Tips for Overcoming Career Challenges with Enthusiasm

I've recently suffered a major career setback. Since I teach about high performance and career growth, I want to share how I am addressing it. One day you will need this recipe yourself! My goal in my current "career" is to reach as many people as I can, and to help them achieve career success and satisfaction. For the last three years, the way to do this has been through LinkedIn. Unfortunately, LinkedIn recently made some unknown changes to their algorithm. Other Top Voices and I have noticed a drop of 70% to 80% in the reach of our posts. Since my goal is to share my knowledge with more people, that means my goal just took an 80% hit. In general, setbacks in performance are either due to: A) Something we did Or B) Something external, outside our direct control Mistakes, poor decisions, and missed deadlines are examples of A. They are in our control. Things like Covid, high interest rates, and reorganizations at work are examples of B, outside our control. LinkedIn's change is also case B, outside my control. When a setback comes from something in your control, you know clearly what you did wrong and what you need to change to restore your performance and progress. Fixing your own issues may take time and be difficult, but you know what to do. When the setback is due to something outside your control, you do not know how to fix the issue. So, how can we react when our performance is shattered and we do not know why? Here is my recipe: 1. Allow yourself a fixed amount of time to grieve (and complain if you wish). Emotions are real, and before you can move on you will need to sit with those emotions. But, do not get stuck in them. Curse your bad luck, pout for a minute, etc. Then, move to the next step. 2. Refocus on your core value. Whatever happened, go back to how you define high performance to ensure it is still relevant. I admit, I slipped into defining my own performance by how many people viewed my LinkedIn posts. This was a mistake. My mission is to help others, so getting views is a proxy, not a result. And, using LinkedIn is just a method for the mission, not the mission itself. 3. Adapt your core value if you must (if its value has decreased). In my case, the value of what I offer hasn't changed, the external delivery system has. 4. Once you adapt and/or increase your value, find new ways to deliver it if necessary. Luckily, I have other options for reaching people: my Substack newsletter, YouTube, etc. Since Substack has been such a good partner recently, I will start there. I have also refocused how I write on LinkedIn to make every post focused on my goal. 5. Test, measure, adapt, repeat! Really, this step is everything. Once you get past the grief, jump into action in this loop. Nothing can stop you if you keep working to refine, deliver, and showcase your core value. Comments? Here's my newsletter, which is my next area of investment: https://lnkd.in/gXh2pdK2

We've all been there - those challenging moments that make us question our goals, our dreams, and our ability to succeed. 🤔 But it's precisely during these tough times that our true strength and determination are put to the test. I want to share some insights on how I've managed to push through difficulties and achieve success. 1️⃣ Embrace the Growth Mindset: Instead of viewing setbacks as failures, I choose to see them as opportunities to learn and grow. Adopting a growth mindset has allowed me to see challenges as steppingstones toward improvement, ultimately leading me closer to my goals. 2️⃣ Break It Down: When facing a colossal task, it's easy to get overwhelmed. I combat this by breaking the challenge into smaller, manageable steps. This approach makes it easier to track progress and celebrate victories along the way. 3️⃣ Seek Support: No one can do it all alone, and I've learned the importance of seeking support during difficult times. Whether it's a mentor, a friend, or a professional network, having a support system can provide valuable advice, encouragement, and motivation. 4️⃣ Stay Flexible, Not Fixed: While having a clear vision is essential, it's equally vital to remain flexible in our approach. Life is unpredictable, and being open to adjusting our strategies can lead to unexpected breakthroughs. 5️⃣ Maintain a Positive Mindset: Positivity is a powerful force. During tough times, I try to focus on gratitude and the progress I've made so far. Shifting my mindset from dwelling on the negatives to appreciating the positives gives me the resilience to keep going. 6️⃣ Celebrate Small Wins: It's crucial to acknowledge and celebrate every achievement, no matter how small. These mini-celebrations act as fuel, propelling me forward and boosting my confidence. 7️⃣ Learn from Setbacks: Setbacks are inevitable, but they don't define us. Instead of dwelling on them, I take a step back, analyze what went wrong, and identify the valuable lessons they offer. This enables me to come back even stronger. 8️⃣ Remember Your "Why": Our underlying motivation can serve as a powerful anchor during challenging times. Revisiting our purpose and the reasons why we started this journey reignites our passion and reinforces our commitment to succeed. Remember, success is not a linear path. It's about embracing the ups and downs, persevering through challenges, and staying true to our aspirations. Let's continue supporting each other on this incredible journey of growth and achievement! 👉Which of these 8 resonates with you? ➡️How do you push through during difficult times to achieve success? #SuccessMindset #Perseverance #bestadvice #whatinspiresme #GrowthAndLearning #Challenges #Motivation #bestsweekever

