We are all human, and as a result we all make a wrong choice now and then. However, consider this: even a poor decision is better than a decision not taken.

Why do even driven, high-performing individuals sometimes avoid taking crucial decisions? It can happen for a number of reasons, but often one psychological phenomenon is the driving force behind this type of behaviour: the fear of regret.

Last week, I wrote about a common problem: the person who thinks they have succeded for one reason, when in reality it was for an entirely different one. This week, I address a similar phenomenon: the person who succeeds early in their career and who fails to adjust their working style even as they occupy successively senior positions.

We often think we have succeeded for one reason, when in fact our success is due to entirely different reasons. And therein lies the danger: success can be short-lived if we do not understand the reasons behind our success. These reasons can change over time, especially as we evolve in our careers.

Sometimes, when one hits a career plateau, it is a warning sign. In this article, I warn you about a less frequent cause of career stagnation that is unfortunately becoming increasingly common: burn-out.

In the latest in a series of articles on career stagnation, this week I focus on the key ingredient for career advancement: motivation. Without it, it can be a challenge to stay in your current role, and nearly impossible to progress.

Although nearly everyone experiences some type of stagnation in their career at some point, it can feel particularly challenging for professionals who have experienced a rapid progression at the outset of their career.

Fear of judgment is both a cause and symptom of a lack of self-confidence. In this article, which is part of a series on self-confidence, I explore the roots and impact of this fear before showing an effective way to start letting go of it.

As paradoxical as it might sound — particularly given the prevalence of myths of the “self-made” professional — there are several reasons why a request for help is actually a sign of strength.

Stanford psychologist Carol Dweck’s work on mindset provides important insights on how our understanding of the nature of talent and skill impacts our level of self-confidence.

The problem of self-doubt is complex, and the root cause is different for everyone; for that reason, I shall come back to this theme in the future. But first, I take stock of the cost of all of this self-doubt.

The story of Kati Karikó, the primary scientist behind the mRNA vaccines that are helping to turn the tide on the Covid pandemic, demonstrates that it is possible to have a fulfilling career and a good quality of life: in fact, both are made up of the same ingredients.