5 Mistakes Holding You Back Right Now
Ever feel like you’re doing everything right in your career, but you’re still not getting ahead? You’re not alone.
The truth is, many professionals are unknowingly stuck in the slow lane. They’re following outdated career advice, repeating the same mistakes, and wondering why they’re not making any real progress.
In this article, we’ll uncover 5 slow lane mistakes you may be making right now — and more importantly, how to escape them.
The 5 biggest mistakes that keep you in the slow lane:
Treating time as your only currency.
Relying on a single income stream.
Avoid calculated risks.
Remain invisible in your role.
Waiting for opportunities rather than creating them.
Let’s dive into each mistake and discover how to fix it.
1. Treating time as your only currency
The mistake
You believe that working harder and longer is the key to success. More effort equals more reward, right?
But also
Time is limited. No matter how hard you work, there are only so many hours in a day. Trading time for money limits your income — and drains your energy.
The solution
Create scalable value: Focus on work that multiplies your efforts, such as automating tasks, streamlining processes, or developing reusable resources.
Invest in High-Leverage Skills: Learn skills that enable you to deliver big results in less time, such as data analysis, project management or marketing automation.
Ask Yourself
What tasks or projects in my role could continue to deliver value without my direct involvement?
2. Relying on a single revenue stream
The mistake
Your salary is your only source of income and you haven’t explored other ways of earning.
But also
If that paycheck disappears — whether due to layoffs, economic changes or unforeseen events — so does your financial security.
The solution
Start a side hustle: Freelance your expertise, create a digital product, or offer consulting services in your field.
Invest Wisely: Use some of your income to build passive streams, such as dividend-paying stocks, rental properties or online businesses.
Ask Yourself
What skills or passions can I monetise outside of my current role?
3. Avoid calculated risks
The mistake
You stick with what feels safe, avoiding risks like taking on challenging projects or pursuing new opportunities.
But also
Growth requires stepping out of your comfort zone. By playing it safe, you are missing out on the experiences that could take your career forward.
The fix
Volunteer for stretch assignments: Take on projects that challenge your skills and push your boundaries.
Make Bold Career Moves: Apply for roles that seem a little out of reach, change industries or negotiate for more responsibility.
Ask yourself
What’s a career risk I’ve been avoiding — and what’s the worst that could happen if I take it?
4. Remain invisible in your role
The mistake
You assume that good work speaks for itself, so you don’t actively promote your contributions.
But also
If no one knows the value you bring, it’s easy to be overlooked for promotions, raises or key projects.
The Fix
Track and share your successes: Keep track of your accomplishments and share them in performance reviews or team meetings.
Build Relationships: Connect with the decision makers in your organisation. Strong relationships often lead to new opportunities.
Ask yourself
Who in my organisation needs to know the value I bring — and how can I communicate it effectively?
5. Wait for opportunities instead of creating them
The mistake
You’re waiting for someone to see your potential and offer you the next big opportunity.
But also
Opportunities rarely fall into your lap. The most successful professionals don’t wait — they take action and create their own path.
The Fix
Pitch ideas: Identify gaps or problems in your organisation and propose solutions.
Upskill Proactively: Don’t wait for your employer to offer training — invest in yourself by acquiring new skills or certifications.
Ask yourself
What opportunity could I create for myself in my current role?
Get out of the slow lane
If you’ve been working harder but not getting ahead, chances are you’re making one (or more) of these slow lane mistakes. The good news? You can change direction today.
Stop trading time for money. Diversify your income. Take risks. Make your contributions visible. And above all, create opportunities instead of waiting for them.
Which of these mistakes are you making right now? Start by fixing just one — and see how fast your career starts to move.
