Podcast #47
10 Career Traps High-Performers MUST Avoid (Before Burnout Hits)
Why am I not advancing faster in my career?
Hey, I get it.
You’re a hard worker. You grind. You over-deliver. You raise your hand for every opportunity.
And yet… the promotion you deserve isn’t coming.
The recognition you want feels just out of reach.
I’m Fela Rosa, a high-performer career coach.
And truth is? I fell into every single one of the traps I’m about to share with you.
So let’s dive straight in because if you spot yourself in ANY of these, it’s not the end of the world. It’s the beginning of you leveling up smarter.
1. The People-Pleasing Trap
“Protect your energy and practice saying ‘no’ – because setting boundaries is what leaders do.”
If you’re saying “yes” to everything and everyone, you’re draining yourself.
You are NOT there to be the office superhero who saves every project.
Leaders protect their energy. They say yes strategically and no powerfully.
Set one boundary today. Test it. See how powerful it feels.
2. The Impostor Syndrome Trap
“Recognize how far you’ve come and don’t let self-doubt run the show: build your confidence through action.”
If you’re constantly worried you’re “faking it,” guess what?
You’ll keep working twice as hard for half the recognition.
Self-doubt is normal. But it doesn’t get a seat at the table.
Make a list of five wins today and OWN them. Out loud.
3. The Chronic Overthinker Trap
“Learn to make quick decisions and stick with them: trust your intuition and make the decision right, instead of questioning if it was right.”
Overthinking is the fastest way to miss your shot.
By the time you’ve analyzed every angle, someone else ( less experienced, less prepared ) has already said “I’ll take it.”
Leaders decide. Then they make the decision.
Today: Trust your gut on something small. Train that muscle.
4. The ‘I Can Do It All Alone’ Trap
“Stop trying to prove your worth by doing everything yourself: true leaders delegate and trust others.”
If you’re drowning in to-do lists trying to “prove” you’re capable…
You’re stuck in operator mode not leader mode.
Ask for help. Delegate. Collaborate. That’s how you free yourself for the bigger moves that actually get you promoted.
5. The Efficiency Trap
“Use your newfound efficiency strategically: don’t just do more work, do the work that moves your career forward.”
Using AI, new tools, or hacks to be faster is awesome.
But if you’re just using that free time to do MORE grunt work? You’re spinning your wheels.
Use your time to network, strategize, or build relationships.
Efficiency is pointless if it’s not moving you forward.
6. The Lack of Visibility Trap
“Doing great work isn’t enough – you must make sure the right people know about it.”
No one’s coming to “discover” you.
You have to show your work.
Update your boss. Speak up in meetings.
And a tip you might not expect?
A unique style – a standout color, a bold accessory – makes you more memorable too.
Visibility matters.
7. The Undefined Career Goals Trap
“Set clear, actionable career goals and check in regularly: you are the CEO of your career.”
If you don’t know where you’re going, you’re just working to make someone else’s dream happen.
Where do YOU want to go?
Pick a vision. Break it down into milestones. Adjust as you grow.
Otherwise, you’ll burn out chasing goals that aren’t even yours.
8. The Identity Trap
“Your job is not your identity! Build a sense of self that no promotion, title, or salary can ever define.”
Your job title is what you do.
It’s not who you are.
Build hobbies, friendships, and passions outside of work. So when life throws curveballs (and it will), you stay grounded in YOU — not a role on a business card.
9. The No Networking Trap
“Make time for genuine, trust-based relationships; your network can open doors that your hustle alone cannot.”
Tasks don’t get you promoted. People do.
Make it your mission to build genuine relationships inside and outside your company.
One coffee chat a week. One LinkedIn message a week. That’s it.
Small moves. Massive leverage.
10. The Resilience Trap
“Don’t just bounce back. Slow down, heal properly, and learn the lessons so you become truly unshakable.”
Being resilient isn’t about snapping back immediately.
It’s about healing, learning, and growing stronger for next time.
Feel the hard stuff. Journal it. Talk it out. Process it.
Your future self will thank you.
Final Thoughts: You Are NOT Broken.
Every single high performer hits these traps at some point.
Every single one. Myself included.
The real magic?
Not avoiding mistakes, but learning faster and bouncing back wiser.
✨ If you felt called out by even ONE of these traps… that’s your next growth edge.
Don’t run from it. Run through it.
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