Congratulations, you're professionally jealous!
Here's how to turn it to your advantage.
One question I often ask that surprises clients is:
Who are you jealous of?
Left unchecked, professional jealousy is poisonous.
It can trigger deep feelings of shame and unworthiness - harking back to when teachers and parents picked and praised others over us.
Because of the shame, professional jealousy often manifests as something else (such as anger or aloofness).
Here are a few hints YOU might be jealous.
Already thinking of someone who needs to read this, hit the button below to share with a friend.
If you recognise any of the above, congratulations! You are human.
It’s not the jealousy that causes the damage, it’s what we do or don’t do with it.
Jealousy has a double shame attached. We’re ashamed of not being where we want to be and even more ashamed of feeling jealous about it.
Many of us were told from a young age jealousy is a nasty emotion and must be stamped out.
But if we ignore it. Where does it go? It’s a short road from jealousy to bitterness.
I myself am professionally jealous RIGHT NOW.
There’s a woman in my orbit who is smashing every single goal I have bang on the nose. She’s also infuriatingly nice!
The feeling is uncomfortable. I don’t like it. It’s embarrassing to admit it. AND it’s like hot sand on a bare bottom. You don’t want to sit on it for long!
Professional jealousy can be exciting. It forces you to define goals you might never have considered. It gives you something to work towards.
Here are my top tips for turning professional jealousy into rocket fuel:
These feelings cause most havoc when we’re rushing around like a tornado - not giving ourselves enough space to properly examine them. Regular readers know my best advice often starts with having a nap or taking a break. If you’re saying to yourself you can’t possibly take a break - you have too much on, it’s a sign you need one the most. Your best thinking is done in a spacious mind. Make a date with yourself and break the cycle.
This is a thrilling sign you’re hungry for something more. Use it as an opportunity to explore what something that is. Start with this free tool I’ve created for you. Assess which areas of your life you’re happy with and which bits need work. Visualise success. Focus on the feeling of it. Don't chase after things. And tell yourself WELL DONE every single day.
There’s nothing like it for giving you a fresh perspective, taking you out of your head, reminding you it’s safe to fail.
Speaking of learning something new, why not join us at a storytelling workshop live in London.
STORYTELLING FOR LEADERS is for anyone who wants to become more visible by telling captivating stories in your presentations, keynotes and general conversation.
Actress, writer and host of the brilliant Women Are Mad podcast Salima Saxton and I will show you how to craft a compelling story and deliver it with confidence and style.
Tuesday 25 June 10AM - 4PM in Soho.
