From an early age, many women are conditioned to fit societal expectations — being polite, accommodating, and avoiding conflict. While these qualities may be praised in childhood, they can lead to self-limiting behaviors that hold women back in the workplace.
Success in the workplace isn’t just about external opportunities — it’s also about mindset. Often, the biggest barriers to growth come from within. Many talented and capable women unknowingly hold themselves back through “Good Girl” habits.
Recognizing these tendencies is the first step toward shifting them.
10 Tips to Stop Holding Yourself Back
Here are ten key behaviors to reflect on and reshape for greater professional growth:
1. Do You Take More Responsibility Than Necessary? Being a team player is important, but do you frequently find yourself taking on extra tasks because you believe no one else will? Overcommitting can lead to burnout and prevent you from focusing on higher-value responsibilities.
2. Do You Wait to Be Noticed? Opportunities rarely come without effort. If you don’t ask for what you want—a raise, a promotion, or a new challenge—you might be waiting indefinitely. Advocating for yourself is key.
3. Do You Hold Back Your Thoughts? Have you ever remained silent in a meeting only to hear someone else voice the same idea and receive recognition? Your perspective is valuable—don’t hesitate to share it.
4. Do You Seek Constant Approval? Collaboration is great, but do you find yourself polling multiple people before making a decision? If so, consider whether this habit stems from a lack of confidence rather than a strategic choice.
5. Are You a People Pleaser? The desire to be liked is natural, but prioritizing approval over respect can be detrimental. Leadership often requires making difficult choices that won’t always be popular.
6. Do You Struggle to Talk About Money? Discussing salary and financial worth can be uncomfortable, but undervaluing yourself can have long-term consequences. Compensation reflects not just personal earnings but also professional worth and market value.
7. Do You Have Trouble Setting Boundaries? Do you feel like your time is not your own? Do others frequently interrupt or take advantage of your willingness to help? Learning to say no is an essential skill for long-term success.
8. Do You Chase Perfection? Perfectionism can be paralyzing. Knowing when ‘good enough’ is truly good enough allows for efficiency and progress. Those who succeed often prioritize completion over perfection.
9. Do You Apologize Excessively? Over-apologizing can diminish credibility. Instead of defaulting to an apology, consider rephrasing your statements to express confidence and clarity.
10. Do You Feel Pressured to Imitate Others? Some women feel the need to adopt traits that don’t align with their authentic selves to fit in or be taken seriously. True success comes from leveraging personal strengths rather than mimicking others.
Moving Forward
Breaking free from limiting habits isn’t easy, but it’s essential for growth. Awareness is the first step, followed by small, intentional changes. Professional success isn’t just about skill and experience—it’s also about mindset. By shifting the way we think and act, women can create new opportunities, strengthen leadership potential, and build careers that align with their true capabilities.
It’s time to stop waiting, stop hesitating, and start leading with confidence.
