Career Analysis: What is holding your career back?

You are giving your best at work. Working very hard and investing the major part of your life at work. But you fail to get that promotion you have always wanted. You disappoint yourself by not meeting your career goals. What is going wrong? A few things are holding your career back. Once in a while, career analysis is important. Introspection brings out the best in us.

Individuals reflect some common traits, habits, or attitude, that can hold their career back. It is important to identify such traits in your personality that are a constant roadblock in your career development.

Career Analysis for Better Performance

Here are a few questions that you can ask yourself to understand what is holding your career back.

Am I overconfident?

Confidence is important but not to the extent where it becomes “star sickness”. Taking too much pride in your work and not accepting criticism leaves no room for improvement. Overconfidence blinds our reason at times. You must reflect on your work and welcome feedback from your seniors or colleagues. It will help you gain a different perspective, one that you could not think of. A difference of opinion brings diversity in the workplace. You can agree to disagree. But try focusing on what can help you enhance your performance.

Do I underestimate myself?

The classic problem of “too much and too less”. Both overconfidence and low confidence act as a barrier to your career path. No matter how hard you work or how good you are at it. If you lack confidence, it will be a constant roadblock in your development. You must believe in yourself and your work. A regular career analysis can help you understand the impact of low confidence on your work. It’s time to stop doubting yourself and moving forward with confidence.

Do I procrastinate?

Procrastination usually gets the best of us.

“I will do it tomorrow.”

“This is not the right time.”

“I will see to it when it happens.”

This is how we delay work and panic at the last moment. Not completing tasks on time leaves no room for revision and improvement. Sometimes, it appears to be a half-hearted attempt as well. Your managers could get the impression that you didn’t consider the assignment important enough to devote it appropriate time. Next time you find yourself putting off things for tomorrow or next time, remember the only time you have is “now”.

Am I being unsociable?

A business thrives on good relationships. People are the driving force of any organization. With people arrive ideas, inspiration, and experience. To learn and grow in your career, you need to interact with people. Being “unsociable” at work does not really work in your favour. Talking to them does not mean you have to participate in office gossip. Make room for conversations that help you grow as an individual and professional.

Do I fear technology?

In modern times, technology is not merely a choice. It is a way of life. If you are an old school at heart and not very tech savvy, it can act as a hurdle in your career path. Being a writer, I have always been a “pen and paper” person. But with time, I realised that my professional journey cannot remain untouched by technology or digital tools. Today, technology is helping me in my journey. Most importantly, it helps me collaborate with like-minded professionals on important subjects. Likewise, you will need the help of technology to support your projects and presentations at the workplace. An honest career analysis will help you figure out your way with technology.

Am I always seeking perfection?

An important aspect of career analysis is to identify if you are trying to be a “perfectionist”. Strive for improvement in your work and learn to meet the deadlines. Being on time is always appreciated. “Perfection and incomplete” invites a lot of criticism at the workplace and can be a great barrier in your career development. If you are always seeking perfection in your work, you will never end up finishing things on time. Be on time and wait for constructive criticism and feedback from your colleagues and seniors.

(Suggested Read: What can a Career Coach do for you?)

When to do a career analysis?

When things are getting tougher than usual at work and begin to take a toll on your mental health, it’s time to sit down and reflect. You are doing everything in your potential but unable to work your way up the career ladder. A thorough career analysis can help you understand the problems and work on them. It’s time to introspect and inspire your own self. To do better and to set new milestones for yourself.

(Read more: Career Help & Insights)

(The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Energy Dais.)