Maybe it’s happened to you. You walk into a Monday morning meeting only to find out your co-worker just got promoted to the job you had your eye on.
You ask yourself what she has that you don’t have.
You wonder why she got the lucky break. Or maybe it was a he instead of a she. Either way – what gives?
Instead of blaming it on bad luck, it’s time to take a close look in the mirror and discover the real reasons why great career opportunities are passing you by.
Sometimes it’s not what you do, but how you feel that makes a difference. Often it’s the beliefs that carry the extra baggage from our own childhood that impacts how we behave and react in our careers.
Here’s a look at some limiting beliefs that may be holding you back in your career.
- “I am not good enough to get ahead.”
When you feel insecure and try to be something you are not, it shows. Instead, dig deeper into that belief. Try to discover WHY you don’t feel good enough.
When you kick those limiting beliefs to the curb and embrace confidence, you’ll get noticed more at work! - “I can’t speak up for what I want.”
If you don’t ask for what you want, the answer is already ‘no’. Be brave. Ask for that project that will allow your skills to shine.
Explain to your manager what you’ve contributed to the team and why you deserve that raise, promotion or to lead that special project. Speak up with conviction and belief that you deserve these things and tell them WHY you should get it. - “I’ll never get ahead no matter what I do.”
Don’t play the victim card or you have already spelled out your demise. Be positive. Expect the best. Believe – truly believe – you deserve it.
Own it in your mind as though it’s already yours. Visualizing your success is a powerful tool towards making it happen! For instance, champion skiers visualize every step along the slopes many times before actually strapping on the skis and beginning their descent down the mountainside! - “I’m scared to try. What if I fail?”
Do you have a fear of being judged? Do you secretly worry so much you can’t do it that you don’t even try?
Abraham Lincoln is an example of someone who never gave up and succeeded. He failed in business. His sweetheart died. He had a nervous breakdown.
He was defeated when he applied to be speaker of the house. He was defeated when he ran for Congress. He was defeated for nomination as Vice President.
Yet he went on to be one of the most celebrated Presidents in the United States.
Dare to step out, try new things, and reach for your dreams. If at first you don’t succeed, have confidence in your ability to figure it out. Keep going. - “It’s too late for me to ______”.
Your dream doesn’t have an expiration date. You are never too old to achieve your dreams. Have faith in yourself and faith in a higher power.
Know you have everything you need within you to be the success you are meant to be. It is your birthright.
Change Your Thoughts, Change Your Results
So stop the blame game.
Don’t feel like luck is against you. Celebrate those who get ahead and learn from them so that you can do it too. Instead of blaming others, look at how you can upgrade your mindset.
As Stephen Richards once said, “Reality is a projection of your thoughts or the things you habitually think about.” When you take time to look at what you hold to be true, you may discover ways that you are holding yourself back.
Find out how success coaching can help you discover your limiting beliefs. We’ll look at how and when they were formed. Then I’ll help you to release and create new, more empowering beliefs that will unleash your potential. Click here to find out more about Success Coaching.
Career Management, Personal Development