Tory Johnson: Don't 'Just/But' Yourself Out of a Promotion

Oct. 24, 2005 -- -- Do you ever talk yourself out of doing things you know you should do? Does fear of failure or worry about embarrassment prevent you from tackling important goals?

I constantly witness women sabotaging their careers with such behavior and it winds up costing them the positions, pay and promotions they deserve. In conversations, they often qualify their accomplishments, with two naughty little words: "just" and "but."

Take a look at the all-too-common "just" scenario.

For anyone who expects to get ahead, it's essential not to sabotage your success by diminishing your role. People will often see you in the light in which you present yourself. When you appear to lack confidence in yourself, you're treated as someone who's not confident.

It's equally important to be willing to celebrate your successes. When it comes time to look for a new job or pursue a promotion or raise, your past performance is likely to be the best possible indicator of your potential for future success. In other words, what kind of performer were you? What kind of track record do you have?

People who shy away from touting their prior accomplishments and sharing their track record of success will not earn the same money or seniority as those who do so with confidence and ease.

By the same token, you can't use the fear of failure as a crutch to get out of taking chances to advance your career. Some common "but" examples:

Frankly, this is true in all areas of everyday life. It's very easy to come up with excuses -- both real and imaginary -- that hold us back from getting up and doing what we know we should do. It's not easy for everyone to step out of the shell and push themselves harder, but there are some examples of people who I heard from at that Texas conference who could have easily given up in very trying times, but didn't.

When you hear such real-life stories of triumph and inspiration, it helps you to realize that we can do anything we set our minds to. If, as a junior in high school living in poverty, Armstrong Kelly could give birth to a baby and persevere to raise a champion, then, she says, anyone can achieve what they're willing to believe for themselves -- be it a better job, more money or a healthier relationship. I couldn't agree more.

If you're reading this and thinking about the important tasks you've put off because you're worried that someone will say no, or you're fearful of failing, it's time to break that cycle. Commit to coming out of your shell. Step out of your comfort zone. Be gutsy, be confident and go for it.

For more information on career strategies, or to send your feedback to Tory Johnson, CEO of Women For Hire, visit www.womenforhire.com.