Play to Your Strengths

We hold on to control and take everything on our shoulders - then try to muscle our way through projects. We think, "This will be over soon. I can handle it. I just have to get through this week." But there's always another crunch time just around the corner.

The truth is no one gets promoted for looking stressed and frantic. Recognizing our limitations is the starting point. Accessing others' talent is the key. We need to trust others and call on the full range of their talents to deliver our best. Great talents reside in people other than our selves. Challenge yourself daily with this question, "What am I doing now that could be done by some one else?"

When we're In the middle of a quagmire and overwhelmed - we get depressed, get mad, get even, get skinny, get fat, cry, blame others, and stomp our feet. But the one thing we don't do is ask for help. It's so simple. Early on, before we're even close to losing it, we can simply say, "I need a favor... Can you help me?" Why is this so hard?

5. Take risks

We want to play big. We want to bring more of who we are to the table. But we don't want to upset the apple cart and take a risk. While pondering what to do next, we end up marinating. We try to figure things out before making our first move. But contemplating too long does not yield solutions. We end up frustrated and spinning our wheels. 

It's unlikely we'll figure out a new direction by staying put. We must shore up our courage and take steps towards our goals. Then gradually the path opens up to us. Rarely do I see individuals succeed in straight-line fashion.

To use our talents fully, we must listen to our niggling desires to move on, learn more, explore and be of greater service. Yes, taking the risk is uncomfortable and disconcerting at times - but it's also life giving, energizing and fun.

The five traps are easy to fall into. It takes effort, anticipation, reflection and conscious effort to side step these nasty buggers. Challenge yourself to see your value, tell other, say no, ask for help and take action. I guarantee your career will take off!