We as individuals are a direct product of our environment.

I worked for a particular company for 7 years and after six years into my employment with that company I was basically told I was not very good at what I did.

Wow, ok, so what is up with that? That was a blow. I knew I felt stale with my progress in growing as a trainer, but up until that point I thought I did a damn good job at providing training services to my clients! Some of them were with me for almost my whole period of employment there. I soon forgot that as I struggled with the comment I had just received from someone who is supposed to be helping me get better.

I felt stuck and didn't know what my next move should be. Even if I left that company what employer wants to hire an employee who is no good? I even considered and explored entering another field, starting over.

I stayed for almost a full year as I struggled with what to do next. I finally took steps to changing my environment. I didn't want to leave training and coaching. I loved it too much! I took courses and read books to improve my skills and started looking for similar positions within other companies. How interesting it was when I started sending out resumes how quickly I got responses. In interviews I was finding out the industry standard and how my skills related to others. I gained confidence back in myself and my abilities. It was a long process but I am glad that I did it!

Once I left that poisonous environment I was able to gain my confidence back and continue to grow. I'm still growing!

I learned this lesson the hard way and probably waited too long to make the change. Rememeber to surround yourself with the right people, the right situations, take advantage of opportunities and you will florish.