We all know the woman who seems to be the center of all the drama. She thrives off of gossip and spreading rumors. She always has the latest news or scandal and she can’t wait to walk over to your desk when you first arrive to work to spill the tea and tell you all about what she heard about Denise in accounting. And, although she claims she has a close circle of 3 BFFs, she gossips about them too. Distance yourself from these types of women—they are drama, and drama will never help you get ahead. Instead of spilling the tea and engaging with people who love spreading gossip, focus on how you can uplift the women around you.

Whether you realize it or not, the voice inside your head is keeping you from being great. The unconscious dialogue in your head constantly tells you that you are not good enough, strong enough, or smart enough—and you don’t even realize it. Maybe you want to start going to yoga but, while you are at Lululemon shopping for the perfect gear, that voice in your head tells you that you’re too fat and will never be a true yogi, so you leave. Or, maybe your co-worker tells you about an open position that he thinks you would be a perfect candidate for but, right before you walk down the hall to submit your application, the voice in your head concludes that because you didn’t graduate top of your class like the other candidates you shouldn’t apply. So, instead of submitting your application, you toss it in the trash and head back to your cubicle.

Almost every day, that little voice in your head talks you out of taking those small leaps of faith that have large rewards. So, when you feel like you aren’t smart enough or strong enough, tell that little voice in your head to shut up. And, work on training that voice to be your biggest cheerleader, rather than your biggest critic, because after all, you are strong enough and smart enough to do anything you put your mind to so, don’t let your mind stop you.

In the workplace, men are never afraid to ask to be involved when an opportunity presents itself. Yet, as women, we are hesitant in these situations because we don’t want to come across as pushy. Yes, when we are assertive, we are unfortunately labeled as pushy or bossy. But, these labels shouldn’t scare us into silence. To the contrary, these labels are the exact reason why, as women, we need to speak up and show those we work with that we are capable and competent, just like our male counterparts. The more we speak up, the more “normal” it will become for a woman to be just as assertive as a man.

So, if you hear about a work opportunity that you are interested in, such as a new project, be assertive, express your interest, and explain why you are qualified, because, I can guarantee that while you were sitting at your desk waiting for opportunity to knock, your male coworker went out and tackled opportunity in the street by walking down the hall, knocking on his bosses door, and expressing his interest. Even though you were more qualified, he was placed on the project simply because he asked. So, speak up, be assertive, and don’t silence yourself in fear of being labeled.

There are two types of women in the world—those who help other women up the ladder, and those who make it their life mission to knock those below them off the ladder. Don’t be the latter. Stop being selfish and pass along what you have learned. And, if you don’t want to pass it along then at least don’t actively try to derail a young woman’s career simply because you think the skirt she wore to work on Tuesday  was too tight. Instead, casually mention your favorite professional fashion blog, Corporette, so that she can learn tips about office attire, just like you did. And, if she asks you to go to coffee, say yes, it’s just coffee. As women, our best resource is information from women who came before us.

Sure, you had a hard time when you first entered the workforce, and now women have books like Lean In and Girl Boss but, that doesn’t mean that women below you on the ladder have it easier—you don’t know their stories or challenges. Rather than being an enemy, be an ally, and pride yourself on paving the way for all the young women who look up to you, because, you wouldn’t be where you are had it not been for someone helping you along the way too.