How to Adapt a Growth Mindset When Facing Career Setbacks
Ever been all set for a major step up in your career, only to face an unexpected setback? It's a common experience and one that a special client of mine knows all too well.
Let me introduce you to Sofia* a diligent 35 years old marketing executive with a stellar track record, known for her relentless work ethic and achievements. Coming from a minority background, Sofia felt the constant pressure to validate her worth, leaning heavily on external approval to fuel her confidence.
When the opportunity for a VP of Marketing position opened up, Sofia felt it was her time. With a solid +12 years experience and the big support of internal advocates, she felt confident. But, despite her qualifications and backing, the job didn't come through.
The rejection hit Sofia hard. It wasn't just a missed job opportunity; it felt like a denial of her years of dedication and hard work. It shook her sense of worth and made her question her capabilities. The disappointment was deep, and it led her to reevaluate what was truly holding her back.
After a short period of grieving, rather than getting stuck in frustration, Sofia chose reflection. She found out that her way of leading—really straight and direct—wasn't coming across well. It seemed sometimes too harsh to others. And she also realized she wasn't as confident in her English when it came to social interaction and building deep connections with her stakeholders, which made her feel even more unsure.
When Sofia figured all this out, it sparked a big change for her. She decided it was time to get better, starting with her English. She made it a part of her day to listen to English shows and read in English to get better at chatting and understanding. She didn't stop there; she also looked at how she led her team. She learned to develop more empathy and curiosity and think about how her team felt, not just about getting the job done. She practiced being a leader who cared about people's happiness and working well together, not just the results.
Sofia grew a lot. She got way better at English and changed how she leads. This didn't just help her get ready for bigger jobs in the future; it also showed she had grown into a better leader.
Guess what? I was Sofia almost 10 years ago! This reflective journey from a point of career disappointment to self-improvement wasn't easy, but it transformed one of my life's challenging episodes into a period of immense personal growth.
Are you encountering similar challenges or at a pivotal moment in your career? I'd love to hear your story.
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In Sofia's journey, we saw a remarkable transformation — from confronting personal setbacks to unlocking a whole new level of leadership and confidence.
Like Sofia, many of us face moments that challenge our sense of self and our career direction. But it's in these moments that we find our true potential for growth and resilience.
That's why I'm excited to invite you to a live presentation, on April 16th:
"The 3 Secrets to Balance Career Success and Well-Being," where we'll explore strategies that empower you to thrive, not just survive, in your professional journey.
This workshop is not just about overcoming the immediate hurdles; it's about building a foundation of mental fitness that supports your long-term success and well-being. We'll explore:
- The subtle yet powerful ways we hold ourselves back and how to break free.
- Neuroscience-backed strategies to enhance your performance and well-being.
- Practical tools to transform setbacks into stepping stones for growth.
Like Sofia, you too can evolve your approach to challenges, turning them into opportunities for personal and professional development. Whether you're navigating career transitions, aiming for leadership roles, or simply seeking more fulfillment in your work, this session is tailored to provide you with the insights and tools you need.
Join us and discover how to cultivate the mental fitness that sets apart truly successful and satisfied professionals. It's time to balance your career success with personal well-being, creating a more fulfilling and empowered path forward.
Register here to receive all the details and your personal Zoom Access.
Leila Boutaleb-Brousse