03/11/2025
13 mistakes that will hurt your career,
And how to fix them fast:
1. Blind Loyalty
Staying in a job because it's easy or you're loyal, even if they might not be loyal in return
Fix: Regularly assess whether your company values you and your role challenges you; if not, explore other options
2. Self-Doubt
Imposter syndrome can keep you from opportunities you're qualified for
Fix: Keep a success journal, challenge self-doubt with evidence, and remember that growth requires learning
3. Invisible Effort
Working hard isn't enough - you need visibility and strategic relationships too
Fix: Speak up in meetings, document and update your manager on accomplishments, and build relationships
4. Outdated Skills
If you stop learning, you become less valuable in the job market over time
Fix: Take online courses, earn certifications, and follow industry trends to stay competitive
5. No Network
Career growth often depends as much or more on who you know than what you know
Fix: Set a goal to reach out to two new contacts per month and reconnect with former colleagues
6. Avoiding Feedback
Feedback can be scary, but without it, you won't know what's holding you back
Fix: Schedule regular check-ins with your manager and ask, "What's one thing I could improve?"
7. No Negotiation
If you never negotiate, you're leaving money, promotions, or opportunities on the table
Fix: Practice negotiation conversations, and learn to ask for what you want in a professional way
8. Risk Avoidance
Growth comes from challenges - staying safe can limit your potential
Fix: Take on stretch projects and volunteer for cross-function work with new people
9. Burned Bridges
How you leave a company matters - future opportunities can depend on your reputation
Fix: Maintain professionalism in all exits, no matter the circumstances, and apologize when necessary
10. Weak Branding
Your reputation online and offline shapes how people perceive your expertise
Fix: Build your personal brand, posting insights here on LinkedIn and contributing to industry discussions
11. Health Sacrifice
Burnout and poor health will set you back more than taking care of yourself
Fix: Prioritize sleep, exercise, and stress management, and remember that rest makes you MORE productive not less
12. Lack of Goals
Without direction, you risk wasting years in roles that don't serve you
Fix: Define short-term and long-term goals, then reverse-engineer a plan to achieve them
13. No Backup
Leaving on impulse can leave you financially and professionally vulnerable
Fix: Before quitting, secure another job, ensure financial stability, or have a well-thought-out strategy
There will be enough obstacles in your way throughout your career
You should never be one of them.
Use this sheet to avoid undermining yourself, And to thrive professionally.
