Three common career killers for women

Many women at the workplace find themselves stalling in their careers because of somethings within and out of their control. But what mindsets slow down career progression?

We look at a few and what to do:

Are you one to focus a lot on a problem and how bad things can get? Studies have shown that pessimists are more likely to stall their career progression as compared to optimists.

The workplace will always face one problem or another, or many at a go. However, focusing on how big a problem is constricts your ability to see opportunities that present themselves during such times.

What to do: Challenges are part of the career journey. Stay Positive. Become more solution-oriented and open your mind to new and exciting opportunities.

Do not overestimate work threats to a point of underestimating your ability to overcome them.

After facing rejection, some women seek safety in work routines and avoiding unfamiliar territories. Instead of embracing novelty and building resilience. fear drives you to play it safe.

What to do: To compete favourably and succeed, you need to be confident in your decisions. You are better placed at succeeding when you accept imperfections and let go of the “super-woman" syndrome.

Stick your neck out and experience learning and growth outside your comfort zone. Do not painfully self-criticise when you lose that promotion.

As much as things could go wrong, learn to accept imperfections and rejections and look on the bright side. Give yourself a healthy dose of self-compassion when letdowns dishearten your efforts.

After all, success and failure come as a package deal.

Women are natural caregivers. However, taking care of everyone else and putting yourself last is no longer a show of strength of character but a self-sabotaging behaviour.

You may be a mother in your home, but you do not have to extend the same care to your coworkers at the expense of career progression.

What to do: Do not take blame on behalf of your co-worker in the name of being a 'good team player.’ Holding your co-workers accountable does not erode your caring attributes.

In addition, take good care of yourself and take your vacation days.