In my last post I promised something for those of you who said, “I am being held back!”.  Many of us have been in situations in which we felt we were being held back from pursuing a change in job, company or locale…..by a boss, a friend, a spouse.

What does this “hold back” look like?  Is it an expression of disagreement when you talk about making a change? Is it an unwillingness to sponsor or support you for another role in the organization or a statement that you are not yet ready for that promotion?

I have coached many people through situations like this and here is my advice:

1. Listen carefully to the feedback you have been provided. Before you immediately discount it, consider – is there a nugget of valuable information in what was said?  If you have moved companies every one to 2 years when you became dissatisfied, maybe staying longer with your current organization might alleviate fears of perspective employers. If the feedback is from someone that you otherwise respect, consider what knowledge you can take from their message.
2. If there is some truth in what you have been told, what can you do to address the gaps? Do you need more development in your current role?  Are there some behaviours that you need to modify to improve your reputation and/or personal brand?
3. Take action.  If you have new insights, act on them.  If you determined that there is no legitimate reason to change your approach or your goal, move forward.  Create a plan and take a first step – today.  From the moment you take the first definitive action towards a goal, your brain knows you are serious and the universe readies for your change.

Ultimately, no one and nothing can hold you back from what you want to achieve.  Only you do.

Ultimately, no one and nothing can hold you back from what you want to achieve. Only you do. It is often easier to believe you’re being held back than to recognize that your lack of action is grounded in fear, lack of confidence or your unwillingness to make sacrifices or change.

Define your goal; be it a promotion, a new organization, a new location, or even returning to school. Be very specific in defining what it is you are seeking. Reach out to your supporters. Create your plan. Take action. And look back over your shoulder and you will see – no one is holding you back!

“It is for us to pray not for tasks equal to our powers, but for powers equal to our tasks, to go forward with a great desire forever beating at the door of our hearts as we travel toward our distant goal.” – Helen Keller

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