While it was great to see the seamlessly talented Meryl Streep receive her well-deserved Oscar nod, it was disappointing to not see the highly talented Viola Davis get hers.  When it comes to the non-famous majority, we too confront changes and disappointments—unfairnesses if you will.  If you don’t catch yourself, you could mistakenly tell yourself that because you didn’t get the brass ring at the end, the successes weren’t that great and any tough times weren’t worth it.

3 Questions to Ask Yourself After Any Weighty Endeavor:

1. Yes there were some hard times, but did I give fully of myself and enjoy at least some big junks of this journey?
2. Have I grown in any way that may have rounded out my skills and taught me more about what I’m capable of?
3. How can I acknowledge myself for the gift of my sharing and be pleased that I had this opportunity?

So in moments of unrecognized public achievement,  instead hold up your head, stay strong in your heart and feel good about what you did.  And while no doubt others did receive some value from your contribution, even if they don’t directly attribute it to you, you know you made a positive difference.

Plain as the nose on your face isn’t always that obvious, or we’d stop doing many things that get in our way…wouldn’t we?  

There is a sure way to career success which is to find out how you sabotage yourself and change those behaviors.  For example, you might have done all the right prep to obtain your next job or for the work needed at your existing job, but if you’re in your own way because of negative thinking that causes you to act unsure or unprofessional, then no amount of subject expertise is going to keep you on top and your employer happy.  Here are 6 ways you undermine yourself:

1.  You often think the problem is outside you.  (I can’t tell you how often coaching clients come to me to make changes, yet they believe most of their problems are due to the unfair treatment they receive from others.)  While this would seem to be an egotistical reaction, it’s often a result of poor self-esteem and trying to deflect fear of criticism or judgment.  Accept your responsibility for your career and what’s in front of you and you’ll be more than half way ahead of the game.

2.  You don’t have a clear definition of the scope of the work you’ve signed up for (or are signing up for) so you resent what appears as additions or changes.  Have sufficient conversation ahead of time with your customer (or whoever is managing you), so you get a clear picture of the project’s design (or role you need to fulfill) so by taking the work on, you are confident in your own expectations and the expectations for the work from others.   

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