There are some things women notice and some things that they don't especially when it interferes with their path to a successful career. Ashley Stahl shares a list of things women do that can sabotage their careers.
We've all had a bad day at the office at one point in time but unfortunately some things become a habit and if you look closely enough, you've become your own worst enemy.
Ashley Stahl is a known contributor to Forbes. She is also a career coach and job speaker to millenial job hunters everywhere. But she has six things to talk about that speaks directly to women. Here are six ways women do that can sabotage their own path to a successful career:
- When woman ask someone else about investing in her own self. - The men (husbands, boyfriends, peers) in women's lives provide insight and advice, but men and women face different challenges in the workplace. Even having the best of intentions of asking someone about investing in yourself (personally or professionally) can hurt your career. The desire to "ask for permission" or "ask for feedback" is more often than not a form of resistance or a lack of self-trust. Self worth is important. Consider their input in the matter but don't base your decision solely on that advice. Consider the multiple options out there.
- Women waver on decisions. - Self-doubt arrives in weak moments and can paralyze you. Wavering on decisions can create missed opportunities. You need to make quick decisions which is also a critical characteristic of a leader. Don't be afraid to take the plunge sometimes. "Make a choice, show up fully, and see what feedback the universe gives you. Even if it doesn't work out, you'll have the peace of mind in knowing you tried," says Stahl.
- Being a "Yes" Woman. - Saying "No" isnt' always easy but saying "yes" to everything can overwhelm you. Learn to say "No" when it counts because that means you know your priorities.
- Never joining in the team effort. - Sometimes, taking a project alone can be both empowering and rewarding but it is beneficial to be engaged with other people as well. Collaborating with co-workers can create a great working environment and exchange of ideas. You don't have to take on the world alone.
- Striving for Perfection. - It's normal for women to want everything to be perfect. But you have to be realistic. You can't always create a perfect case scenario for everything in your to-do list. Make sure your goals are achievable and then reward yourself when you get it done. If you make a mistake, take it easy and don't make it so hard on yourself. Learn from your mistakes and move on.
- Getting stuck in a rut. - Albert Einstein once said "you cannot solve problems from the same level of thinking that created them," quotes Stahl. Don't let yourself get pigeonholed into a career that doesn't speak for your skill set. Strive to always learn new things that can help your career and skill sets. Keep getting engaged.
Don't fall prey to any of these sabotages on your way to a successful career. Realize them, take control and make adjustments in your personal and work life. These things are easy to address as long as you commit to them.
