D’you ever feel like your career is stuck? Like other people are moving forward, getting promoted, landing all the interesting challenges, but you’re feeling overlooked and forgotten about?
You’re in your glass box, surrounded by glass walls, the glass ceiling is firmly in place, but you just can’t seem to break out?
It can feel deeply frustrating, and even worse, it can erode your confidence leaving you feeling even more stuck.
But the great thing is that there are things you can do to smash down the glass walls that are keeping you playing small, to re-empower yourself, take charge, and boost your competence and confidence.
Step 1. Identify your strengths: Make a list of your skills, experience, and accomplishments. Focus on what you’re good at and remind yourself of your achievements. Muzzle your self-critic. Maybe ask a trusted friend to help. Make it fun. This will help boost your confidence.
Step 2. Set small goals: Break down your long-term career goals into smaller, achievable tasks. This will help you feel more in control and build momentum towards your larger goals. And it feels bloody marvelous when you get to tick those milestones off your list. Mute any internal voice that tells you you can’t.
Step 3. Learn new skills: Identify areas where you want to improve and take courses, read books, or attend workshops to learn new skills. This will help you feel more knowledgeable and confident in your abilities. And it will help to keep your skills relevant and in demand. Also, remember to follow through and put your new skills into practice, to build competence and expertise. Turn up the volume on your voices that tell you you can!
Step 4. Network: Connect with people in your industry and attend events where you can meet new people. Follow up by connecting with them on social media. This will help you build professional relationships and feel more connected to your field. Having a strong professional network means you can help them, and they can help you when needed, making you more resourceful.
Networking may feel awkward at first, but keep it light, friendly, and professional, and show a genuine interest in the people you get to meet. And remember to talk about those strengths, goals and skills you’ve been building!
Step 5. Seek guidance: Consider working with a coach or mentor who can help you identify your strengths and weaknesses, set goals, co-develop a plan for achieving them, and gently hold you accountable, as well as provide challenge, support and guidance along the way.
As I’ve said before, if you smash down your glass walls, the glass ceiling will collapse.
As a coach I’ve supported many clients with owning and building their career progression, building confidence, and absolutely smashing their way through their metaphorical glass walls. 💥
Get in touch if you’re feeling stuck, helpless or uncertain and are ready to take back your career.
