So let's address the elephant that most of my colleagues have been wondering about. I have been asked a lot if I was taken into consideration for a new position at work that is considered an advancement. I have, and by the time I post this article, the decision should be made as to whether I got it or not.

In the meantime, there has been a lot of thoughts that I have been toying with when it comes to this career advancement. Before jumping into it, all things should be considered. I feel that in order to do that job proficiently, all angles (pros and cons) should be addressed. Hopefully in writing this article I set my mind to ease.

When is the right time for career advancement?
​Career advancement usually happens for a few reasons. One reason being is because of a vacancy due to another's promotion, or transfer to another department. There is a void there and it needs to be filled. Another reason may be because of new credentials earned that opens you to a higher paying position. These are valid reasons to look forward to an advancement. However, reasons such as the feeling of mental stagnation and other's perceptions should not influence you. The time to truly take career advancement seriously is when your superiors take notice of the work that you provide.

Are you truly ready?
When I write articles I usually write something like: don't take yourself too seriously.Well here, I'm going to write something different. 

When you are taking career advancement seriously, you need to be completely un-bias and critical of yourself. You need to look harshly at your work ethic. Take some time for self reflection on a day to day bases. What did you do exceptionally well today? What could you have done better? Why didn't you? Are you in your own way? If you are having a hard time seeing your actions objectively, reach out to a trusted superior in order to gain insight. Be receptive of this individual's criticism. I wrote trusted there for a reason. They will be able to give light to things you didn't even think about.

Do not let your ego be over inflated by those around you. You may have unconditional support from friends and co-workers, but if you are not ready then you are not ready. The choice of whether or not you are ready for a promotion is not yours. It is your superiors. Stop trying to control everything. Breathe, and let be.

Learn your role thoroughly before applying for a promotion. More often then not, you will be leading those in your current role and will be asked a lot of questions. You should be prepared for them by application of work experience and knowledge of corporate policy guidelines.
​
You're ready. Now what?
If you have objectively decided that you are ready and the position has been offered, by all means take it! You should know a few things when you do:

1. Be receptive to the new role. In order to be good in any career change, you have to be open to the change itself. You may have done really well in your previous position, however you are playing a new game, with new rules. Take the time to know them.
2. Have patience with yourself. You are not expected to know everything all at once. You are expected to put effort in attaining that knowledge. So put in the effort. 
3. Understand that with change comes challenges. Some foreseen, some are undetectable. Therefore, it is important to have patience and be able to adjust yourself to meet every challenge that comes your way. You are allowed to scream and cry on your own time. However, giving up is not an option. 

​I don't know what's going to happen in regards to that promotion at work. What I do know is that either way, I will be okay. If it's not my time to lead, then it's not my time. If it is though, I will be ready.

​Beginnings
This may shock you, but drama is created first within you. 

Yah I said it. Now let me explain it.

Initially, drama starts as a negative thought of another person. The thought may have been created due to a misconception, a perceived wrong from the individual, or it could have been influenced through way of gossip. People who lack humility often are subject to increased drama because they cannot set their ego aside in order to really understand the moving parts of any situation. These negative thoughts then lead into negative actions. Your body language gives you away, and you carry yourself differently around that person. You are sensitive to insults, and become highly defensive. Your insecurity spikes, and because of that you are more likely to lash out in anger. This has a devastating effect.

Effects
Effects of drama can be astounding if no intervention has been sought out. Inability to focus on tasks at work or at home are often seen. Racing thoughts may occur which lead to problems sleeping. You may cause bad relations between your coworkers, friends, and family. Often seen in later stages, depression sets in. You feel as though everyone and everything is against you. You may feel alone in a situation which could’ve been nothing, however, it was spun out of control. 

Avoidance 
Since the beginning starts with you, then self improvement is needed in order to change your situation for the better. My daughter definitely inspired the first resolution in this section :)

1. Focus on obtaining a positive mental attitude: This is the most important thing that you can do. Take the time to self evaluate your thoughts and start changing things little by little. Look for progression versus perfection. Allow yourself time to heal from past experiences and move past them. Focus on instances when you felt happiest. Focus on things that are going well in your life. See yourself having positive relationships.
2. Avoid those who like to gossip: Let’s be crystal clear here. Those who tell you what others are saying about you, are doing the same to you. There’s no question about it. Communication is an exchange of information or ideas. When someone says “Hey, Mary said that you had gained a lot of weight and are counting the amount of cupcakes you ate” you should be wondering why Mary was so comfortable discussing this matter with that person. Chances are, they opened Mary up by making the observation that you did indeed gain weight. This person is someone who is adding fuel to a fire and more than likely is looking to see your reaction. They often get pleasure by watching your misery.
3. Build tolerance against negative influences: Sometimes, you are unable to avoid a negative environment. An example could be at work. If that is the case, you can definitely build some what of a tolerance against the negative behavior of another individual. As stated above, people who are adding to the drama often enjoy seeing other people get upset and are avidly watching for a raising conflict. Knowing this, you can stop it before it begins. Search for healthy coping mechanisms to avoid the stress. 
4. Check your actions: You may be adding fuel to drama by the way you act and not even know it. Be sensitive to other people and their feelings. Sometimes things that you think are communicated clearly are misunderstood and taken in negative way. Seek to make your communication with others sincere and clear.
5. Build a trusting relationship or support system: In order to fight the incoming drama, you are going to need support from those you trust most. Preferably, choose people outside of the situation for advise in order to get an unbiased perspective. 

There will always be people who create drama around them, and other people who add to it. In order to maintain stability in your life, you should declare yourself free from those negative influences and focus on self improvement. Building a rich, for filling life has to be your main priority, not worrying about who said what and to whom. There should be no room for drama. Declare it, live it, and stay clear from it. ​