Ask yourself a question: Are you sabotaging your career?

You're probably thinking, of course not. And that makes perfect sense. Why would any of us knowingly self-sabotage when it comes to something as important as our career?

And that's the point-we don't always know we're doing it. If you're feeling stuck in a rut when it comes to your career, like there's no room for advancement or you just can't get ahead at work, you're not alone. Many people are unknowingly self-sabotaging their careers, and you might be among them.

But here's the good news: Turning things around is just a matter of recognizing the problem and taking some simple action steps to address it.

How to Know if You're Self-Sabotaging

We've learned that many of us hold ourselves back without knowing it. So, how can you tell if you're self-sabotaging? Some signs you might be your own worst enemy include things like:

• Worrying what others think. You're letting your fear of what others might think of you stop you from being your best. Maybe you didn't speak up in that meeting because you weren't sure how others would respond. Maybe you didn't apply for that promotion because you wondered if your boss would think you're overconfident in your abilities. Whatever the case, spending too much time thinking about what others think is a classic way to self-sabotage.
• Pressuring yourself to be perfect. Do you get frustrated when you make a mistake or feel like you aren't doing well enough? Sometimes, we demand perfection of ourselves in our jobs and careers. And let's face it: perfection isn't always realistic. Holding yourself to an impossible standard only means you're standing in your own way.
• Being overly modest. This is a big one. If you're like most people, you don't love talking about yourself and your accomplishments-and that's okay. But being overly modest about your achievements or skills isn't a good idea, either. If you find yourself continually putting down your achievements or downplaying your skill or talent, you're probably self-sabotaging more than you realize.

How to Turn Sabotage Into SUCCESS

Do you recognize some of the signs of career self-sabotage in your own life? Whether you do it a little or a lot, it's time to turn things around. Here's how to turn sabotage into success:

Overcome Imposter Syndrome

Being overly modest is often a result of imposter syndrome-the idea that your success isn't deserved. This is a common feeling among many people. But it's not true. You've earned success thanks to your skill, hard work, and dedication, and you deserve what you've gotten from it. As you go through your workdays, try to spot imposter syndrome when it crops up, and take time to remind yourself how far you've come and how much you've accomplished.

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View Mistakes as Learning Opportunities

Mistakes happen. No one's perfect. But the most successful people among us don't beat themselves up forever about their mistakes. They reframe them as learning opportunities. Ask yourself what went wrong, why it happened, and what could be done differently next time. That way, the mistake means something-it helps you learn and grow.

Strive for Progress, Not Perfection

Expecting 100% success of yourself every time is just not realistic. And expecting perfection only breeds negativity. Change your mindset from the standard of perfection toward an expectation of progress. Strive for incremental improvements, one at a time, and give yourself the credit you deserve for making those goals happen. You'll be happy with making even a small amount of progress, rather than being upset at not being perfect right away.

Change Your Internal Dialogue

When you feel a negative or critical thought creeping in, ask yourself, "Am I being fair to myself?" More often than not, you'll find the answer is no. Get into a habit of changing your internal dialogue from one of negativity toward positive affirmation of your own abilities. When that inner voice is kind, it makes all the difference.

Ready to Find Success?

If you're struggling to get ahead at work and can't seem to get out of your own way, it might be time for a new opportunity. A staffing firm can help you find a role that supports your growth and success-get in touch today.