1. Blind Loyalty
↳Staying in a job because it’s easy or you’re loyal, even if they might not be loyal in return
↳Fix: Regularly assess whether your company values you and your role challenges you; if not, explore other options
2. Self-Doubt
↳Imposter syndrome can keep you from opportunities you’re qualified for
↳Fix: Keep a success journal, challenge self-doubt with evidence, and remember that growth requires learning
3. Invisible Effort
↳Working hard isn’t enough – you need visibility and strategic relationships too
↳Fix: Speak up in meetings, document and update your manager on accomplishments, and build relationships
4. Outdated Skills
↳If you stop learning, you become less valuable in the job market over time
↳Fix: Take online courses, earn certifications, and follow industry trends to stay competitive
5. No Network
↳Career growth often depends as much or more on who you know than what you know
↳Fix: Set a goal to reach out to two new contacts per month and reconnect with former colleagues
6. Avoiding Feedback
↳Feedback can be scary, but without it, you won’t know what’s holding you back
↳Fix: Schedule regular check-ins with your manager and ask, “What’s one thing I could improve?”
7. No Negotiation
↳If you never negotiate, you’re leaving money, promotions, or opportunities on the table
↳Fix: Practice negotiation conversations, and learn to ask for what you want in a professional way
8. Risk Avoidance
↳Growth comes from challenges – staying safe can limit your potential
↳Fix: Take on stretch projects and volunteer for cross-function work with new people
9. Burned Bridges
↳How you leave a company matters – future opportunities can depend on your reputation
↳Fix: Maintain professionalism in all exits, no matter the circumstances, and apologize when necessary
10. Weak Branding
↳Your reputation online and offline shapes how people perceive your expertise
↳Fix: Build your personal brand, posting insights here on LinkedIn and contributing to industry discussions
11. Health Sacrifice
↳Burnout and poor health will set you back more than taking care of yourself
↳Fix: Prioritize sleep, exercise, and stress management, and remember that rest makes you MORE productive not less
12. Lack of Goals
↳Without direction, you risk wasting years in roles that don’t serve you
↳Fix: Define short-term and long-term goals, then reverse-engineer a plan to achieve them
13. No Backup
↳Leaving on impulse can leave you financially and professionally vulnerable
↳Fix: Before quitting, secure another job, ensure financial stability, or have a well-thought-out strategy
There will be enough obstacles in your way throughout your career –
You should never be one of them.
Use this sheet to avoid undermining yourself,
And to thrive professionally.
Any mistakes you’d add?
