Navigating Workplace Challenges: Insights from a Therapist
A recent conversation with a client circled around challenges we earthlings face at our workplaces in recent times—constant demands on our time, energy, and resources we hold within. Their never-ending, uncertain nature making us wonder: Am I in the right place? Am I good enough?
Managing expectations from colleagues and those we report to, the often-lonely path of leadership, and promotions — a blessing or a crown of thorns?!
This article invites your attention to insights and interventions I have witnessed as a therapist, which come in handy while navigating these curveballs at work.
Embracing Change
The promotion, the role transition, suddenly placing demands you never could have prepared yourself for ☹ Is there a way out? Let’s look at what can help:
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Recognize that change is new and hard to embrace in the beginning because what’s old and familiar feels safe; give yourself time and space for the new dynamic to become familiar, knowing that it will!
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Growth can often be disguised as change. This can look like extending yourself beyond what your comfort zone tempts you to believe are the limits of your abilities!
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Address thoughts of helplessness with choices of resources within your reach that can help you upskill and learn. You got this!
What Truly Matters: Taking a Restock
The restlessness stemming from work giving you sleepless nights—is it burnout? Feelings of inadequacy? Or fear of not truly belonging here?
It’s perhaps time to revisit what brought you here in the first place!
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How does my current job and role help me in my journey toward career progress? What contributions can I start taking notice of?
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Are there gaps I can identify that stand in the way of me feeling fairly grounded in my current position? (Understanding key responsibilities, making necessary changes to my daily schedule, addressing fears with colleagues I can trust)
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Factor in time for rest, rejuvenation, recreation, and connecting with colleagues.
Leadership — Does It Have to Be a Lonely Trail?
As they say, it does tend to get lonelier at the top. Support systems and people who related to your struggles earlier may seem to vanish as you scale new heights, making you fear that feeling alone on this journey is the status quo.
Here are a few insights to consider:
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As you evolve professionally, your needs for support and inspiration evolve too! Recognizing this helps you access new resources to fulfill these needs — role models, mentors, and resources in the literary and digital worlds.
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Growth aligned with your inherent potential is inevitable. Paying it forward, offering guidance, and sharing your knowledge with those who can benefit can be what this path looks like going forward.
Meeting the Criteria for Success
Demands that suddenly spring up at work. New responsibilities piling up as part of the promotion. Deadlines of multiple projects lining up menacingly! Is there a chance I can actually succeed? Am I even cut out for this? Let’s look at what can help:
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Recognize that knowledge gaps and learning are an inherent part of anyone’s career path. This is neither a reflection of your ability to perform well nor your prospects of success!
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Be mindful enough to notice — is perfectionism standing in the way of being good enough?
Final Thoughts
Opportunities and growth often come disguised as change and challenge!
It may seem as if you’re not on top of your game, but trusting the process helps.
And trusting yourself too!
You will learn to adapt in no time and even thrive — just like you’ve done countless times before.
And you’re not alone.
If you or somebody you know is going through challenges at work and needs help, consider reaching out to our ‘Support’ and ‘Engage’ verticals for affordable and inclusive help!
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