The economy is in shambles and people are hunkering down, hoping to ride out the storm. We are all undergoing an attitude adjustment, hoping it is just short-term. If only we could begin again, with an entirely new found attitude, one that is not based on ‘just until’, but one committed to transformation from this moment forward. If only we could blast the myths that keep us frustrated and unhappy, scared and feeling like we are holding our breath waiting for the next shoe’s fall.

We can! Now is the ideal time to make a fresh new start to reinvigorate your career, help you find balance between your personal and professional experiences, and introduce an exciting new chapter in your work life. Whether you’ve been at your job for a few weeks or a few decades, it’s very likely you have some workplace misconceptions that are eroding self-confidence, limiting your innovation, and damaging relationships. These beliefs will determine your personal success and that of your organization. They could even be the difference between surviving and thriving in today’s marketplace. Believing such stress-inducing myths could put your company out of business — and you out of a job.

Let’s look at and dispel widely-accepted inaccuracies that are probably keeping YOU from enjoying the career satisfaction and topflight salary you deserve:
Myth #1
“You can’t teach an old dog new tricks”

Truth: Programming is not permanent! Now is the ideal time in your life to seek education and training, cultivate hidden talents, practice new found skills and advance beyond your workplace doldrums.
Myth #2

“You’re better off concentrating only on the positive.”

Truth: Ignoring and resisting negative or fearful thoughts and behaviors won’t make them go away; it actually makes them stronger. Instead use negative emotions to accelerate your transformation.

Myth #3
“Work isn’t supposed to be fun.”

Truth: If you believe that, you’re bound to be resistant, defensive, disengaged and disillusioned. ANY job can offer fulfillment and enjoyment. You’re rewarded not only with salary and benefits, you contribute to the economy and help other people, as you sharpen your lifelong skills.
Myth #4
“There aren’t enough resources to do my job.”

Truth: That thinking breeds turf wars and mistrust in the workplace. Look for creative strategies to find the right people, funding, supplies, information and talents.
Myth #5
“Sometimes it’s best to shut up.”

Truth: A company is in trouble when it’s populated by yes-people who won’t take risks, share ideas or voice opinions. Speaking up can make your career.
Myth #6
“Getting ahead means getting noticed.”

Truth: Your work will naturally shine if you contribute to the overall team.
Myth #7

“You can train unengaged individuals to work together.”

Truth: Training (and in effect, forcing) individuals to cooperate as teams doesn’t work.

You make much more progress by first removing the layers of fear that make us believe we are separate. True and effective teaming becomes the natural result! There are other misleading beliefs and doubts leading to workplace mediocrity, back-stabbing, dissension and even corruption. It’s your choice to break free and be open to the possibility of a grander design. As we escape the boxes we have put ourselves and our organizations into, an amazing freedom to create is available. Performance becomes fun, exciting and drives itself. It is remarkable to watch as each organization steps into its authenticity. Workplace evolution is the key to innovative workplaces that attract the best talent!

Gayle Gregory is a co-author of “The Grand Experiment, an Expedition of Self-Discovery” and author of soon to be released “Workplace Evolution: Uncommon Sense for Uncertain Times”.  She is a former senior manager with two Fortune 500 companies, United Parcel Service and Household Financial, and the founder of Pure Possibility, a coaching and mentoring program that works with individuals and within the Oregon State Corrections system. Most recently she co-founded Workplace Evolution (WE), a resource bank of leading edge consultants whose mission is to catalyze organizational potential and nurture innovative workplaces. WE provides integrated solutions that benefit the organization, its individuals, and society as a whole.