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It’s tempting to chase compliments, especially when we’ve worked hard, but they rarely help us grow. By learning to ask for, receive, and act on honest feedback—even when it stings—we can uncover our blind spots and make strategic adjustments that move our careers forward. Choosing growth over comfort is how we go from being seen as competent to being recognized as impactful and indispensable.

It’s far too easy for us to repeat negative patterns when we’ve been conditioned to expect disappointment and invisibility in our workplaces. Our brains go into survival mode, scanning for what’s going wrong, which gradually limits what we believe is possible for ourselves. When we begin to gently challenge these internal narratives, even in small ways, we reclaim agency and allow ourselves to build something different.

The words we use shape how we see ourselves and what we believe is possible. By shifting from limiting phrases like ‘should’, ‘but’, or ‘can’t’ to empowering alternatives like ‘could’, ‘and’, and ‘even though’, we start to reclaim agency and reconnect with our intuition. Changing how we speak to ourselves helps us move forward with clarity, compassion, and confidence.

From the outside, it may seem like we have it all together, but inside, many of us are carrying a silent weight of anxiety and self-imposed pressure. By recognizing when our busyness is a mask and learning to sit with discomfort, we begin to reclaim control of our minds, bodies, and careers. It’s not about doing more—it’s about showing up with presence, curiosity, and trust.