The Biggest Obstacle is YOU!

PATH TO CAREER SUCCESS
The Biggest Obstacle is YOU: How Your Beliefs Are Holding You Back

People may not realize how significantly our mindset, rather than any inherent talent or intelligence, affects our performance in our careers. Our limiting beliefs about ourselves and our capabilities majorly impact the people we choose to network with at conferences, the questions we dare to ask in meetings, and the jobs we decide to pursue.

Let’s break down some common limiting beliefs encountered in the workplace, questions to ask yourself to reframe them, and resources to explore for further growth.

❌ Common Limiting Beliefs 
Here are just a few examples of limiting beliefs in the workplace, but there are countless more:

“I’m always going to struggle with time management.”
“I’m too introverted to network effectively.”
“I’m just not cut out for leadership.”
“I’m too old/too young to advance in my career.”
“I’m not good at learning new languages.”

💭 Reframing Questions
Reframing questions can be a powerful tool to challenge and overcome limiting beliefs. Here are some examples:

• What do you want?
  First, identify exactly what you want to achieve. What is your purpose? Visualize an ideal day in your life to generate excitement about your potential future.

• What obstacles or problems are currently holding you back?
  Are there specific limiting beliefs, experiences, or situations that prevent you from pursuing your goals?

• What evidence supports this limiting belief?
  Can you pinpoint a particular incident that contributed to this belief? By identifying the source, you can develop self-compassion and grant yourself permission to adopt a different belief.

• Can you recall any instances where you defied or challenged this belief? 

  Reflect on moments when you disproved your limiting belief, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant.

• How might focusing on your strengths, skills, and potential shift your perspective on this belief? 
  By emphasizing your positive attributes and growth potential, you can start to see yourself and your capabilities in a new light.

📚 Recommended Resources
Carol Dweck and Jim Kwik have both explored this topic in depth. Check out the following YouTube videos to start reframing your limiting belief:
“How to Overcome Your limiting Beliefs | Jim Kwik on UNSTOPPABLE”
“Carol Dweck on Fixed Mindset vs. Growth Mindset” by RSA Shorts

CAREER COACH Q & A
Navigating New Horizons with Expert Guidance from a Seasoned Career Coach

Q: What are some common mindset barriers that people face in their careers?

A: Common mindset barriers include:

• Fear of Failure: Worrying about making mistakes can prevent you from taking risks and trying new things.

• Fixed Mindset: Believing that your abilities are static and cannot change.

• Imposter Syndrome: Doubting your abilities and feeling like a fraud despite evidence of your competence.

• Negative Self-Talk: Internalizing negative thoughts that undermine your confidence and performance.

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LEADERSHIP LIBRARY
Elevate Your Career with Essential Wisdom

The Power of Positive Thinking Norman Vincent Peale

In this phenomenal bestseller, “written with the sole objective of helping the reader achieve a happy, satisfying, and worthwhile life,” Dr. Peale demonstrates the power of faith in action. With the practical techniques outlined in this book, you can energize your life—and give yourself the initiative needed to carry out your ambitions and hopes. You’ll learn how to:

• Believe in yourself and in everything you do 🤗

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LEARN THE LINGO
✅ English Sayings Used to Motivate 

A saying is a piece of conventional wisdom shaped by historical context or cultural norms. While the underlying sentiments of certain sayings will translate across languages, the specific imagery may differ.

Here are 4 sayings that are commonly used in English to encourage someone to reframe a challenge and cultivate a growth mindset:

💪🔥 When the going gets tough, the tough get going
Meaning: Strong people keep moving forward even in difficult times.

Application in the Workplace: In a team meeting discussing a project setback.

✅ “Team, we've hit a roadblock with the project timeline, but remember, when the going gets the tough get going. Let's brainstorm solutions and get back on track.”

🏃‍♂️🌟  Actions speak louder than words
Meaning: What you do is more important than what you say.Used to emphasize the importance of taking proactive steps towards growth.

Application in the Workplace: Performance review meeting between a manager and an employee.

✅ “John, your commitment to improving your performance is noted, but we need to see tangible results. Actions speak louder than words.”

🏀🚫 You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take
Meaning: You can’t succeed if you don’t try. Used to highlight the importance of taking risks and seizing opportunities.

Application in the Workplace: Sales team meeting discussing approaching new markets.

✅ “In order to meet our sales targets, we need to be proactive in pursuing leads. It's like they say, you miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.”

🌱💡 Necessity is the mother of invention
Meaning: Difficult situations inspire innovative solutions. Used to emphasize creativity and problem-solving in challenging times.

Application in the Workplace: Engineering brainstorming session addressing technical limitations.

✅ “We've hit a roadblock with the current design, but let's view it as an opportunity for innovation. Necessity is the mother of invention.”

Do you have these sayings in your native language, or do they translate slightly differently? What other common sayings can you think of?

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