How to win when you're not winning

We all have bad days at work. But when those bad days turn in to months and years, you know it’s time to take a step back and accept that something’s not right.

Don’t lose all faith in yourself just yet though, no matter how old you are, or how far into a career path you are, there’s always chance to stop and turn around. If you’re really not winning right now, then listen up. These top tips will help you go from zero to hero and turn your career around.

Ask the big questions

We all have off days, and if you’ve had a bad streak of luck sometimes it can feel like the world is against you. If that is the case, then maybe you are just having a moment and need to turn your bad day at work into a winner.

But, if you really are hating every moment of what you do, finding yourself clock watching constantly, and getting anxious about going to work then you need to ask yourself ‘why?’.

Asking these big (and often scary!) questions will help you figure out how to move forward:

• Are you on a career path you hate?
• Are you not utilising your skills?
• Do you feel like you’re not achieving your full potential? 

Maybe you need to change careers, maybe you need to upskill or perhaps you just need to take a time out and book a holiday to clear your head. Whatever answers these questions provoke, finding out why you’re not winning is crucial to your fresh start.

Don’t be afraid to start over

Don’t fear change. If you’re hating your situation, then you should take control of it and make positive changes. No matter how high up you are within your company or how prestigious your current role is, if you hate what you’re doing then you’re not winning. 

Get to grips with the fact that something’s got to give and accept that you might need to make some big, positive changes if you want to be a winner. If you’ve asked yourself the questions in point one and think you need to do something drastic to change your situation, then don’t be afraid to talk to a career consultant who can give you advice on how to smash your goals.Is it the right time for you to move on? If you’re nodding uncontrollably in answer to that, then don’t be afraid to pursue something you really care about.

Stop the negative chatter

You’re not going to win if you don’t talk kindly to yourself. Be confident in your ability, and if you’re not fully confident then look into upskilling with an online course or on the job training. Remember that it’s brave to even consider making big life changes, and by actively trying to better yourself you’re already killing it.

Be nice to yourself and believe in what you’re doing. Cut the negative chit chat, whether it’s coming from you or other people and be sure to surround yourself with people who also believe in you. It’s time to win.

Find your passion

We all know that when you work on something you love, you work harder and see better results. Finding your passion isn’t easy but if you spend some time researching your options you’ll find it.

If you don’t, that’s okay too. Most people don’t spend 8 hours a day pursuing their passion in their work life, but if you can find something you enjoy and that aligns with your personality and interests then you’re onto a winner. Consider taking an online test such as the Myers Briggs which will help you find out more about what kind of person you are and what career you might be suited to.

Celebrate the small victories

You might not be winning right now but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t celebrate when you make positive steps. Even something like researching courses or chatting with a career consultant should be considered a victory on your path to living your best life.

A great way to track these small victories is by writing a list of goals each day. They can be the tiniest of things, but the crucial thing is that by doing them you move closer to your overall goal. Congratulating yourself on the small wins will keep you motivated and remind you that you are making amazing changes even if you can’t see the results immediately. Get ready to clap for your damn self.

Excited to start winning?

If you’ve decided that it’s time to make a change, let us help you get there. With courses across an array of industries, we’re well placed to discuss your aspirations and get you on the right track. Get in touch to learn more.