Last spring, I scared off many potential followers to this then-new "blog" with my first "Week of Wisdom." Given that the economic environment has not improved much since then, it doesn't hurt to give it another shot.
Starting tomorrow, I will offer a week-long series of tips (5-7) people might find useful, or at least humorous, as they seek to improve and develop in the personal and professional lives. I've only got a few of them in mind to write so far, so if you have any suggestions, please pass them along by emailing me ASAP.
Also, don't forget to follow Always Achieve on Twitter, as it is the home of constant updates related to developing your personal or business capacities, online and off.
Showing posts with label week of wisdom. Show all posts
Showing posts with label week of wisdom. Show all posts
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Week of Wisdom Archive
I really enjoyed putting together my five pieces of essential personal and professional advice for the "Week of Wisdom" series. If you are interested in looking at them, click here.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Week of Wisdom, Day Five: Hope is not
What a week! Each of us probably had better things to do, but if you kept up with the "Week of Wisdom," it was worth it. We are now at Day Five, the end of the week, and the final piece of advice I can offer, pulled from years of professional and personal experience.
I tend to not be a fan of Larry Winget, the so-called "Pit Bull of Personal Development." If his methods work for you, however, then they are right for you and the wisdom of Day One is proved once again. However, I do think that Mr. Winget is dead on with one of his primary pieces of advice, which runs counter to the lexicon and beliefs of most of us.
Whether you are trying to just get started, or people start taking notice of your actions, or you face the cold discomfort when everyone agrees with you, or you need to take the next step in developing relationships of substance, there is a common thread that should always exist. It does, and I sense it in the efforts of most successful people. However, I also tend to notice that it is substituted with a far less powerful mentality that often leads people with even the strongest ideas and best intentions on a road to nowhere.
The greatest weakness we have as a society is "hope." It is also often the most significant roadblock an individual possesses, inhibiting them to reach their full potential. If we are taught to define hope as the feeling that better things are ahead, then the reality proves that focusing on hope leads to the opposite.
Take a few minutes to express your anger at the computer, if you feel that way. I completely understand.
The actual definition of "hope" provides insight into its weakness. Hope is about emotion. It can feed off of our energy and focus when people area drawn into frenzy, especially when led by someone or some group that understands the potential of this power in a collective capacity. Hence, hope is often the mindset du jour of the downtrodden and impoverished, as well as those who experience failure after significant success.
Energy and focus are critical to the development of passion. We must draw from these personal spiritual resources in order to exercise the creativity, commitment, and dedication necessary to build a business or start and flourish in a chosen career. If we spend out time focused on "hope" for a future that does not incorporate action, goals, or substance, then we deplete ourselves of critical internal resources.
Winget puts it simply that successful people choose to believe rather than hope. This is not an easy transition, as believing in others and yourself can be a little problematic if someone or something in life fails. If failure turns believe into self-doubt, then it is the same as loosing trust in someone who does not respect our believe in them.
Belief must be measured in respect to faith. Those who profess believe in others must do so with internal assurance not to place fellow man before God with respect to priority or admiration. Balance, just like with other philosophical dichotomies, is critical.
As you set forth, considering the ideas brought forth this week, encourage yourself to approach your friends, assignments, challenges, and opportunities with a spirit that will allow you to pursue passions with the focus and intent necessary for achievement. This is not possible until we each recognize that hope is not, when compared to the personal power of belief.
I tend to not be a fan of Larry Winget, the so-called "Pit Bull of Personal Development." If his methods work for you, however, then they are right for you and the wisdom of Day One is proved once again. However, I do think that Mr. Winget is dead on with one of his primary pieces of advice, which runs counter to the lexicon and beliefs of most of us.
Whether you are trying to just get started, or people start taking notice of your actions, or you face the cold discomfort when everyone agrees with you, or you need to take the next step in developing relationships of substance, there is a common thread that should always exist. It does, and I sense it in the efforts of most successful people. However, I also tend to notice that it is substituted with a far less powerful mentality that often leads people with even the strongest ideas and best intentions on a road to nowhere.
