It’s easy to get into bad habits if you are in a job you don’t like – where you don’t feel energized, valued or on purpose. However, if you’ve gotten into any of the following bad habits, it’s time to get unstuck and find an alternative.
1) Complaining
If you’re complaining about your job on a regular basis, you’re not doing yourself any favors. It’s fair to say you’re not helping your relationships or creating any new opportunities by focusing on the negative and spreading that negative energy to others.
Instead: Stop complaining. (Yeah, I thought you’d appreciate that.) What can help you stop? First, become more aware of how often you’re feeling negative and complaining. And while it’s good to think about why you’re unhappy and what you want to do about it, an action you can take right away is to practice gratitude. Find at least 3 things you’re grateful for each day, write them down, and live in that moment of gratitude more often. Whether you’re grateful for money to pay your bills, friends who understand you, a great meal you had last night, or a great workout. Shifting your energy to be more positive can help your relationships and increase your awareness of new opportunities that are in front of you, let alone increase your day-to-day contentment!
2) Playing It Safe
If you’re unhappy and want to create a career change, you’ll need to stop playing it safe. Change requires some risk. When I talk about risk, I don’t necessarily mean financial risk, which often comes to mind for people. I mean daring to say out loud to yourself or some friends that you want something more for yourself. I mean going to a class or an event by yourself to learn more about your interests. I mean trying something new when you aren’t certain you’re going to be good at it.
Instead: Build up the strength of your “risk muscle” so you can gain confidence. Once you see the success and learn from your first risky move, you’ll be more likely to make the next move. You’ll find you gradually get more comfortable with being uncomfortable. You’ll be more ready for action. Real change isn’t going to happen in play-it-safe mode.
3) Downplaying Your Abilities
I find people rarely give themselves enough credit. I dare say you’re stronger, more creative, and have more skills and talents than you realize. What comes easily for you doesn’t come easily for everyone; perhaps you take your skills and talents for granted. Don’t!
Instead: Write down 7 things that you do really well. Yes, 7. There are at least 7. And if you want some help with that, ask your friends and family members to list 3 of your strengths to help start your list. Look at the performance reviews at your job. Reflect on when people solicit your advice. Develop your list and read them every day. Let your strengths inform your next step in your career journey. Once you give yourself the credit you deserve, it can build your confidence and may encourage you to pursue opportunities you might not have otherwise.
Do any of these bad habits sound familiar to you? Are you ready to quit? If so, tell us what you’re going to do to make it happen. You may encourage others
to do the same!
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