How to Defeat the 5 Major Career Killers

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By Althea DeBrule
eHow Community Member

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(18 Ratings)

There are many factors that influence how you feel about work and career; but there are five major predators that will keep you squandering your time and efforts in a career that doesn't match your talents or desires. Procrastination, perfectionism, burnout, disappointment and failure can be fatal to the career-minded professional who desires the perfect balance of work, family and play. Use the steps in this article to seize the day and overpower these career enemies.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Stress evaluation exercise or profile
Journal and pen
Time for introspection

Step 1

Procrastination

Procrastination - When we procrastinate at work, we tend to consistently engage in busy work to avoid the difficult and critical tasks that absolutely must be done. To overcome this career foe, make a list of the times you've postponed a task or two recently. Include things you've put on the back burner. Convert these into action items and tackle them one by one.
Step 2

Perfectionism

Perfectionism - While excellent performance is desired, unchecked perfectionism slows down production as you become indecisive or too focused on the trivial instead of the critical. To rout this career predator, stop over-analyzing your career decisions, and purposely do at least one thing imperfect each day.
Step 3

Burnout

Burnout - When we become mentally or physically exhausted as a result of extreme and prolonged stress, burnout occurs. To crush this career opponent, stop and take stock of your work and personal life; slow down a bit and reduce your commitments; and seek professional assistance or become accountable to someone who is willing to help you recover from it.
Step 4

Disappointment

Disappointment is what we feel when there are setbacks. To eliminate this threat to your career, don’t take it personally; cut others some slack and give yourself a break.
Step 5

Failure

Failure - Mistakes, omissions, ineffectiveness, non-performance, or just falling short of expectations, hopes and dreams are the symptoms of this potentially crippling career malady. To survive and thrive, learn from your failures, and laugh often even if it hurts at first.

Comments

sneedc said

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on 12/18/2008 I think I've fallen into the "burnout" stage of the game, this is a well-thought out article with many great tips! thank you for sharing!