How to Handle a Career Bottleneck?

Student Question: Personally, I feel the three biggest bottlenecks in my current career are the following:

1. I’m arrogant and always need to prove myself — too much individualism, too much ego. I never listen to what my boss or leadership tells me to do.
2. I’m stubborn and tend to fixate on things, always pushing to extremes.
3. I’m narrow-minded, can’t take criticism, and constantly think about getting back at people.

I’m suffering. I’d like to ask Master how I can change these three fatal flaws.

Master Chi’s Response

I think your biggest problem is that you can’t clearly define the problem.

1. Character flaws are not the same as career bottlenecks. Plenty of people with poor characters still have thriving careers.
2. The three points you listed can basically be applied to just about anyone.
3. Character is very hard to change. My advice: focus on improving your professional competence instead.
4. Having a crisis is actually a good thing. Generally speaking, people only learn and change after life has beaten them up hard enough. Get beaten up more — that’s the most effective way to fix your flaws.