Want to take your career to the next level but feeling stuck? These seven bad habits could be what’s holding you back at work. Don’t worry—it’s never too late to make a change and improve!
You’re Overworking & Not Taking Time off for Self-Care
What you do outside the office is just as important as your work inside it. To show up as your best self each day, prioritize quality self-care—not the kind that involves mindlessly scrolling through Instagram. Find a routine that genuinely refuels you, whether it’s morning meditation, exercise, nature walks, laughter, play, or bubble baths. Doing what feels good for you will recharge your energy and significantly boost your work performance.
You’re Keeping Yourself Small
According to a Forbes article, men are confident enough to apply for a job even if they meet only 60% of the qualifications, while women often won’t apply unless they meet 100%. This statistic is eye-opening and highlights how we sometimes underestimate ourselves by not pursuing the jobs we really want because we feel unqualified. So, the next time you come across a job listing that excites you, apply for it—don’t stress about meeting every single qualification. Most of these skills can be quickly learned, and what truly matters is whether you have the confidence to get the job done. If you do, you’re golden.
You’re Not Managing Your Time Wisely
There are so many small tasks at work that need to be done every day, but often they aren’t part of your core responsibilities—things like responding to emails, sorting paperwork, organizing files, and more. By the time you get back to your main tasks, you’re already physically and mentally drained from all the smaller tasks. To truly excel and shine at work, prioritize the important tasks first (ideally before lunch) and save the smaller tasks for later in the day. This approach will help you stay focused and energized for what matters most.
You’re Not Asking for What You Want
In both life and the workplace, we often hesitate to ask for what we truly want because we’re worried about seeming pushy, bossy, or fearing judgment from others. This habit is holding us back from the success we deserve. How can people know what we want if we don’t ask for it? You can’t wait for great career opportunities to just appear; you have to be proactive and speak up. If you know you deserve a raise, ask for it. If you want that promotion, ask for it. If you’re overwhelmed and need help, ask for it. You never know where a simple request might take your career.
You’re Not Truly Believing in Yourself
It’s tough to admit, but often the only thing holding us back from the career success we want is ourselves. You might doubt your abilities or feel unsure about taking your career to the next level. That’s where feeding your mind with uplifting, empowering content comes in. From my experience, once I dove into personal development books and podcasts, my career transformed. I went from being an intern to a full-time freelance writer in just a few months. The power of the mind is truly incredible, so use it to your advantage.
Your Job Just Isn’t the Right Fit
Not every job you have will be one you’re passionate about, especially when you’re climbing the corporate ladder or job hunting during tough times like a pandemic. Sometimes, a job is just a means to pay the bills, and that’s OK for a while.
However, if a job feels draining because it’s not the right fit—whether due to the company culture or the type of work—you might find it difficult to feel truly accomplished. In that case, starting a job search when you’re ready to move on could be the best decision for your happiness and career growth.
You Complain Too Much
It’s nearly impossible to be fully satisfied with every aspect of your job—there will always be things that bug you or tasks that don’t excite you. However, when you start vocalizing your complaints, you risk holding yourself back from thriving at work. The employees who get promoted are the go-getters, the ones who are willing to do whatever it takes to get the job done. Instead of dwelling on the problem or complaining about it, focus on finding a solution. This proactive mindset will help you grow and stand out.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, achieving career success often comes down to breaking free from self-imposed limitations and adopting proactive habits. Prioritizing self-care, asking for what you want, applying for jobs even if you don’t meet every qualification, and focusing on solutions rather than complaints can all set you on the path to success. By tackling important tasks first and maintaining a positive, go-getter attitude, you can create opportunities for growth and thrive in your career. It’s all about having the confidence to believe in yourself and taking action to make your goals a reality.
