How to Break Through the Glass Ceiling

We all have those barriers, those invisible walls that keep us from reaching our goals. Whether it’s working harder for that promotion at your job, changing your eating habits for the better, or dedicating time each day to exercise (or do whatever else makes you feel good about yourself). It’s strange…is it a female thing? As women are we programmed to put other people’s needs before our own? Or maybe to concede to others so we don’t seem like a bitch in the workplace or home? We worry about upsetting others, we worry about what people think, and we worry about whether we’re doing “it” right.

I say take all that worry, conceding, and self-limiting shit and shove it into whatever creative place you can think of! If you need help coming up with places to shove it, let me know and I’ll gladly make some suggestions.

So, I’m not saying it’s easy, I’m not saying you should buck the system and start offending people, I’m just saying that YOU deserve to reach your goals. YOU deserve to take care of yourself and do things that make YOU feel good! YOU deserve it. Did YOU hear that??? YOU DO!!!

I work in a male-dominated field; I’m an engineer by trade…and I’ve had to hold my ground and prove my “worth” more times than I can count. I’ve been called a bitch, abrasive, intimidating, and too assertive. I take all of those descriptors as compliments. I work hard, I push myself, and I never take what I’ve earned for granted. It’s been something I’ve chosen to do, starting out with necessity. I knew I needed to work in a field that challenged me and kept me interested, and trust me, I learn new things every day!!!

How does one overcome those stereotypical traits of woman, nurturer, caregiver, to become assertive, empowered, and maybe a little bit bitchy? Well, for me it started with owning my knowledge and skills. I never pretend to know more than I actually do. I will always explain my skill set and do not hesitate to admit to not knowing something. One of my most powerful skills is my ability to tap my resources. If I don’t know something, I’ll go dig and research until I figure it out. Another thing that has served me well in thinking outside of the box in my career is “doing” instead of talking about doing. What’s more apt to shut up those who doubt your abilities than for you to quietly go and DO it!?!? I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen that “look” on a customer’s face and I know they’re wondering if I’m the right man for the job…the best way to prove to them that I am is to go and DO the job!

I guess where I’m going with this is to say that we can all reach our goals and beyond if we don’t let our own preconceived notions and stereotypes get in our way. Often times, we are our own biggest hurdle in life. We seem to have a magical way of getting in our own way and talking ourselves into settling with less. Don’t do it!!! Use the doubt and the criticism as motivation! Use all that worry to push yourself through the glass ceiling and on to the higher places. Yeah, it can be difficult and challenging, but doesn’t that make it worth it?

Sooo, what are you going to do to attain your goals? Is what you’re doing now working??? If not, let’s make a change! Go for it!!! YOU deserve it!!!