The greatest weakness we have as a society is "hope." It is also often the most significant roadblock an individual possesses, inhibiting them to reach their full potential. If we are taught to define hope as the feeling that better things are ahead, then the reality proves that focusing on hope leads to the opposite.
Take a few minutes to express your anger at the computer, if you feel that way. I completely understand.
The actual definition of "hope" provides insight into its weakness. Hope is about emotion. It can feed off of our energy and focus when people area drawn into frenzy, especially when led by someone or some group that understands the potential of this power in a collective capacity. Hence, hope is often the mindset du jour of the downtrodden and impoverished, as well as those who experience failure after significant success.
Energy and focus are critical to the development of passion. We must draw from these personal spiritual resources in order to exercise the creativity, commitment, and dedication necessary to build a business or start and flourish in a chosen career. If we spend out time focused on "hope" for a future that does not incorporate action, goals, or substance, then we deplete ourselves of critical internal resources.
Winget puts it simply that successful people choose to believe rather than hope. This is not an easy transition, as believing in others and yourself can be a little problematic if someone or something in life fails. If failure turns believe into self-doubt, then it is the same as loosing trust in someone who does not respect our believe in them.
Belief must be measured in respect to faith. Those who profess believe in others must do so with internal assurance not to place fellow man before God with respect to priority or admiration. Balance, just like with other philosophical dichotomies, is critical.
As you set forth, considering the ideas brought forth this week, encourage yourself to approach your friends, assignments, challenges, and opportunities with a spirit that will allow you to pursue passions with the focus and intent necessary for achievement. This is not possible until we each recognize that hope is not, when compared to the personal power of belief.
Week of Wisdom, Day Four: Relationships are rare gems
We're now in the second half of the Week of Wisdom. After today, there will be only one more day and piece of advice. As you see, the themes of the first three days tie into one another pretty well. When you start out, you have to put aside the advice of others when it only serves to frustrate to disengage you for your focus. Then, once you start making progress, you have to realize that the only acceptable path those around you will acknowledge is upward and forward, as they cast you aside in disgust when you eventually slip up. Of course, you also learn the value of criticism, as it can help grow support for your ideas, ensuring the investment from others needed to make it a real success.
Throughout the time it takes to move through the lessons explained so far this week, you engage in the time-honored tradition of networking. Whether by handshake or phone call, email or across a restaurant table, you meet and interact with other individuals whom you did not know before. These contacts can provide benefit in your professional development, whether directing you to new opportunities, providing trusted guidance, or simply serving as a pool for potential customers and referrals.
Networking is a pretty democratic process nowadays, long opened up from the Rotary Clubs and Chamber of Commerce meetings of the past. Everyone from churches to businesses to open organizations such as one I am part of enable people to meet face-to-face through facilitated social and educational activities. Then, of course, there is the magnification of contact generation made possible by the Internet and its most significant development since the .com boom, social networking.
My work and focus on passions draws me to opportunities to network with hundreds, if not thousands, of people a year. I gather business cards and write down phone numbers. Often, I will call or email them back just to remind them of who I am, or apologize for my less than stellar one-on-one conversation skills.
Networking and contacts are the foundation, but these resources do not provide benefit unless they transform into something far more personal. Just like the significant variance in the quality of diamonds, we often learn that the key to our social circles are those few (relatively speaking) individuals whom we do not see as contacts, but rather relationships.
I noticed that career advisor and author Lindsay Pollak focused on the cultivating of networks during a recent TV appearance (h/t Tar Heels in Transit). As I mentioned in a prior post, relationship building is a constant process that not only requires a time commitment, but also incorporation into our daily routines. This is a pretty busy time for my professionally (hence the lateness in my posts and my general lack of sleep), but I can point to at least 3 to 5 things I did every day to maintain and grow my professional relationships, whether they be emails or lunches or talking someone through their own career malaise.
