“Martha has so much going for her, but she could be doing somuch more for herself.”

How many people do you know or work with like that? What keepsus from getting to where we want to be or what we want to do? Sure,it may be a lack of the right skills, bad luck, having other goals,or just being plain lazy.

More likely, however, the answer is elsewhere and much closer tohome. We can call them “everyday” attitudes that are so much a partof us we don't know the damage they're doing. Here are some ofthem:

1. For what I get paid, I do more thanenough.

Surprise! You're probably right. With so much pressure, it'seasy to feel this way today. Even so, it's the attitude that's theproblem. Otherwise pleasant people become angry, obstinate,negative and alienated. It's not the way to move ahead — or evenstay where you are.

2. I've put in my time and paid my dues. Now, its myturn.

It may be a choice parking space, extra time off, a plumterritory, a promotion or bigger accounts. It doesn't make anydifference what it is; it's easy to spot someone with a chip ontheir shoulder. Their attitude sends the unmistakable message thatthis person thinks they are special.

3. Sorry, but I'm really busy right now. Can't youget someone else?

When asked to step in and help solve a problem, work on aproject, develop a plan or handle a difficult situation, somepeople make it clear that they can't be counted on when needed.

4. They'll see what happens when I leave. It'll takethree people to replace me.

Even though we know that no one is indispensable, it's tough forsome people to get past the idea that they are the oneexception. If asked, they're quick to let it be known thatthey carry far more than their share of the load. Those around themoften see it quite differently.

5. Whoa! There's only so much I cando.

It's like the parent who installs a “speed limiter” on theirkid's car — only so fast and that's it. Others put self-imposedlimits on what they can or will do. By always playing it safe, theydeny themselves the opportunity to see how much they canaccomplish.

Instead of complaining about time-wasting meetings, suggestalternatives that are more efficient. (Photo: iStock)

6. With so many meetings, I can't get my workdone.

You're not alone if you feel this way. Companies are plaguedwith meeting mania wastes that wastes time and creates stress.Don't complain; do something about it. Take a “how we can improveit” approach: meeting alternatives, requiring agendas that go toparticipants beforehand, stand up sessions, setting time limits andthree-question participation evaluations.

7. That's not my job.

Not long ago, the word silos was at the top of the corporatejargon list — work groups, units, departments, and divisionsoperating totally separate from others. But countless individualswall themselves off as if they are completely isolated from theorganization. They write their own job description and stick toit.

8. I'm a hard worker.

Like beauty, hard work is in the eye of the beholder. Each of ushas our own personal definition of what it means to them. But,frankly, it doesn't make any difference what you and I may think itmeans. Pampering ourselves is out. Simply put, no one earns pointsor merits a reward today for hard work. What counts is measurableand it's called results.

9. Unless I get paid extra, I shouldn't have to doit.

This is a tough one. An employer' demands can go too far. Andemployees can be shortsighted by putting on the brakes too quicklyand miss opportunities for taking on task that can showcase theircapabilities and demonstrate their skills.

10. Sorry, but I don't know anything aboutthat.

It's not unusual to hear those words, particularly whencontacting customer service. But that's far from the only place.Unfortunately, they're all too common throughout most businesses,sending the message that the person has stopped growing.

Promising to complete work and then forgetting about it orignoring important deadlines signals to others that you don't valuetheir time. (Photo: iStock)

11. My ideas aren't important.

Not true! Whether they know it or not, most people have ideasand suggestions that can benefit a company. They not only do theirjob, but they think about what's going on around them. If you'reone of them, take a chance because someone wants to hear fromyou.

12. I meant to get it done. I'll get right onit.

Why do some people agree to do something — and then ignore it bydoing nothing, even after getting reminders? Sure, there are timeswhen we all forget and a reminder helps. But, others canbe chronic offenders and fail to respond even when offered help,being nudged, cajoled and confronted. Everyone knows them: “If youwant it done, don't bother giving it to Brad.”

13. I've been around long enough and the rules don'tapply to me.

Even though the words may never be spoken, actions make theirmeaning abundantly clear. Chances are, these are people who won'tbe around much longer.

14. I didn't know you needed it so soon.

This just might be the most insidious attitude of all for onereason: It's patently pathetic in its intent. While the words soundso innocent and disarming, it shrouds the fact that those who usethis excuse portray themselves as victims. It's not theirfault the work didn't get done; they didn't know when it was due.Did they ask? Of course not. They blame someone else for notletting them know.

More often than not, it's self-justifying and defensiveattitudes that kill success. Rather than allowing someone to thinkwe could have done more, perhaps much more with ourselves, how muchbetter is it to have them say, “She's done so much with herself.More than I ever thought she would.” We can call that success.

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