3 Career Traps You NEED to Avoid!

Building a successful career path requires more than just hard work and dedication.

Wow...

That sentence alone can be overwhelming, am I right?!

But throughout the years I've been coaching determined and high-achieving women, that is exactly what I've learned!

You see, to build the career of your dreams, one that gives you a sense of purpose, alongside the recognition you desire, you need to think strategically about your journey and be aware of potential pitfalls.

So, let's deep dive into the three most common traps I see happening over and over again, shall we?

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#1. Comfort Zone Trap

Staying within your comfort zone may feel safe and secure, but it's also a breeding ground for stagnation.

It's easy to fall into this one though - I totally get that!

I mean, I even fell into it myself, before having the courage to admit I needed to leave the banking industry.

It's the fear of change or the unknown that makes it feel more comfortable to stay where you are; even if deep down you are feeling unhappy.

After all, your job might not be perfect, but at least it's the beast that you know, am I right?!

However, in today's dynamic job market, adaptability is key.

Embracing new challenges and stepping outside your comfort zone not only fosters personal growth but also opens doors to exciting opportunities.

Whether it's volunteering for a challenging project, learning a new skill, or seeking out stretch assignments, pushing beyond your comfort zone is essential for career advancement.

Always remember that evolution is a natural part of your life, and for you to evolve, you need to try something new.

Remember the first time you bought a smartphone?

I'm sure that it was tricky at the beginning and the older you were, the more resistant to change you would have been.

But now...

Let's face it, how can anyone imagine life without them?!

It became part of the norm and 100% comfortable.

#2. Tunnel Vision Trap

Focusing solely on your current role or immediate tasks without considering the bigger picture can stop your professional growth.

Falling victim to tunnel vision prevents you from broadening your skill set and understanding how your contributions fit into the larger organizational goals.

And not only that - tunnel vision can prevent you from understanding your full value and limit your career choices.

It's vital to cultivate a holistic perspective of your industry, company, and career trajectory.

When you open yourself up to see what else is out there: how your work/ skill set can contribute to the wider organization or industry OR how your transferable skills can be used elsewhere, you have immediately a wider range of opportunities available to you.

It's then up to you to see which ones align with your core desires/career drivers and act accordingly.

The best professionals are the ones who understand how to identify new opportunities that will support the achievement of their career goals.

Look at Ronaldo: he's been moving from country to country to pursue his desires.

First, he wanted to play in the major leagues, then he wanted to continue to be THE start, so he went to Saudi Arabia where he is by far the best (despite his age!).

It takes careful planning to understand what the next goal you want to pursue and understand what opportunities are out there for you and which one you should grab!

#3. Status Quo Stagnation

Complacency is the enemy of progress.

If you find yourself coasting along without a clear vision or goals for advancement, you're likely to get left behind.

Your continuous evolution and professional development are non-negotiable.

Whether is failing to invest in your skills and knowledge, which can leave you vulnerable to being overtaken by more proactive and ambitious individuals, or simply focusing purely on 'doing more of the same', with no real interest and determination to progress, simply going with the flow is a real (and common!) trap.

If you are keen to progress in your career, either to get to the next level, change jobs, or even pivot, you need to be intentional about your growth.

Let's say you had a fitness goal: to lose 5kg.

You wouldn't leave it to chance, would you?! Ah, maybe the weight will just disappear!

No, you would make a strong plan: maybe look into your diet alongside doing some exercise.

The same goes for your career: take ownership of your journey by setting SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) goals and actively pursuing growth opportunities.

Steering clear of these career traps is essential for creating a successful and fulfilling professional journey.

By breaking free from your comfort zone, adopting a holistic perspective, and embracing a mindset of continuous improvement, you'll position yourself for long-term success and fulfilment in your career.

Always remember that when it comes to career journeys, there is no right or wrong answer: you need to define what makes sense for you.

You can have a straight or squiggly career and be equally successful!

So, dare to step outside your comfort zone, broaden your horizons, and seize control of your career destiny!

Your future self will thank you for it.??

P.S. - If you currently struggling to identify your next career step, let's chat about my signature program 'Revamp Your Career' which has been designed to give you back a sense of control, purpose, and fulfilment!

Email: [email protected]

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