Networking, in and of itself, is also a passive exercise. In some ways, even the most natural-feeling first professional encounter can still feel like a glossy sales pitch without the product demo or provocative wall calendar (speaking as one who started their career in finance with a vehicle maintenance shop).
When you get past that first face-to-face or phone call, your instincts will direct you to those you see as potential for relationships. Obviously, never do anything to "write people off" and always make sure to recognize and respect those who have the potential to help you, even if they simply are not the ones you want to invest your limited time on a more personal, though still professional, level. In a natural manner, those who pique your interests most, express support for your passions, or look most in need of assistance in their own endeavors will rise to the top. From there, it is a matter of applying the "soft skills," often an educational experience in itself, that make the process of personal relationship development proceed. There is no quick answer or solution to interpersonal communication, and it is likely that even the most professional and business-oriented of relationships start out of common interests outside the office or in another field or topic.
Thank you for your continued reading. We will present Day Five and the end of our first ever Week of Wisdom sometime this (Friday) afternoon.
Throughout the time it takes to move through the lessons explained so far this week, you engage in the time-honored tradition of networking. Whether by handshake or phone call, email or across a restaurant table, you meet and interact with other individuals whom you did not know before. These contacts can provide benefit in your professional development, whether directing you to new opportunities, providing trusted guidance, or simply serving as a pool for potential customers and referrals.
Networking is a pretty democratic process nowadays, long opened up from the Rotary Clubs and Chamber of Commerce meetings of the past. Everyone from churches to businesses to open organizations such as one I am part of enable people to meet face-to-face through facilitated social and educational activities. Then, of course, there is the magnification of contact generation made possible by the Internet and its most significant development since the .com boom, social networking.
My work and focus on passions draws me to opportunities to network with hundreds, if not thousands, of people a year. I gather business cards and write down phone numbers. Often, I will call or email them back just to remind them of who I am, or apologize for my less than stellar one-on-one conversation skills.
Networking and contacts are the foundation, but these resources do not provide benefit unless they transform into something far more personal. Just like the significant variance in the quality of diamonds, we often learn that the key to our social circles are those few (relatively speaking) individuals whom we do not see as contacts, but rather relationships.
I noticed that career advisor and author Lindsay Pollak focused on the cultivating of networks during a recent TV appearance (h/t Tar Heels in Transit). As I mentioned in a prior post, relationship building is a constant process that not only requires a time commitment, but also incorporation into our daily routines. This is a pretty busy time for my professionally (hence the lateness in my posts and my general lack of sleep), but I can point to at least 3 to 5 things I did every day to maintain and grow my professional relationships, whether they be emails or lunches or talking someone through their own career malaise.
Networking, in and of itself, is also a passive exercise. In some ways, even the most natural-feeling first professional encounter can still feel like a glossy sales pitch without the product demo or provocative wall calendar (speaking as one who started their career in finance with a vehicle maintenance shop).
When you get past that first face-to-face or phone call, your instincts will direct you to those you see as potential for relationships. Obviously, never do anything to "write people off" and always make sure to recognize and respect those who have the potential to help you, even if they simply are not the ones you want to invest your limited time on a more personal, though still professional, level. In a natural manner, those who pique your interests most, express support for your passions, or look most in need of assistance in their own endeavors will rise to the top. From there, it is a matter of applying the "soft skills," often an educational experience in itself, that make the process of personal relationship development proceed. There is no quick answer or solution to interpersonal communication, and it is likely that even the most professional and business-oriented of relationships start out of common interests outside the office or in another field or topic.
Thank you for your continued reading. We will present Day Five and the end of our first ever Week of Wisdom sometime this (Friday) afternoon.
Week of Wisdom, Day Three: Never trust unanimous support
The first two days of Always Achieve's first Week of Wisdom probably changed the lives of at least a person or two for a whole 15 seconds. How else could you describe the amazing impact of the potent duo of advice: "don't listen to me" and "recognition creates expectation."
