Tips and Inspiration
From Unilever Beauty Experts
Being in a competitive environment can be stressful for most people, but there are a few who would thrive on the pressure. These workplaces often use competition, prestige, and incentives to boost motivation and encouragement among employees, but it doesn’t work. Along with the perks and benefits come high expectations and intense challenges (not to mention the occasional toxic rivalries). Here are signs you may be up for the task.
You Are Ambitious
Ambition can take you places when it’s accompanied by a plan and a plan to stick to that plan. In a competitive environment, everybody wants the corner office. Everybody is after the same prize. Having clear goals can help you get ahead and stay on track when others may get distracted by shiny things.
You Are Not Afraid of Failure
Fear of failure can be a huge hindrance in anyone’s career. It can make you more determined to achieve wins, but it can also make you risk-averse. According to the International Journal of Qualitative Studies on Health and Well-Being, you can overcome the fear by focusing on curiosity and learning in every situation instead of being fixated on not failing.
You Can Express Yourself
Communication is the key to solving most conflicts at the office and in life. Being able to express your ideas, opinions, and feelings (yes, you’re allowed to) in a productive way is an essential skill. It will help you navigate a competitive environment with a better understanding of its players, but more importantly, it gives you a shot at having healthy relationships amid the chaos.
You Are Willing to Learn
A competitive environment exposes you to different characters, ideas, and challenges that can help you evolve. This is where the “growth mindset” comes in. It means believing that every person can improve through learning and effort. This willingness to learn can help you advance at work and keep you grounded.
You Are Open to Change
Workplaces are always evolving. Cultures change, organizations change. People come and go. Your mentor and boss will one day have to move on. Your favorite team member may need to move to another department. Your Day 1 goal won’t be the same as your Day 340 goals. And that’s all okay. Acknowledging that these changes can happen helps you prepare and adapt accordingly.
You Can Cope With Stress
In a competitive environment, you’re likely to encounter more stressors that lead to poor health and well-being. According to the American Psychological Association, common causes of work stress are low salaries, excessive workload, conflict, and unclear expectations. While people have different ways of coping, setting boundaries, taking time to recharge, and developing healthy responses (no binge-eating fast food!) can be most effective.
After a long day at work, recharge with an energizing shower. Start with CLEAR Cool Sport Menthol Anti-Dandruff Shampoo for Men to revitalize your hair and scalp. It gets rid of impurities and prevents dandruff, so you can focus on your career – not on flakes! After showering, cleanse your face with POND'S Men Facial Wash Energy Charge, which repairs skin damage from stress, late nights, and pollution with antioxidants from caffeine.
All that said, you don’t have to act like a robot (or possess all the traits above) to thrive in a competitive environment. If you have one or two of them, you have a fighting chance. On the other hand, if you find that it’s not for you, know that it’s okay to bolt and thrive elsewhere.
