Realize you’re not alone in trying to overcome challenges in getting a promotion or a better job. If it were so easy, then every woman would do it.
There can be several reasons for your struggle to break through the glass ceiling.
Reasons might include having an inability to negotiate. There’s male bias. Then again, you might be confronted by the queen bee syndrome – a female boss who relates better to men than women.
So how can you take charge of your career improve your chances for success? Change your mind set.
Here are five ways to break through the glass ceiling:
1. Evaluate your attitude
Fearful people unknowingly create hurdles that stand in their doorway to success. They are afraid to fail.
Their fear provides an excuse not to persevere. Consider the word, fear, as an acronym: FEAR equals frantic effort to avoid responsibility.
You have a responsibility to be true to yourself – your dreams and goals.
Don’t think and act like a victim. So use the Nike slogan to your advantage – “Just do it.”
You don’t have to be alone in making career decisions. No matter what you do for a living, there’s one free investment on which you can count to improve your career – get a mentor.
2. Stiffen your resolve
There’s a tendency for people to be discouraged when facing adversity. You must develop a tenacious attitude. Be relentless.
Study the careers of successful people. The vast majority has a story to tell about developing confidence and courage.
Focus on the solutions to the obstacles. Start by preparing a list of ideas. Implement them one by one.
3. Trust your instincts
Everybody has had ups and downs. Many persons have endured tragic circumstances. Perhaps you have, too.
Remember what you’ve done to overcome such obstacles. Apply the same principles to your career goals.
If a seed for an idea is planted in your brain, don’t let anyone dissuade you.
4. Strive to keep learning
Start each day with preparation. Do what it takes to sustain your passion. That includes learning to keep growing.
When you fail at something, learn from it. It’s valuable lesson. So continue to develop for ultimate success.
Learn to be a great communicator. One common trait of successful people is to be a great speaker.
Many people get nervous because they fear criticism, embarrassment, failure and/or rejection. Learn to manage your nervousness.
5. Push the envelope
Avoid ruts by expand your comfort zone. When you hesitate, analyze your situations and move forward.
Accept all challenges to grow professionally. Become the go-to person in your organization. If someone doubts your capabilities, develop an attitude of “I’ll show you!”
Look for untapped opportunities. Seek new roles at work – convince your boss to give you a different job.
It doesn’t matter if you’re knocked down in life. What does matter is your positive response.
All obstacles are opportunities to shine and succeed. Never give up.
From the Coach’s Corner, here are related career tips:
5 Personality Traits for Personal and Professional Success — Five personality traits are important for overcoming stress and achieving goals academically, professionally and in personal relationships.
Do You Want a Better Break at Work? Here’s How to Get it — Here’s news that benefits both workers and managers: If you want to maximize workday breaks to boost concentration, energy and motivation, here’s new thinking on the subject.
Checklist to Build Self Confidence for Career Success — Everybody occasionally struggles with self confidence. But some people have continuing low self esteem. Their lack of confidence serves as a big obstacle.
36 Tips: Develop Confidence to Win an Office Tug of War — For people lacking in self confidence, winning an office tug of war is easier said than done. Unlike leaders, they unknowingly give away their power. One sign is whether you’re winning hearts and minds at work. For instance, in the event of disagreements, are you able to persuade others?
3 Best Interview Strategies for a Promotion in Your Company — So your company has an opening that would mean a promotion for you. Great. But make sure you prepare properly to avoid disappointment. To get the job you must interview well.
If you naturally feel uncomfortable and awkward while trying something new out of your comfort zone, that may be taken as a positive development towards growth.
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