If you saw the posts, you now understand what it takes to prevail with an idea in the face of adversity and what to expect when people crawl out of their pride caves and offer their measured "gratitude." Now, it is time to deal with the oft product of self-confidence and self-made success: idolatry.
The Second Commandment was prioritized for a reason, and if I was sorting these trinkets of intellectual drivel with respect to essential value, what I am about to say would be at the top of the list. Just like the Second Commandment, it needs an introduction, which the first two pieces of advice provided.
There is a point where the successful and knowledgeable encounter their first true test. One stands before a group, presents their idea, and receives the most uncomfortable and painful response they can receive: nothing.
No one speaks out or asks questions. The gallery quietly ponders the presentation, and then one comes forward, somewhat sheepishly, and proclaims, "this is a great idea."
Subsequently, people follow with additional acclaim. Everyone is on board. A sigh of relief is felt, until it is realized that something is missing amongst the ever-growing excitement: opposition.
The presence of those who do not agree with what we want to do is a barrier, so long as it exists. When it is gone, it feels like a warm blanket stripped off the bed on the coldest night of the year.
The reality, of course, is that successful, performance-driven people know that questions and criticism best serve to improve and verify the validity of our ideas, as well as make sure that other parties are really "on board" for the tasks to come if we move forward.
Successful people also know that criticism and opposition are not, in of themselves, barriers to getting what they want. Some people in power often ask for more than what they want, knowing that there will be trade offs that lead to their desired result. Others appreciate the opinions of others as a way of incorporating the "buy in" necessary to achieve objectives in a collaborative environment.
Those starting out professionally are not in a position to mandate or force anyone, even those beneath or equal to them, to follow their lead. They are still "in the pack," and if their fellow hunters smell a better deal, they will lose them quickly. In order to build the support necessary to achieve in a given endeavor, our coworkers or team members must show a direct, personal interest. This is best achieved not through their blind, passive allegiance, but rather their active questioning and objection, issues that eventually lead to better solutions.
The proof is easy to see throughout history, especially when it comes to the aftermath. Moments of almost universal praise and support often lead to wide disdain and anger. "People" want to support what others support, while "individuals" try to balance their emotions with logic. This is not a new concept, but it is easily lost upon many when we are faced with moments where the ideas before us sound too good to be true.
Of course, that does not mean that the ideas or initiatives developed are bad or evil. Often, they are just as strong as presented. The problem is that most supporters do not invest themselves until they understand a concept on their own terms. Otherwise, why would major corporations spend combined billions of dollars marketing their ideas to the public?
Achieving goals and objectives when it requires the support and involvement of others, whether customers or stakeholders, necessitates an appreciation of both interest and commitment. The desired result in any presentation or pitch is commitment, but we can easily assume this is the case when it is only, in reality, interest. This is mistake often made the first time or two out in the real world, and it happens to everyone (me included).
When the cold discomfort of approval without question presents itself, be prepared for the objectors to rear their heads in due course. Many time, it is necessary to go through the "buy-in" process again once the initiative is off and running. Not to ensure that it starts, but in order to identify those who are willing to apply their support and available resources to enable its potential for success.
If you saw the posts, you now understand what it takes to prevail with an idea in the face of adversity and what to expect when people crawl out of their pride caves and offer their measured "gratitude." Now, it is time to deal with the oft product of self-confidence and self-made success: idolatry.
The Second Commandment was prioritized for a reason, and if I was sorting these trinkets of intellectual drivel with respect to essential value, what I am about to say would be at the top of the list. Just like the Second Commandment, it needs an introduction, which the first two pieces of advice provided.
There is a point where the successful and knowledgeable encounter their first true test. One stands before a group, presents their idea, and receives the most uncomfortable and painful response they can receive: nothing.
No one speaks out or asks questions. The gallery quietly ponders the presentation, and then one comes forward, somewhat sheepishly, and proclaims, "this is a great idea."