This is a very tough time for myself, and my little family. However. The difficulty isn’t going to get the results I need. So here is a reminder, (for myself & for others) to find the strength when your heart is exhausted. “Turning Negatives into Positives: Regaining Professional & Personal Momentum 💼✨ We all face setbacks in our careers, but it's how we handle them that truly defines our success. Here are the reminders I’ll share, in hopes that we will transform negatives into positives and reignite our momentum: 1. **Acknowledge and Reflect:** Start by acknowledging the negative experiences or setbacks. Take time to reflect on what went wrong and what you've learned from it. This self-awareness is crucial for growth. 2. **Shift Perspective:** Challenge yourself to see the situation from a different angle. Instead of dwelling on the failure, focus on the opportunities that can arise from it. What skills did you develop? What new doors might open? 3. **Set Clear Goals:** Define your desired outcome. Set clear, achievable goals that align with your long-term vision. Breaking them down into smaller, manageable steps will make them less daunting. 4. **Learn and Adapt:** Use the setback as a learning experience. Analyze what you could have done differently and apply those lessons moving forward. Adaptability & coachability is key to professional growth. 5. **Positive Self-Talk:** Train your mind to focus on the positive aspects of your journey. Replace self-doubt with affirmations that reinforce your abilities and potential. 6. **Seek Support:** Reach out to mentors, colleagues, or friends for guidance and encouragement. They can offer fresh perspectives and valuable advice to help you navigate challenges. 7. **Skill Enhancement:** Invest in continuous learning. Acquiring new skills not only boosts your confidence but also makes you a more versatile and valuable asset in your field. 8. **Network and Connect:** Attend industry events, seminars, and workshops to expand your network. Building relationships can lead to unexpected opportunities, friendship and collaborations. 9. **Celebrate Progress:** Acknowledge and celebrate even the smallest victories along the way. Each step forward, no matter how small, contributes to your overall progress.☀️☀️☀️ 10. **Stay Persistent:** Regaining positive momentum takes time. Stay persistent and committed to your goals, even when faced with obstacles. Your determination will eventually pay off.🙏 Remember, setbacks are a natural part of any career journey. Embrace them as opportunities for growth and transformation. 🔥🚀 #CareerGrowth #PositiveMomentum"

We all encounter setbacks and disappointments in our lives, whether in our personal or professional journeys. It's our response to these moments that shapes our character and influences our path to success. I recently faced one of these setbacks. At the last moment, I got sick, and was unable to attend my company's onsite meetup in Chicago. While my situation in *no way* compares to the challenges many have faced in recent years, it was a significant disappointment for me. Despite this, I'd like to share some strategies that have aided me in overcoming these moments, and which I did my best to practice in real time this week! 1️⃣ Acceptance: Acknowledge the disappointment and allow yourself to feel the emotions that come with it. It's okay to be upset or frustrated. It's completely normal- and trying to push past it and force yourself into a positive mindset can have rebound effects. 2️⃣ Growth Mindset: See setbacks as opportunities for growth. Instead of dwelling on what went wrong, focus on what you can learn from the experience. Every setback can be a valuable lesson. 3️⃣ Resilience: Remember that setbacks are a *part* of life, not the end of it. Develop resilience by staying committed to your goals and working your back back towards a positive attitude. 4️⃣ Seek Support: Don't be afraid to reach out to friends, mentors, or colleagues for support and advice. Sometimes, a fresh perspective can provide clarity and new solutions. I have to give a huge shoutout to my GrowthLoop colleagues here- they could not have been more supportive! 5️⃣ Reevaluate Goals: Use setbacks as a chance to reassess your goals and priorities. Are you still on the right path, or is it time to pivot? Set new goals and create a plan to achieve them. 6️⃣ Perseverance: Keep moving forward, even when it feels difficult. Remember that success often comes after overcoming obstacles. Your determination can lead to great achievements. 7️⃣ Self-Care: Take care of your physical and mental well-being. Self-care is essential during challenging times. Exercise, meditation, and spending time with loved ones can help. Remember, setbacks are not the end of your journey; they are merely detours- and so much of what feels huge *now* ends up as a blip on our radar in the long run. 💪 #Resilience #GrowthMindset #SuccessMindset

