When someone constantly seeks approval, you can tell they’re insecure. When they shy away from taking credit, you know they’re doubting themselves.
That’s the bare minimum of decoding human behavior at work.
But let’s face it, we’re all a little complex and sometimes, we don’t even recognize our own missteps.
Especially when it comes to the workplace, where insecurities can silently creep into our actions and decisions without us even realizing it.
Now, some folks are more prone to these slip-ups than others.
And typically, those are people grappling with insecurities. They unknowingly make these 8 common mistakes at work, and it’s about time we shed light on them.
So sit tight, because we’re about to dive deep into this uncharted territory of workplace dynamics.
1) Seeking constant approval
We all have those moments when we crave a pat on the back.
It’s a universal human experience, and there’s nothing wrong with it.
In fact, it’s completely normal to want some validation for our efforts. It makes us feel seen, acknowledged, and valued.
But the problem begins when this craving turns into a constant need for approval, especially at work.
It’s like an insatiable hunger that never seems to be satisfied, no matter how much reassurance you get.
And if you’re insecure, this need becomes even more pronounced. You constantly seek validation for every little thing you do, doubting your every move and decision.
You’re always wondering: “Am I doing this right?” “Is this good enough?” “What if they don’t like it?”
But here’s the thing: Constantly seeking approval is not only exhausting for you but also for those around you.
It can create an unhealthy dynamic at work where your worth is tied to the opinions of others, rather than your own self-belief.
Remember: You don’t always need someone else’s seal of approval to know that you’re doing a good job. Trust yourself. You’re more capable than you think.
2) Avoiding the spotlight
I’ll never forget my first big presentation. I was fresh out of college, my heart pounding in my chest as I stood in front of the entire team.
I had spent weeks preparing for this moment, researching, rehearsing, and refining every last detail.
And then, when the applause came, I shrugged it off.
I didn’t want to be the center of attention. I didn’t want to take credit for something that I felt was simply part of my job.
I told myself that anyone could have done it.
Looking back, I realize how my insecurities were dictating my actions. I was avoiding the spotlight because I was afraid of being judged.
Afraid that if people saw me in the limelight, they would see my flaws and imperfections too.
But here’s what I’ve learned since then: There’s a big difference between arrogance and acknowledging your accomplishments.
It’s okay to accept praise and take credit for your hard work. Don’t let your insecurities rob you of the recognition you deserve.
You’re allowed to shine brightly at work. Don’t let your fear of judgement dim your light.
3) Overcompensating through overworking
In the world of psychology, there’s a phenomenon known as the imposter syndrome.
It’s a psychological pattern where people doubt their accomplishments and have a persistent internalized fear of being exposed as a “fraud”.
This fear often drives people to overcompensate by working harder, longer, and taking on more responsibilities than necessary.
They believe that by doing so, they can prove their worth and avoid any potential criticism.
But here’s the catch: This approach can lead to burnout, stress, and decreased productivity over time.
It’s like running on a treadmill that never stops – you’re constantly moving but not really getting anywhere.
If you find yourself falling into this trap, it might be time to reassess.
It’s not about how much you work, but how well you work. Quality always trumps quantity. Don’t let your insecurities trick you into thinking otherwise.
4) Avoiding risks and playing it safe
It’s only natural to want to avoid failures and setbacks. After all, nobody likes to stumble and fall, especially in a professional setting.
But when you’re insecure, this fear of failure can become overwhelming.
It can make you play it safe all the time, sticking to what you know and avoiding any risks that could potentially lead to failure.
But here’s the thing: Growth happens outside your comfort zone. Sometimes, you need to take risks and step into the unknown.
Yes, you might fail, but you could also succeed beyond your wildest dreams.
Don’t let your insecurities hold you back. Embrace the possibility of failure as a step towards success. The biggest risk is not taking any risk at all.
5) Struggling with decision-making
I’ve been there, standing in the midst of a dilemma, weighing the pros and cons, agonizing over the potential outcomes. The fear of making a wrong decision can be paralyzing.
I mean, what if I mess up? What will people think of me?
Insecurity has a knack for amplifying these fears, making decision-making a daunting task.
You might find yourself second-guessing your choices, or worse, avoiding decision-making altogether.
But here’s what I’ve learned: Decisions are a part of life. And while making the right choice is important, it’s equally important to learn from the wrong ones.
It’s okay to make mistakes. Don’t let your insecurities stifle your ability to make decisions.
Trust your judgment, stand by your choices and most importantly, be kind to yourself when things don’t go as planned.
6) Over-apologizing
Saying sorry when you’ve made a mistake is a sign of maturity and responsibility.
It shows that you’re willing to own up to your actions and make amends.
But there’s a fine line between being apologetic and over-apologizing.
If you find yourself saying sorry for things that are not your fault or beyond your control, it might be a sign of underlying insecurity.
What’s interesting is that while you might think over-apologizing makes you seem polite or considerate, it can actually have the opposite effect.
It can undermine your credibility and make others perceive you as less confident.
Next time you catch yourself about to say sorry out of habit, pause for a moment.
Ask yourself: “Did I really do something wrong?” If not, hold back that apology. You have nothing to be sorry for.
7) Neglecting self-care
In the hustle and bustle of work, it’s easy to neglect self-care. After all, when there are deadlines to meet and targets to hit, who has the time to unwind and relax?
However, if you’re insecure, you might find yourself neglecting self-care more often than not.
You might think that you need to constantly be on your toes, working hard to prove your worth.
But here’s the reality: Ignoring self-care can lead to burnout and decreased productivity over time.
It can also negatively affect your mental health.
Taking care of yourself is not a luxury; it’s a necessity. Make time for relaxation and activities that bring you joy.
Don’t let your insecurities make you forget about the importance of looking after your well-being.
8) Comparing yourself to others
In today’s hyper-connected world, it’s all too easy to fall into the comparison trap.
You see your colleagues excelling, and suddenly, your accomplishments seem insignificant.
But here’s the golden rule: Your journey is your own.
Comparing yourself to others will only fuel your insecurities and prevent you from recognizing your unique strengths.
The only person you should be competing against is the person you were yesterday.
Embracing your insecurities
One of the most profound quotes from Carl Jung, a prominent psychiatrist, states, “I am not what happened to me, I am what I choose to become.”
This quote truly encapsulates the essence of dealing with insecurities.
Insecurities are not a reflection of your worth or capabilities.
They are simply fears and doubts that have taken root in your mind. And like all fears, they can be overcome.
It’s okay to feel insecure sometimes. It’s a part of being human.
The key is to not let these insecurities dictate your actions and decisions at work, or in any other area of life for that matter.
As you move forward, remember to be kind to yourself.
Embrace your strengths, work on your weaknesses, and most importantly, believe in yourself.
Because at the end of the day, you’re more than your insecurities.
You’re a unique individual with talents and abilities that are uniquely yours. And that’s something to be proud of.
Go ahead, embrace your insecurities. Let them be the stepping stones on your journey towards growth and self-discovery.
After all, as Jung said, you are what you choose to become.
