You're Not Broken - You're Just in the Wrong Environment

Ever feel like you're pushing a boulder uphill at work? Like no matter how hard you try, your results are stubbornly average and you're shrinking instead of growing? You might be what I call "in pigeon mode" - and it's not your fault.

What Does Pigeon Mode Look Like?

You know you're in Pigeon mode when work feels like an uphill battle every single day. Your targets feel impossible to hit, despite giving it everything you've got. You're working harder than ever but getting nowhere fast.

The worst part? You start to lose your voice. You find yourself playing small, keeping your head down, trying not to rock the boat. The environment doesn't feel like a natural fit, and instead of flourishing, you're withering.

When you're stuck in Pigeon mode, it chips away at your self-worth. You start questioning whether you're actually any good at your job. You feel pretty rubbish about yourself, and that's a horrible place to be.

Here's the Truth: It's Not You

If you're nodding along thinking "that's me," here's what you need to know: you're not broken. You're not terrible at your job. You're not lacking in talent or drive.

You're just in the wrong environment.

Some jobs, some companies, some teams - they're simply not your job. It doesn't matter how qualified you are on paper or how desperately you want it to work. If the environment doesn't suit you, you'll always feel like you're swimming upstream.

The Environment Makes All the Difference

Think about it: a Pigeon trying to swim will always look clumsy and struggle to survive. But put that same Pigeon in the sky, and suddenly it's graceful, capable, and exactly where it belongs.

The same applies to your career. When you're in the right environment - one that plays to your strengths, values your input, and lets you use your voice - everything changes. What felt impossible becomes achievable. What felt like pushing boulders becomes natural momentum.

You Deserve Better

If you're currently in Pigeon mode, please hear this: you deserve so much more. You deserve to work somewhere that brings out your best, not somewhere that makes you question your worth.

There is a better place for you. A role that fits. A team that gets you. An environment where you can spread your wings instead of keeping them clipped.

No More Shrinking

Stop shrinking. Stop playing small. Stop accepting that average results and feeling rubbish about yourself is just how work has to be.

You are worthy as you are, right now. Your skills matter. Your perspective has value. You just need to find the right place to showcase them.

The Way Forward

Start looking for environments that suit you better. Pay attention to company cultures, team dynamics, and whether the role genuinely excites you. Trust your gut when something feels off, and don't ignore the signs that you're in Pigeon mode.

Remember: the right environment won't just tolerate your strengths - it will celebrate them. The right environment will reward you for your uniqueness.

You're not broken. You're just in the wrong place. And that's something you can change. I hope you believe you deserve better. Because you do.