It’s funny how everyone tells you to have a plan for your career, but nobody tells you how much that plan will get derailed. Nobody's path is a straight line but the twists, turns, and unexpected curveballs have been just as crucial to my growth as the planned steps. The true measure of success lies in how we respond to the unexpected. I've learned that you can't always control what happens to you, but you can control your reaction to it. Take a deep breath, ground yourself, and tackle each situation step-by-step. 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 𝗼𝘂𝘁𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗺𝘆 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗹 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗳𝗲𝗹𝘁 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝗮 𝗽𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗵 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗴𝘂𝘁: 👎 Graduating from my MBA during the worst recession I had known (2009) 👎 Joining a startup with a lot of potential just to find out we ran out of money 9 months after I joined 👎 Getting laid off twice in the span of 2 years (and being pregnant both times!) 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻 𝗺𝘆 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗹 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗽𝗲𝗱 𝗺𝗲 𝗴𝗿𝗼𝘄 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗳𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆: 👍 Taking the risk to move to London and then to Boston in search of better opportunities 👍 Building a network through family and friends when I first moved to Boston from Europe 👍 Trusting my instincts and grabbing on to opportunities when they presented themselves Looking back, some of my most significant career breakthroughs came from situations that initially seemed like setbacks. The universe has a way of placing us exactly where we need to be, even if we can't see it in the moment. Embracing the journey, both the highs and lows, has been a key factor in my personal and professional development. So, like I always say to my team: 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙩𝙧𝙤𝙡 𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙘𝙖𝙣, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝙞𝙨 𝙤𝙪𝙩𝙨𝙞𝙙𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙩𝙧𝙤𝙡. Your nonlinear journey is shaping you into the leader you are destined to become. (And in the meantime, enjoy the detour.) #CareerDevelopment #Leadership

In our professional journeys, failure and rejection are inevitable companions. But here's the empowering truth: how we respond to rejection can be a catalyst for personal growth and resilience. As I maneuver a slowdown in my business, I am learning to navigate the emotions mindfully, with resilience and a growth mindset. I remind myself that, "this too shall pass," that setbacks are not permanent labels but temporary moments in our journey and just like seasons come and go, business realities change too. Here are some self-compassion practices that have been helpful for me: 1. Pausing to breathe: Taking time to pause, step back and take a deep a breath is helping me bring spaciousness between experiencing the emotion and choosing (how) to respond. 2. Treating myself with kindness: I am making every effort to treat myself with the same kindness and understanding I would extend to a friend in a similar predicament. Not only am I acknowledging all emotions without judgment, I am also reminding to feel and process these emotions, knowing that it's okay to experience disappointment. 3. Reframing failure as feedback: Acknowledging that this is not an end; it's a chance to gather valuable feedback. Instead of viewing it negatively, I am viewing it as an opportunity to learn, objectively analyzing what I could have done differently, and how I can improve moving forward. 4. Seeking support: I had to remind myself that I am not alone in facing these challenges. I have leaned on friends and mentors for support and reached out to my network to keep me in mind for collaboration opportunities. 5. Trusting the process: I have to admit that I am not fully there yet but I am reminding myself to trust the path I am on and that any and all experiences align with my journey. Embracing the wisdom of “this too shall pass” and acknowledging the impermanence of emotions is helping me ride the waves without getting carried away. I am curious how you embrace failure and rejection? Share your insights and experiences in the comments below! #embracingfailure #resilience #growthmindset #selfcompassion #thinkaloud

