Stressed? 5 workplace mindsets that keep you there

All honor’s wounds are self-inflicted.

– Andrew Carnegie

 

One thing I’ve noticed from both my experience in the workplace, and working with stressed clients, is this:

 

Your mindset has a huge influence on the quality of your work life.

 

It goes without saying you don’t control other people, or outcomes.

 

So your real leverage points are within you: what you think, how you act, and how you relate to others around you.

 

Mindset is a part of that, but one we don’t talk about as much, other than having a positive or a negative one.

 

“Mindsets are beliefs—beliefs about yourself and your most basic qualities.”

– Carol Dweck

 

What you believe about yourself in relation to others has a direct impact on the quality of each day. I’ve noticed there are mindsets with which clients struggle. When in play, they add more stress and anxiety to your day, and your career.

 

Unlike whether positive” or “negative,” they have more to do with how you see yourself relative to others in the organization.

 

When you start working to break these down, you’ll decrease your stress level and boost your self-confidence. Because often, these mindsets leave you feeling “less than.” And they typically don’t inspire your best work. See if any of the five below apply to you. Then, get to work creating a +positive shift!

 

 

1. Thinking that everyone else is more of an expert than you are.

 

They might be in some areas. But you were hired for what it is that you bring to the workplace. Assume your expertise is every bit as valuable as the “experts” you think know it all.

 

What are the situations where your voice is not heard, because you don’t see yourself as the “expert?” How can you change that?

 

 

2. Being intimidated by authority.

 

So many people are stressed by the thought of interacting with authority figures. For example: Managers. Managers of managers. Executives. Stakeholders or donors. Anyone in a position to critique or evaluate your work.

 

Most people in authority want others to play at their level. They expect you to “play up” and bring your A game.

 

Don’t cower from authority; treat them as if they are your equal. See yourself as deserving of their time and attention. You are, after all, on the same team.

 

Even if you don’t regale them with tales of your greatness, at least start thinking of yourself differently in relationship to them. Then start acting differently as well.

 

 

3. Valuing the answers more than you do the questions.

 

Are you consumed with getting an “A” on everything you do? If so you might think your success lies in knowing all the right answers. Sometimes knowing the answers is good.

 

Personally, I’d rather be known as the person who asks really good questions.

 

These questions are not about collecting information. They’re about getting conversations to shift. They invite people to reflect and discover ideas differently. Often, they can transform a process, a conversation, or a team.

 

 

4. Wanting other people to perceive the world as you do.

 

If you’ve ever heard the story of the blind men and the elephant you know how often we perceive identical situations differently. As individuals we bring our own history, culture, values, beliefs and assumptions to our perspective.

 

When you think (or want) others to perceive the world the way you do, you invite frustration. People from other cultures, ages, genders, or abilities offer insights unique to them. Instead of resisting, avail yourself of the rich and diverse perspectives from which you can learn.

 

 

5. Being oblivious to your effect on others.

 

Often people ask for help in their work situation not knowing that often much of the issue lies within them. By that I mean, they don’t know what they are doing wrong in a certain situation. They don’t know because they don’t understand how they affect those around them.

 

 

Not sure if this applies to you? Here are some “gut-check” questions to review when you’re not sure how you’re showing up.

• What are my thoughts?
• What is my intention?
• What is the tone I am taking with others?
• Do my words and messages align with my desired intention?
• If I am distressed, can I pinpoint the cause?

 

What are you noticing after reading this? Do you suffer from any of these mindset afflictions? Leave a note below and let me know what you’ve discovered, and what steps you are taking to change things up.

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