Breaking Barriers: Five Bad Habits That Hinder Women from Progressing in the Workplace and Ministry




As women, we often face unique challenges in our careers and ministries. For instance, there is still a lack of adequate representation in leadership especially at the C-Suite level.  This challenge is seen across industries as well as in ministries.  This lack of role models can make it harder for aspiring women to envision themselves in similar roles and limits access to mentorship opportunities.  However, some of the biggest obstacles we encounter come from within – habits and mindsets that limit our growth. Drawing inspiration from Stephen Covey’s The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, I highlighted five habits that hinder or hold us back and explore practical tips as suggested by Covey to overcome them.

5-Habits that Hinder Us:

1.     People-Pleasing: Many women struggle with saying "no," often overcommitting to avoid disappointing others. This leads to burnout and prevents us from focusing on what truly matters.

2.     Fear of Failure: A fear of making mistakes can stop us from taking risks, pursuing leadership roles, or stepping out in faith.

3.     Self-Doubt: Impostor syndrome often causes women to question their abilities, even when they’re more than qualified.

4.     Neglecting Self-Care: Sacrificing personal well-being for work or ministry commitments can lead to physical and emotional exhaustion.

5.     Resistance to Delegation: A desire to “do it all” often leaves women stretched thin, limiting their effectiveness and growth potential.


Transform Your Habits: Below are five practical tips to help you break free from habits that hold you back and unlock your potential for growth and progress.

 5 Tips to Overcome These Habits

1.     Be Proactive: Recognize that you have the power to choose your responses and set boundaries. Start by assessing your commitments and saying "no" to activities that don’t align with your purpose.

2.     Begin with the End in Mind:  Create a clear vision of your goals in the workplace and ministry. Align your actions with this vision, focusing on what’s most important rather than what’s most urgent (Covey, 2020).

3.     Put First Things First:  Prioritize your tasks by categorizing them as urgent, not urgent, important, or not important. This helps ensure you invest time in activities that advance your long-term goals.

4.     Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood: Develop the confidence to engage in meaningful conversations, even when conflict arises. Listening actively and seeking mutual understanding can foster growth and collaboration.

5.     Sharpen the Saw:  Commit to self-care and continuous learning. Regularly replenish your energy by nurturing your physical, emotional, spiritual, and mental well-being. This makes you more effective in all areas of life (Covey, 2020).

Final Thoughts

Empowering yourself begins with self-awareness and intentional action. By replacing bad habits with effective ones, you can break through barriers and thrive in both the workplace and ministry. Remember, as Stephen Covey says, “You are not a product of your circumstances. You are a product of your decisions.” Start today by choosing growth over comfort and purpose over perfection. The world needs your unique gifts – step into your calling with confidence and courage!

 

Reference: Covey, S. R. (2020). The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People. Simon & Schuster



About the Author:

Dr. Chavonne D. Stewart, the CEO and founder of Global Leadership Techniques LLC.,, is an accomplished education consultant, author, speaker, and leadership coach dedicated to transforming leadership development. She specializes in coaching and empowering authentic women leaders, equipping them to lead with confidence and impact. As a life, business, and career coach, Dr. Stewart helps women transition into transformational leadership roles, guiding them to thrive both personally and professionally. Her mission is to provide the tools and strategies necessary for lasting success. A self-published author of five books and a contributing author in three anthologies, Dr. Stewart combines her expertise with her passion for education, leadership, family, and travel. She serves as both a mentor and role model, inspiring the next generation of women leaders.

 

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