Career Stall: Feeling Stuck and Letting Go
Have you reached a career stall? Have you found yourself wondering why, how, or where to advance?
Choices and decisions we make often become a habitual part of our life. This is what keeps us stuck, stalled, or stopped.
While there are potentially hundreds of variations or reasons why someone may feel stuck, the good news is there is something that can be done to get unstuck.
Uncertainty is Scary
Uncertainty may be a leading cause of being stuck. Feeling unsure about the future keeps people in their comfort zone.
The comfort zone is the norm. In a groove, even a mediocre groove, often feels better than the potential doom looming outside of the groove.
Outside the groove can be scary. Some may quickly say that fear keeps people stuck. Probably true, it can and it does.
Good Sized Ego
There are other things that keep people stuck.
One is ego.
Ego is not necessarily a bad thing. Another way to describe ego is confidence. Feeling confident and accomplished, some people allow their ego to keep them from seeking professional help.
Ego has halted many careers, one way or another, and it is sometimes connected with costs.
I shouldn’t have to pay for help. I’m a problem solver.
Weighing Costs
Perhaps you can navigate your situation to become unstuck, after all, you are plenty smart enough.
Is there a cost associated with not paying for help?
Keep in mind that cost isn’t always what you pay, sometimes cost is about time lost, missed opportunities, or mistakes.
How long will you stay stalled, stuck, or stopped?
Career Stall
When you have a full plate, a full day, and the clock is ticking, you have to make room for something different in order to create change. Otherwise, you are in a perpetual state of being stuck.
You may need to let go of your ego, habits that are tactical instead of strategic, or change your view on risk.
What is riskier? Staying where you are at for the next three to five years of your career or trying something different? Sometimes we weigh risk incorrectly. We weigh it for safety instead of opportunity.
What will you let go of?
-DEG
Dennis E. Gilbert is a business consultant, speaker (CSPTM), and culture expert. He is a five-time author and the founder of Appreciative Strategies, LLC. His business focuses on positive human performance improvement solutions through Appreciative Strategies®. Reach him through his website at Dennis-Gilbert.com or by calling +1 646.546.5553.
