5 Habits That Will Ruin Your Career & How to Overcome Them
A considerable number of high-performing individuals have an equally high risk of derailing their careers. And you may ask yourself… How does that even happen?
Yes, somewhere in between trying your hardest to do all the right things and please your boss, you hit a wall, get stuck, and can no longer feel like you can accomplish as much as you did before. You become frustrated, stoic, and confused.
Here are 5 of the most common habits I have seen ruin someone’s career without them even realizing it.
Limited Career Planning
If you’re asked where you want to be in the next 5, 10, or 15 years in your career, would you have a ready answer, or would you stutter?
And no….. not the plan in your head. An intentionally written career plan is just as important as having a career itself. Going to work every day with no direction and repeating the same process every day, is a habit to break. How? Start today, by writing down your next career roles and the skills you need to get there.
2. “Workplace” Friends
Friends at work make your job more worthwhile and satisfying. Yes! But let me tell you. There is a dark side. Who you associate yourself with in the workplace may sound like really none of anybody’s business. However, it can harm your value to your organization.
The “gossip” can undermine and break down professional relationships. This habit can irrevocably damage your career. So, be strategic about who you choose to align yourself with, and find those who inspire you, and push you forward.
3. Attitude Check-In
Believe it or not, attitude is what gets noticed the most in a workplace. You can hit deliverables, but it will ultimately be tainted by a negative attitude.
My advice is to get self-aware and observe how others perceive you. Instead of avoiding challenges (fixed mindset), embrace them (growth mindset). Instead of giving up, persist.
When you get criticism, try not to take it personally. Our mindset has the power to derail your career or develop it. You choose!
4. Not Owning Your Self-development
It’s not going to happen like magic. The biggest habit to break is not holding yourself accountable. An investment today may be the one thing that will lead you to unlock your full potential in your career.
Follow online coaches and get inspired. Seek ways to develop new habits and mindsets. Gain insights from thought leaders in the industry.
Sign up for online webinars and courses. Get excited again, and pursue your career with focus and intent.
5. Procrastination
This one can creep up on you, even top performers struggle with this habit. With no game plan, you can quickly get overwhelmed with your tasks. You can count on procrastination to completely stall your career. Start by locating the productivity tools that can work for you.
Then, one big “cheat code” in this area is from world-renown author and keynote speaker Mel Robbin’s “metacognition” application of the “5- second rule”. You just need to count, 5…4…3…2…1 then move in the direction of your desired action and directly against that stress you are feeling.
Having a fulfilling career that complements the life you want is possible. And though these habits may initially seem harmless, over time they will surely have damaging effects on your career.
Love and Light,
Content Contributor: Latoya Sanchez