Don’t temper your professional goals for fear of being disliked.

Studies show that if a woman and a man are equally successful, make all the same decisions, and behave in the exact same way, the man will be liked and praised, but the woman will be disliked and considered difficult, aggressive, or selfish.

Of course, no one passes this judgment consciously, but they do pass it nonetheless. To avoid receiving feedback of this sort, women tend to temper their professional goals, which keeps them from being successful. If you truly want to achieve success as a woman, you have to recognize your value. Do not temper your professional goals for fear of being disliked.

1. Be successful and own it!
   When men are successful and own it, they are hired, promoted, and rewarded. When women are successful and own it, they do not receive these same benefits. This leads to women doing additional work without due credit. Do not fall victim to this type of behavior—own your success!

2. Do not be afraid to negotiate for higher salaries.
   If you’re good at your job, you deserve to be paid the same salary as your male counterparts. Do not be afraid to negotiate for a salary that reflects your value.