You’ve got the skills, the experience, and the ambition. You know you’re ready to move up the career ladder, but somehow, you keep finding yourself stuck in the same place. Sound familiar? If so, you might be unknowingly sabotaging your career.
The good news? It’s common, and there are solutions. Let’s take a look at five common ways we self-sabotage—and more importantly, how to break free from these limiting habits.
1. Talking about your achievements feels awkward and uncomfortable?
—You Avoid Self-Promotion
Does talking about your achievements make you uncomfortable? Many of us have been conditioned to believe that modesty is a virtue, and while there’s truth to that, being too modest can hold you back. In today’s competitive world, those who speak up and self-promote get noticed. But that doesn’t mean you need to brag; there’s a difference between arrogance and confidence.
The solution: Practice makes perfect. Start small—mention a recent win in a casual conversation with your manager. Over time, you’ll get better at presenting your accomplishments without feeling like you’re showing off. Remember, if you don’t advocate for yourself, who will? Your value deserves to be recognised.
2. You’re unsure how to ask for what you deserve.
Maybe you’ve felt overlooked for promotions, raises, or new opportunities, but did you clearly communicate your ambitions? If you’re waiting for someone to notice your hard work, you could be waiting a long time. Not knowing how to ask for what you want is a common career stumbling block.
The solution: Learn to communicate better. Set up a meeting with your boss and be direct but thoughtful. Be clear about what you want and why you deserve it. Don’t be afraid to ask for feedback to understand how you can grow. The more confident you are in communicating your needs, the easier it will be to take the next step in your career.
3. You’re excelling in your role, but it’s keeping you from advancing
Strange as it sounds, being too good at what you do can be a career trap. When you excel in your current role, your organisation may see you as indispensable in that position and overlook you for advancement. If you’re consistently meeting expectations, you might find yourself stuck in a role because you’re “too good” to move up.
The solution: Think big and go the extra mile. Start taking on projects that push you beyond your current scope of work. Volunteer for leadership roles, even if they stretch your comfort zone. Thinking beyond your job description and demonstrating your ability to handle greater responsibility will make you a strong candidate for promotion.
4. You’re unclear about what you truly want from your career
Do you ever feel adrift in your career, like you’re just going through the motions? You may be following the “shoulds” of your profession—what you think you should be doing—without ever stopping to figure out what you really want to do.
The solution: Forget the shoulds. Take time to reflect on your values and passions. What excites you? What kind of work makes you feel fulfilled? It’s easy to chase someone else’s version of success, but defining your own career goals will give you the direction you need to move forward confidently.
5. You’re Too Loyal—It’s Holding You Back
Loyalty is often seen as a commendable trait, but staying in one place for too long can hinder your growth. If you’re too focused on your current employer’s needs, you might neglect your own ambitions. This can lead to feelings of frustration and stagnation, even resentment.
The solution: Focus on how your success helps others. When you advance in your career, you gain more influence and can make a bigger impact. By climbing the ladder, you create more opportunities not just for yourself but for those around you. Loyalty doesn’t mean standing still—it means contributing to a greater cause in new and bigger ways.
If any of these points hit home, it’s time to stop standing in your own way. The good news? Every hurdle is surmountable with awareness and action. By improving your communication, embracing self-promotion, thinking beyond your current role, and defining your own path, you’ll be on your way to breaking through those career barriers.
The key is to start now—be your own advocate and actively create the opportunities you deserve. Your career is waiting for you to step up.
If you’d like personalised advice on how to move up the career ladder, we offer career coaching at TalentHub. Our team can help you break through barriers and achieve your career goals. Please feel free to contact us at [email protected] for more details.
