8 small changes to make when you feel stuck in your career

Feeling stuck in your career can be truly draining. It’s like you’re running on a treadmill – you’re moving, but not going anywhere.

But while it may seem daunting, transforming this situation doesn’t necessarily mean you have to make massive, life-altering decisions.

Sometimes, it’s the small changes that can make the biggest impact on your career trajectory. Just like how a tiny shift in direction can transform a ship’s course over time.

In this article, we’ll delve into 8 minor adjustments you can make when you feel stuck in your career. These tweaks are not about reinventing the wheel, but rather about steering it in a slightly different direction.

Ready to get unstuck? Let’s dive in.

1) Break out of your comfort zone

There’s something comforting about the familiar. Sticking to what you know, to your tried-and-true routine. But here’s the thing – comfort zones can also be career traps.

They hold you back, stifling growth and preventing you from reaching your full potential. They’re safe, yes, but they’re also uninspiring and limiting.

So, if you’re feeling stuck in your career, it might be time to switch things up a bit. Try taking on a project that’s a little outside your usual skillset or ask for more responsibilities at work.

Or perhaps, consider learning a new skill that could boost your portfolio. If it feels scary and exciting all at once, you’re on the right track.

Remember, growth and comfort don’t usually coexist. So if you want to move forward in your career, you’ve got to be willing to step out of your comfort zone.

But don’t worry, stepping out doesn’t mean leaping out. Small steps can lead to big changes. Just remember to keep it genuine and in line with your career goals to avoid being reckless.

2) Reach out to a mentor

I can’t stress enough how important this next tip is. It’s something I personally experienced in my own career journey.

Several years ago, I found myself stuck in a job that no longer excited me. I felt like I was going in circles, not really progressing. It was during this phase that I reached out to a mentor – a senior executive who had always inspired me.

We began having regular coffee catch-ups, where we would discuss my career aspirations, the challenges I was facing, and potential strategies for overcoming them.

His guidance and insights were invaluable. They not only helped me view my situation from a fresh perspective but also boosted my confidence to take on new opportunities.

Remember, mentors have been there, done that. They’ve navigated the career maze before and can provide guidance based on their personal experiences.

So, if you’re feeling stuck, don’t hesitate to reach out to someone you admire professionally. Their advice might just be the catalyst you need for your career progression.

3) Adopt a growth mindset

In 2006, psychologist Carol Dweck introduced the concept of ‘growth mindset’ in her groundbreaking book “Mindset: The New Psychology of Success.”

A growth mindset is the belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed through dedication and hard work. It’s all about embracing challenges, persisting in the face of setbacks, and seeing effort as a path to mastery.

This contrasts with a ‘fixed mindset’, where individuals believe their talents are innate gifts and therefore, cannot be significantly changed.

In the context of your career, adopting a growth mindset could be the game-changer. It encourages continuous learning and resilience, both of which are vital for career progression.

So next time you encounter a setback or challenge in your career, try viewing it as an opportunity to learn and grow, rather than as a roadblock. It might make all the difference.

4) Set achievable goals

Sometimes, feeling stuck in your career can be a result of not having clear, tangible goals. Without a specific aim in mind, it’s easy to feel like you’re wandering aimlessly in your professional journey.

That’s why setting achievable, yet challenging goals is so crucial. They provide a roadmap for your career, giving you something to strive towards.

It could be anything from aiming for a promotion, wanting to learn a new skill, or even aspiring to switch careers entirely. The key is to make sure these goals are SMART – Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.

Having concrete goals will not only give you a sense of direction but also inject new enthusiasm into your work. And every time you achieve one of these milestones, you’ll feel a sense of satisfaction and progress. This can be an incredible motivation booster when you’re feeling stuck.

5) Practice self-care

In the hustle and bustle of professional life, it’s easy to forget about taking care of our most important asset – ourselves. We often get so caught up in deadlines, targets, and meetings that we neglect our own wellbeing.

But here’s the heartfelt truth – you can’t pour from an empty cup. If you’re not feeling your best, both physically and mentally, it’s going to impact your work performance and overall career growth.

So, if you’re feeling stuck, it might be time to press pause and check in with yourself. Are you getting enough rest? Are you eating healthily and staying active? Are you taking time off to recharge?

Remember, self-care isn’t selfish or indulgent. It’s essential for maintaining a healthy work-life balance and promoting career longevity. So don’t feel guilty about setting aside some “me-time” – you owe it to yourself.

See Also

If you want to love again after a tough breakup, say goodbye to these 7 behaviors

6) Embrace failure as part of the journey

There was a time early in my career when I applied for a promotion I felt I was ready for, only to be passed over for someone else. It was a blow to my confidence, and for a while, I questioned my abilities and value.

But, looking back, that experience was a critical turning point in my career. It forced me to reassess my skills, strengths, and areas I needed to improve on. I started seeking feedback more actively and embraced the lessons that failure had to offer.

The truth is, setbacks are inevitable in any career path. But how we respond to them can make all the difference.

Instead of viewing failure as a negative, see it as an opportunity for growth. It’s a chance to learn, improve and come back stronger. Remember that every successful person has faced failures along the way – it’s part of the journey to success.

7) Network, network, network

The power of networking cannot be overstated when it comes to career advancement. Building strong professional relationships can open up new opportunities, broaden your industry knowledge, and provide valuable insights that can help you navigate your career path.

Networking isn’t just about attending industry events or connecting with people online. It’s about building genuine, mutually beneficial relationships. It’s about asking thoughtful questions, offering help where you can, and showing genuine interest in others.

So don’t shy away from reaching out to colleagues, joining professional groups, or even striking up a conversation at a conference. You never know where these connections might lead. Remember, your network is your net worth.

8) Believe in yourself

This might sound cliché, but it’s the absolute truth. If you don’t believe in yourself, it’s going to be tough convincing others to believe in you. Self-belief is the cornerstone of success in any career.

It’s about trusting in your abilities, knowing your worth and not being afraid to advocate for yourself. It’s about having the confidence to take on new challenges and the resilience to bounce back from setbacks.

So, if you’re feeling stuck in your career, take a moment to remind yourself of all your accomplishments and capabilities. You are more capable than you think, and you have what it takes to achieve whatever career goals you set for yourself. Believe in yourself, and others will too.

Final thoughts: It’s about personal growth

At the core of every career progression lies the fundamental concept of personal growth.

American author and lecturer, Earl Nightingale, once said, “All you need is the plan, the road map, and the courage to press on to your destination.” This is as true for our careers as it is for any journey we undertake in life.

If you’re feeling stuck in your career, remember that it’s not a reflection of your abilities or worth. Rather, it’s a signal that it might be time for a change. And often, these changes don’t have to be monumental; they can be small yet impactful steps that gradually steer your career in the direction you desire.

Whether it’s stepping out of your comfort zone, seeking mentorship, adopting a growth mindset, setting clear goals, practicing self-care, learning from failures, networking or believing in yourself – each of these small changes could potentially make a big difference in your career trajectory.

So take a moment to reflect on these suggestions and consider which ones resonate most with you. Because ultimately, getting unstuck in your career is less about altering external circumstances and more about evolving internally. It’s about becoming the best version of yourself – professionally and personally.