We all go through times at work when we feel hidden. 

When you work really hard, but no one notices. When you're the best qualified for the promotion, but someone else gets it instead. When everyone else seems to be getting celebrated, but you just keep getting blamed for everything. 

These times of feeling hidden can be extremely frustrating, discouraging and just plain, awful. 

But here is what I've discovered in my career...

Often when your circumstances aren't changing, it's because life is using your circumstances to change you and/or to prepare you for something greater. 

Sometimes your hidden seasons (as frustrating as it can be) are there to develop your patience, perseverance, character and resilience; all qualities that you will need to achieve the success you desire in your career. 

If you always get what you want, when you want, how you want, you'd never have a chance to develop and deepen your character, perseverance, patience and resilience. And the truth is you're going to need a lot of character, perseverance, patience and resilience if you want to thrive in your career. 

Are you feeling hidden, right now?

If so, the first thing I want to say is, "I'm sorry." I know from firsthand experience how lonely and defeating it can feel. You may feel that no one understands what you're experiencing, or that all the ways that people try to "help" just make you feel worse about the season you're in. 

The good news is you won't be in a hidden season forever.

My big opportunity came right after I tried to quit the multifamily industry! 

In my speaking and consulting business I've often found that right before I've wanted to give up being an entrepreneur, came the opportunity that helped fuel me forward. 

What to do next

One: Embrace that you're being prepared for something better. 

Two: Learn the lessons that life wants you learn. Because you're being prepared for something better, it's crucial that you use this hidden season to grow, try new things, take risks, acknowledge your shortcomings and make a plan to move forward. 

Three: Commit to taking positive action. 

While I can't promise you when you'll start to see results, when you do these things, I do believe that you will see positive results. Resolve to keep growing and keep going, even if the dream seems so far away right now...

You may be closer than you think. 

You've got this!