I’m sure you’ve heard the quote, “Fear kills more dreams than failure ever will.” But have you ever thought about how it specifically applies to you? I know many of us like to put on a mask to pretend we’re fearless, but at one point or another, fear has likely altered our course of action. And it’s only when you identify and accept your fears can you start to overcome them. So, let’s look at what four different types of fears look like when it comes to your career.

Do you feel like you’re currently being held hostage in that career you despise? The truth is, if you want to start making moves in your career, you have to stop making excuses. And before you say, “I’m not making excuses,” let’s be clear on how these excuses might sound. Here are the seven most common excuses I hear as a career coach.

When you think about showing confidence at work, do you imagine the employees ready with an idea, open to tackling new projects, and who get recognized for their work? Their confidence is evident in how they present themselves, as well as in how others respond to them. You may think confidence is a trait, something you either have or don’t. I’ll let you in on a secret: confidence is a skill. Research is uncovering how confidence, like leadership and communication, develops.

While many people talk about the importance of career advancement, people rarely address the obstacles that arise along the way. Knowing (1) that these obstacles are real and (2) how they present are the first steps in preparing yourself for battle should any of them appear on your purpose path!

When it comes to moving forward in your career, it’s important to have a clear understanding of your current state to assess what your next step should be. Often professionals have a warped sense of reality that keeps them hostage in a career they despise. The truth is, if you want to be successful in your career, you’ve got to quit telling yourself these lies:⠀

We often hear warnings about taking big risks, but we rarely hear warnings about playing it safe. Because the effects aren't typically super immediate or obvious, people don't often connect the dots. Instead, before they know it, they end up with a life of regret and "what ifs."