Shift your mindset for success

Last week I wrote about recognising stress. Stress comes from many sources. The one I hear most about from those who are early in their career is frustration, usually because they are not progressing at the rate they would like.

We looked at how to recognise stress, in this case frustration, but how can you shift from the negative emotions that brings, and the behaviour that it sometimes causes us to display, to positive action that will help us get where we want to go?

Don't concerntrate on the negative

This might sound obvious but the quicker that you can accept the situation the quicker you can start to move on. So you didn't get the promotion you were going for that is a given, there is nothing you can do about that. Don't waste time being angry about things you can't change.

Focus on the things you can control

Did you get feedback from the interviewer? Not just the stuff you did well, what you really need to know about is what your weak points are.

Where are any skills gaps?

What were they? Can you do some training courses to upskill yourself in this area? Can you get involved in any wider team projects that will help you build up experience. Even better could you work with the team that you aspire to be part of on some stretch projects that will give you those skills.

Network

Your network is the best tool when you are looking for a new role If you are able to do some side projects for another team they will be able to see you in action. They will see what value you bring to their team so if they are looking to fill a role in the future you are already tried and tested and although this does not guarentee you a permanent position it shows them what you are capable of and how you operate.

Mentoring

Would anyone in that team be willing to be your mentor. They can help you to understand your knowledge gaps and suggest ways to fill them. They may have taken a different route to the role they are in, one that you have not yet thought about. Their network also becomes your extended network. They may be able to put you in touch with others that could help you widen your knowledge and experience.

Do a good job

Be known for doing a good job. That also includes the day job you were hired to do. Don't lose sight of that when you are taking on these extra projects and activities. Just because you are looking to make a move leave a great impression with your current team you never know when you might work with them again.

Rather than getting stuck in the negative downward spiral look at these situations as opportunities. Opportunities to learn, opportunities to grow your network and look at things from a different perspective. Being open to opportunities and not being afraid to ask for feedback and guidence means that you are in the best place to be successful.