In the face of adversity, what strategies do you employ to savor the journey? What approaches help you sustain a positive, enduring outlook during challenging periods? My disposition leans towards stoicism. Thus, I frequently find solace in a profound yet straightforward aphorism—echoing the words of Tom Hanks in "A League of Their Own," "If it was easy, everybody would do it." This mindset propels me to embrace the hurdles with open arms, despite their daunting nature at times. The process of enduring and overcoming obstacles has always held a peculiar, albeit odd charm for me. I relish the process of channeling my energies, alongside those of my team, towards the Herculean task of advancing the proverbial boulder uphill. I crave the difficulty; I yearn for a steep threshold to entry. This not only augments the worth and satisfaction derived from our endeavors when they come to fruition but also underscores the exclusivity of our success. If I can carve a path to entrepreneurial success, so can you. Remember, the true delight lies in the odyssey, not merely in reaching the pinnacle. As the Stoic philosopher Seneca wrote, “A gem cannot be polished without friction, nor an individual perfected without trials.” Keep these simple things in mind when the journey gets tough: 1. Resilience Matters: Embrace setbacks as opportunities to learn and grow. Resilience is crucial for navigating the entrepreneurial journey. 2. Adaptability is Essential: Be flexible and open to pivoting your business strategy when necessary. Adapt to changing markets and seize new opportunities. 3. Long-Term Vision: Keep your long-term goals in mind. Tough times are temporary, and a focus on the bigger picture helps maintain perspective. 4. Seek Support: Connect with mentors and fellow entrepreneurs for advice and support. You're not alone in facing challenges. 5. Learn from Failure: View failure as a stepping stone to success. Analyze failures, learn from them, and use the insights to refine your approach. 6. Financial Prudence: Prioritize spending, focus on essentials, and manage finances wisely. A healthy financial runway provides flexibility during tough times. 7. Positive Mindset: Cultivate a positive and growth-oriented mindset. See challenges as opportunities for innovation and improvement. 8. Celebrate Small Wins: Acknowledge and celebrate small victories. Recognizing progress boosts morale and maintains motivation. 9. Time Management: Prioritize high-impact activities and manage time efficiently, especially when resources are limited. 10. Remember Your "Why": Reconnect with your passion and purpose. Your "why" is a powerful motivator that helps you persevere through challenges. #entrepreneurship #startup #stoic #stoicism #mindset

The average person seeks the easy route, craving the dopamine hit of progress without truly earning it. But here's the truth: an easy life is boring AF. I believe that difficulty is What Wakes Up the Genius Within Each one of us. Think about the last time you faced a real challenge. Did you feel alive, engaged, and more focused than ever? That’s the power of doing hard things. When you push beyond your comfort zone, you awaken a part of yourself that’s often dormant—the genius within. We live in a society addicted to quick wins. Social media likes, comments, instant messaging, and even our work environments often reward minimal effort with maximum praise. But true satisfaction comes from conquering challenges. The thrill of overcoming obstacles is unmatched, offering a deep sense of accomplishment and growth. I also believe that an Easy Life is Boring AF😴 Imagine a life where everything comes easy. No struggles, no failures, no growth. It sounds appealing at first, but in reality, it’s monotonous. The most fulfilling moments come from tackling difficult tasks and emerging victorious. It’s in these moments that we truly grow and evolve. Embracing difficulty fosters resilience, innovation, and personal growth. It’s the crucible in which our true potential is forged. Tips & Tricks: 1. Set Stretch Goals: Aim for targets that push your limits. 2. Embrace Failure: View setbacks as learning opportunities. 3. Seek Feedback: Constructive criticism helps you improve. 4. Stay Persistent: Consistency is key to mastering difficult tasks. 5. Celebrate Small Wins: Acknowledge progress along the way. Ready to awaken your genius? Embrace the challenge. Do something hard today and watch yourself grow! 💪 -------------------------------------------------------------- Meeting me for the first time? I’m Rudy Malle, a clinical researcher dedicated to improving public health outcomes, and a career advisor helping hardworking career professionals take their careers to the next level to enhance visibility for individuals and companies. #CareerDevelopment #PersonalGrowth #Resilience #ChallengeYourself #Motivation #Success #LinkedInCommunity #20daylinkedinchallengewithhaoma

🌟 Embracing Setbacks: The Unexpected Path to Success 🌟 We all face setbacks in our professional lives, yet we often shy away from discussing them. However, setbacks can be transformative and open up new avenues we never considered. A year ago, I experienced a major professional setback, which led me to rethink my career trajectory. This period of reflection opened up exciting new projects and pushed me out of my comfort zone. Here's what I learned: 1. **Growth Mindset**: Setbacks are not failures, but opportunities to grow. Embrace the learning curve. 2. **Resilience**: Bouncing back from a setback builds a resilience that is invaluable in both personal and professional life. 3. **New Perspectives**: Sometimes, it takes a jolt to see things from a new angle. Setbacks can offer fresh insights into your career and life goals. 4. **Unseen Opportunities**: Often, the best opportunities are hidden behind the facade of failure. Stay open and watch them unfold. To anyone experiencing a setback, remember: this could be the biggest opportunity you've ever had. It's not about the setback itself, but how you respond to it. Share your stories of how a setback became a stepping stone in your career. #CareerGrowth #Resilience #OpportunityInDisguise #ProfessionalDevelopment