How to Advance in Your Career Even With Anxiety

If you are someone with social anxiety, you probably find it difficult to do even the most 
basic of things. While people often find job interviews to be a little nerve-wracking, you 
find them downright debilitating. This can be really hard to advance in your career when 
you can’t handle things like interviews and job meetings. Here are some tips for 
navigating your career even with social anxiety.

Change Your Mindset

The first thing you need to do when you want to advance your career is to change your 
mindset. This can be challenging at first, but with practice and vigilance, you can make 
it happen. You won’t be able to cure your social anxiety, but by changing your mindset 
and focusing on positive instead of negative feelings, you can handle work situations in 
small bursts. Think about the positive impact of that job interview or work event, and it 
can really make a big difference in how you handle your career as a whole.

Show That You Are Confident

This is important whether you are going in for a job interview, meeting with your boss 
about a raise or promotion, or you have to speak at a future staff meeting. Even if you 
don’t feel confident, you should express it. Other people won’t know you have anxiety if 
you don’t let them see it. Knowing all they see is a strong, confident person can help 
you change your mindset and set you up for success, even if you are still feeling 
anxious and fearful on the inside.

Get Help When You Need it

You should never be afraid to ask for help, even when it comes to your job or career. If 
you have a staff meeting where you need to address a room full of people, and you just 
don’t think you can do it alone, ask if a co-worker can help. You don’t want them to take 
over, but stand up there with you, acting as your assistant. This can help you make the 
presentation, but feel a little less fearful about it.

Be Careful With Overthinking

Overthinking is an unfortunate side effect of social anxiety. You tend to think other 
people are staring at you, judging you, and talking about you. The truth is, most people 
don’t even know you are fearful around others. If you can stop overthinking, you can 
start feeling more confident and help to advance your career.

