Gears For Careers

Don’t trip yourself up

What do you think is the biggest thing that could stand between you and achievement?  Yourself!  You do this when you are too intent on impressing others or wanting to succeed by hook or crook. Here are some tips on how to avoid shooting yourself in the foot.

Be comfortable in your own skin: The status trap is one of the most tempting in many careers. People accept other people’s definition of success without realising what it will mean for them. Know what is important to you so that you are better prepared to give whatever it takes to achieve it.

Focus on what you do well: Someone once said; there’s no wrong job, only the wrong people for a job. In seeking to rise quickly or impress, be careful not to take on roles that you’ll struggle with. Weave your career around your strengths, talents and interests. When you go with what you are good at and enjoy, you are more likely to succeed.

Drop the ‘nobody can do it like me’ attitude: Granted; there are things you are great at, but the higher you go, the more you must learn to work through people. Doing everything yourself or micromanaging undermines your opportunity to develop others.

Accept what you can’t control: And there’s a lot you can’t; your boss’ mood, whether you get to lead that high profile assignment or if your hard work gets acknowledged. Drive forward what is possible and manage what’s beyond your control if you must.

Don’t give up on yourself: When you fall, slip or make mistakes, don’t get into self condemnation or self pity. Most of the time, you are the only person you can count on. Let go when you have made mistakes, learn your lessons and move on.

Stop acting small: To get ahead you have to believe in yourself and that’s not about being boastful or being ‘all knowing’ it’s feeling big within yourself because of what you believe you can become and building the skills and confidence to act accordingly.

Drop the feeling of entitlement: When you act as if the world owes you a living, you never really stretch yourself, push your boundaries or live your best because you are waiting on someone to do something for you. Your primary goal should be to demand only the best from yourself and to minimise how quickly you get disappointed.

Choose your battles: You will not always agree with everything; that doesn’t mean you openly disagree or aim to have the last word. Always think about the consequences of arguing and read between the lines before charging in with your views. If you must speak up, do so with respect. Use logical rather than emotional arguments. n

 

Now take action: Identify three ways in which you are getting in your own way.

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