Do you ever cover up your feelings that you’re not good enough at work?
…You’re not alone…
…Your career can be your greatest hope for healing
All over the world, billions of people go to work every day feeling anxious, unsafe, defensive, isolated, braced for attack, overwhelmed, uncertain that they’re worthy of respectful treatment. While everyone feels insecure and uncertain from time to time, these people struggle to focus and perform under a never-ending drumbeat of “You’re not good enough, it’s your fault when something’s not working, you can’t let anyone know who you really are.”
These are often the ones who grew up with troubled childhoods where they were the targets of emotional, mental, or physical abuse from the people who were supposed to protect them. They think, “When I grow up, I will leave all this behind.” But then they discover that they have brought their wounds to the workplace. And their pain gets in the way of achieving the happiness and career success they deserve.
I call these people Adult Survivors of a Damaged Past (ASDP).
As an ASDP myself, I know first-hand how it feels to try to project confidence, credibility and capability at work while coping with emotional triggers, worries, and stresses that I’ve carried with me from my childhood.
I know what it’s like to be you. You are filled with negative feelings and doubts that you don’t want anyone to know about. Keeping secrets is a way of life for you. You are afraid to reach out for help. And so you keep an essential, valuable part of who you are quiet and isolated.
As an HR leader with 31 years’ experience in multi-national companies, I’ve supported my coworkers as they valiantly struggle to build positive beliefs about themselves so they can realize their full potential. And I’ve seen how people bravely discover new joys, confidence, and capability as they learn to discover their true personal value through everyday workplace conflicts and experiences.
You are my hero. I'm here to help you.
“The rest of your life belongs to you.”
- Susan J. Schmitt
Healing at Work
Forthcoming Fall 2019
What people are saying
As an ASDP myself, I know how isolating it can be to think, “I’m the only one and I’d better not reveal my true self to clients and colleagues.” Thanks to Susan’s gentle, wise counsel and insights, for the first time in my career, I am comfortable being seen for who I am. And I can fully focus on bringing my own gifts to the world, because I don’t have to hide anymore.
- Martha I. Finney
Executive Editor of Healing at Work
9 Things
I believe about
YOU!