Enabling Beliefs
Reflect for a moment on the ways in which the beliefs you hold influence the choices you make in life, including at work.
Do the things you believe about your capabilities inspire you to step forward and take on new challenges, or do they hold you back? How often do you allow limiting beliefs to cause you to hesitate to give things a go or speak up with confidence?
The beliefs we choose to hold about ourselves, our circumstances, the future and our ability to influence that future unquestionably define the outcomes we achieve in life, including our careers.
Essential beliefs that underpin a thriving career
It's OK to be you
Among the most important beliefs any of us can hold is that it is OK to be who we are. Of course it matters that we strive to be the best possible version of ourselves, but having respect for and belief in who we are, matters to our ability to thrive.
Have the courage to be authentically who you are. You’re entirely unlikely to thrive if you choose to believe you have to hide away behind a façade. You will only bring your full potential if you overcome fears that stop you from being yourself.
As Judy Garland said, “Always be a first-rate version of yourself, instead of a second-rate version of somebody else.”
You define your reality
The choices you make about how you think, feel and ultimately act, define the reality you create. Believing this is essential to holding yourself accountable for the career you create – no one else. Choosing to believe life is outside of your control will only lead to a sense of helplessness and resignation.
Dream about your future and choose to act to make those dreams come true. Understand what a successful career means to you and take deliberate steps to make it happen.
What you do is meaningful
If you are struggling to get out of bed, let alone thrive at work, start by asking yourself whether or not you believe in what you are doing. Choosing to work in a job or pursue a career that has little meaning for you is unlikely to see you thrive; no matter how important other people think your work is. When you love what you do and believe it matters your spirit will be energised.
You are capable
Being aware of and respectful of your capabilities is essential to your ability to apply them when needed. Doubting what you are capable of is likely to cause you to hesitate or miss opportunities that come along. Advancing in your career depends on your ability to act with confidence and bring the full potential of your capabilities to your role. Just as important is your ability to demonstrate the ability to step up to assume greater responsibility and tackle greater complexity.
You have potential
Limiting self-belief is the most common reason I observe for people achieving less than they are capable of. Learn to ask yourself “why not me?” before deciding if you are able to succeed. While you are always likely to need to learn and grow in order to achieve ambitious goals, choose to believe you, as much as the next person, are capable of getting there. When asked to step outside of your comfort zone and try new things, choose to believe you can learn and succeed.
You can overcome challenge
It’s inevitable that at times in your career you will face challenge and frustration. We all encounter roadblocks, what matters are your decisions to not let them stand in your way. Keep striving believing that you can change the circumstances you find yourself in. Avoid a victim mentality and accept that while life can be challenging, you are the master of your own destiny. Choose a resilient mindset and you are entirely more likely to build the career you want.