Much of what gets in the way of success is… ourselves. Here are five emotional traps we should strive to avoid:
Five emotional traps to avoid
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The desire to be comfortable — as Paulo Coelho said, “only the mediocre are ever truly comfortable.” If your primary goal is comfort, expect to be passed by someone who is willing to be uncomfortable. There is no growth without discomfort, so get used to it. Where do you fear discomfort, and are you willing to move past it?
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Not realizing that the only power you ever have is right here, right now — it is easy to project into a painful past or fearful future. That creates emotional noise that gets in the way of what matters: doing the most important thing now. Plans are useful, but ask, “What is the most important thing I should be doing right now?” and then do it without delay.
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Waiting for somebody else to go first — it is tempting to blame the environment or other people. It isn’t their job to notice your value or play hero for you. Go first in spite of others, and focus on the opportunity you can create rather than what seems unfair.
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Not getting over setbacks quickly — deeply successful people can weather most storms because they build a strong emotional foundation. They don’t dwell on the past but do learn from it, dust themselves off, and move on. If you made a mistake or lost a sale, learn the lesson and get back to work.
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An entitlement mentality — expecting others to owe you something because of who you are creates friction. Most managers are not there to cater to personal needs; they want you to perform because that helps the team. Remember: success is your responsibility, not anyone else’s.
Don Phin, Esq. is VP of Strategic Business Solutions at ThinkHR, which helps companies resolve urgent workforce issues, mitigate risk and ensure HR compliance. Phin has more than three decades of experience as an HR expert, published author and speaker, and spent 17 years in employment practices litigation. For more information, contact ThinkHR.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I stop waiting for others to act?
Start by identifying one small, concrete step you can take today and commit to it; momentum builds from action and often encourages others to follow.
Why is discomfort important for success?
Discomfort signals growth—pushing beyond familiar routines forces learning and adaptation, which are essential for long-term progress.
What’s the fastest way to recover from a mistake?
Accept the outcome, extract one clear lesson, decide the next corrective action, and move on to executing that action promptly.
How do I avoid an entitlement mindset at work?
Focus on delivering measurable value, seek feedback, and take ownership of your development rather than expecting special treatment.