Someone once told me: you are the only one that can define your success. It hit home.
Especially at the workplace, your success lies in the habits that you inculcate and the choices you make.

Hence, let’s start with ways you may unknowingly be sabotaging your success at work:

1. Allowing others to take credit for your work.

When you do this, you deny others the opportunity to see how smart and awesome you are. Passing the buck to others means they get the recognition, and not you. The notion “My work will speak for me” never helps anyone.

If this happens too many times, discuss the issue with your line manager and let him/her know that you would like to get credits for the work you deliver successfully, even if it is a mention. Your line manager may not realize that this is an issue for you so it’s best you discuss this first.
If your line manager does not support you, then you might need to take the bull by the horns and do this yourself.

2. Not speaking up in meetings

This is another way you could be short-changing yourself. Work meetings present the opportunity for you to showcase your expertise. Don’t deny yourself that opportunity.
I realized this quite late in my career and noticed that it was more difficult to get approvals signed off because my expertise and authority were not established from the onset. Speaking up helps you boost your authority, no matter what level you are at work.

3. Shying away from networking events

This speaks mainly to introverts but could also point to extroverts as well. Events are not just spaces to have fun, they are networking opportunities to secure your next opportunity. Networking is not just about meeting people. It provides growth to your career and increases your visibility.
So, before you turn that invitation down, think twice. If you do attend one and you worry about not mingling well, take a friend or colleague along.

4. Not having a mentor or coach for guidance.

As I said in one of my articles, “The best place to learn is at the feet of those who have gone before you”.
What you are taught in school is not enough to take you through life. You need a mentor/coach to guide you, someone who has experienced some of the issues you will likely experience. We all need a helping hand.
To activate this point, firstly, identify someone who has the kind of success you wish for in the future, and reach out. What’s the worst that can happen? You have nothing to lose.

5. Not having a role model that inspires you to make your next move.

Role models are different from mentors. Role models are people that are likely out of your reach or outside your immediate circle, but whom you admire. They help give you a sense of direction from their far-off place as they inspire you.
Having a role model who aligns with your values, beliefs, and principles fires you up to achieve more.

In conclusion, you are not alone. I was once guilty of all five points until I became more self-conscious of how I was stalling my own growth.

It’s up to you to make the right decision today.

Which of them will you work on after this?