time to upgrade! List a few areas where you have been truly successful in the past; retrace your steps and identify how you can apply what worked in the past.

Do you still have the ‘knack’? You probably do. Let that give you confidence. Where your success is concerned, jump in with both feet. If you put a small value on yourself, no-one else is unlikely to lift you higher.

Too long in the comfort zone: It’s nice to be doing something you love, are good at and comfortable with. But riding this wave too long could stall your career. If you are good at something, take it to the next level; for example, by pulling together a ‘how to’, checklist, a short course on how to do that activity and teach it to others; that way you move from ‘doer’ to a teacher or coach. Choose to swim in bigger waters even if you have to swim against the tide occasionally!

Now take action: Reflect and write down three things you are really good at.