Career Advice
Tools to Overcome Obstacles Facing Women at Work
Glassdoor Team
Glassdoor Team | Author & Career Expert at Glassdoor | 5 Mar 2020
Throughout my career in PR, I never felt I was quite good enough. I realise now, I was dealing with a lack of confidence, of inherent limiting beliefs and imposter syndrome, all holding me back and making me doubt my ability.
And I know I’m not alone! In fact, during my career I’ve worked alongside so many inspiring and talented women who have been held back from going after what they really want because of these same beliefs. As part of this, women today are dealing with:
- Expected Male vs Female Behaviours
- Juggling Family vs Career
- Limiting Beliefs
- “YES, I Can” - We find it so easy to reel off a list of all the things we can’t do or haven’t achieved, but when it comes to all our successes we find it much harder. Take some time to brain dump everything you’ve EVER achieved. The things you never thought you’d be able to do or people told you you’d never achieve. You learnt to ride a bike, you passed your driving test, you got that job... Next to each one of those achievements write down how you managed to do it and how it made you feel. You’ve overcome many challenges and achieved things you couldn’t, how can you use that for your current situation?
- “I am GREAT” - How good does it feel when you get an email from someone at work telling you that you did a great job? Start saving all of your good feedback; this is a sure fire way to boost your confidence when you’re struggling with a new project or are stepping outside of your comfort zone.
- Values Alignment - Weigh up what is really important to you from a company and role, such as the location, the perks, the travel, the flexibility, the company’s purpose. Do your research so you feel confident that this company aligns in some way (it will never be 100%!) with your values and your sense of purpose.
- Reframe Your Beliefs - Start making a mental note of when your inner critic is coming out to play. If you use negative phrases like ‘I can’t’ or ‘They’re better’, stop yourself and question whether this is really true. What evidence do you have to prove that? Where did this belief stem from? What would you say to a friend who is in your position? Start using positive reinforcement. Use new phrases, such as ‘‘I am worthy’, ‘I’ve faced my fears before’, or, ‘I choose not to believe this’.
Glassdoor Team
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Tags:Women
