Unlock Your Full Potential: The 8 Surprising Habits Holding Women Back from Career Success

I still remember the day I realized I was getting in my own way at work.

I was juggling multiple projects, feeling stressed and underappreciated, and I couldn’t figure out why.

Then it hit me:

I had a series of unhelpful habits that were undermining my progress.

Instead of focusing on growth, I was stuck in a loop of small actions that ate away at my potential.

I’d seen other women do the same—constantly saying yes to requests that didn’t serve them, apologizing for every tiny misstep, or doubting themselves so much that they’d never speak up.

It’s amazing how these behaviors can sneak into our daily routines and become second nature.

The good news?

Recognizing them is half the battle, and with some intentional effort, you can break free.

Below, I’m sharing eight everyday habits that I believe hold women back professionally—and how letting go of them can open doors to greater success, respect, and confidence in any career path.

1. Apologizing when it’s unnecessary

I used to apologize for everything—delays in emails, interrupting colleagues (even if the interruption was valid), or needing clarification on a task.

One day, a mentor said to me, “You realize you’re apologizing for things that aren’t your fault, right?”

That moment was eye-opening.

Saying “sorry” too often can diminish your authority and signal that you don’t have confidence in your own actions.

Of course, genuine mistakes call for sincere apologies, but sprinkling “sorry” into every other sentence may create the impression that you’re unsure or timid.

I’ve learned to swap out “sorry” for phrases like “thank you for understanding” or “thanks for bearing with me” when a delay happens.

This small shift instantly makes me feel more empowered and professional.