Rakshitha Arni Ravishankar

Do you feel like you’re constantly being observed and judged in social situations? This debilitating feeling is called social anxiety and one in 14 people in the world deal with it. In this personal essay, Ascend editor Rakshitha Arni Ravishankar speaks with psychologist Ellen Hendriksen to understand what social anxiety is and how to cope with it. Social anxiety is a mental health condition that’s driven by fear — and largely learned. It’s maintained through behaviors that mimic hiding such as…

Don’t shame yourself (or your colleagues).

Setting goals is a meaningful exercise. Still, so many of us struggle to achieve the goals we set out for ourselves. Here are five ways to set more attainable goals: Connect your every goal to a “why.” When you spend time understanding the “why” that’s driving your actions, it’s easier to avoid distractions and focus on pursuing your goal. Break your goals down. Instead of setting one big goal, break them down into smaller goals that you can accomplish every day. Schedule “buffer time” for your…

There are no right or wrong career moves.

How are you feeling today? Here are a few quotes to remind you that you’ve got this! You’re worth taking care of, no matter what your brain might tell you. It’s not selfish to show up for yourself. Cry and crumble. It’s okay. You’ve dealt with tough times before. You will do it again. It’s not your job to please everyone. But there is one person you need to stand by: yourself.

Networking doesn’t have to feel opportunistic. It can be a moment to make genuine connections. Here’s how to get started: Networking is not about meeting new people. It’s also a chance to connect with people you’ve known for a while but haven’t had the chance to interact with. Use networking as an opportunity to help others. Think about what you’re good at, what you like to do, and what others often ask you to help with. Instead of small talk, engage in conversations that are more intimate and h…

Sometimes trial and error is the best way to learn.

Allyship requires us to become aware of our relative privilege — even within a marginalized community — and make conscious efforts to undo our own biases, champion causes that matter, and act fairly as colleagues and emerging leaders. To be a better ally: Understand what lack of privilege looks like. Many marginalized communities, for example, face obstacles that make it hard for them to show up as their full selves at work. Educating yourself on these barriers is the first step to becoming an a…

Let go of your guilt around productivity.

Don’t sell yourself short.