Subsequently, people follow with additional acclaim. Everyone is on board. A sigh of relief is felt, until it is realized that something is missing amongst the ever-growing excitement: opposition.
The presence of those who do not agree with what we want to do is a barrier, so long as it exists. When it is gone, it feels like a warm blanket stripped off the bed on the coldest night of the year.
The reality, of course, is that successful, performance-driven people know that questions and criticism best serve to improve and verify the validity of our ideas, as well as make sure that other parties are really "on board" for the tasks to come if we move forward.
Successful people also know that criticism and opposition are not, in of themselves, barriers to getting what they want. Some people in power often ask for more than what they want, knowing that there will be trade offs that lead to their desired result. Others appreciate the opinions of others as a way of incorporating the "buy in" necessary to achieve objectives in a collaborative environment.
Those starting out professionally are not in a position to mandate or force anyone, even those beneath or equal to them, to follow their lead. They are still "in the pack," and if their fellow hunters smell a better deal, they will lose them quickly. In order to build the support necessary to achieve in a given endeavor, our coworkers or team members must show a direct, personal interest. This is best achieved not through their blind, passive allegiance, but rather their active questioning and objection, issues that eventually lead to better solutions.
The proof is easy to see throughout history, especially when it comes to the aftermath. Moments of almost universal praise and support often lead to wide disdain and anger. "People" want to support what others support, while "individuals" try to balance their emotions with logic. This is not a new concept, but it is easily lost upon many when we are faced with moments where the ideas before us sound too good to be true.
Of course, that does not mean that the ideas or initiatives developed are bad or evil. Often, they are just as strong as presented. The problem is that most supporters do not invest themselves until they understand a concept on their own terms. Otherwise, why would major corporations spend combined billions of dollars marketing their ideas to the public?
Achieving goals and objectives when it requires the support and involvement of others, whether customers or stakeholders, necessitates an appreciation of both interest and commitment. The desired result in any presentation or pitch is commitment, but we can easily assume this is the case when it is only, in reality, interest. This is mistake often made the first time or two out in the real world, and it happens to everyone (me included).
When the cold discomfort of approval without question presents itself, be prepared for the objectors to rear their heads in due course. Many time, it is necessary to go through the "buy-in" process again once the initiative is off and running. Not to ensure that it starts, but in order to identify those who are willing to apply their support and available resources to enable its potential for success.
Week of Wisdom, Day Two: Recognition creates expectation
I'll start off by apologizing for the lateness of the post for Day One of Always Achieve's first Week of Wisdom, as well as the fact that this post is appearing on Day Three. Actually, it only serves to reinforce the advice given yesterday, "don't listen to me."
Now it is time for Day Two (i.e., yesterday). Let's examine those moments we wait for in life where all seems right with the world and the choices we make. These are the times when we receive the greatest reward possible when our moments of noticed accomplishment reflect not only technical excellence, but also a spiritual simpatico with our passions. These are the time, of course, when we receive recognition.
"Recognition" can take many forms. but most of the time, it is simply acknowledgement from our peers and customers. If we are passionate about what we do, we focus on the results and benefits it provides others (customers, society, etc.). A sincere compliment or sign of appreciation is often all we need to feel truly fulfilled, though a bonus, promotion, or deal with a new client does not hurt.
However, such platitudes represent one of the sharpest of double-edge swords we deal with. Those who are most likely to compliment are often just as likely to criticize, denigrate, and most importantly, disappoint (more on this last word later this week). The worst part is that we might draw out their anger or frustration without doing anything differently, even if we are just as helpful or correct as we were before.
This is the hard part of developing relationships and building a body of work. Whenever something does not go right, one often finds their most vocal detractors amongst their most ardent "supporters." Those who are easy to tell us what a great job we are doing when times are great can be the first ones to shove us to the front of the firing line when things get tough.
At some point, anyone successful reaches the point where they receive the recognition they deserve. It might happen formally, like when you receive an award or promotion to a level with notoriety and "perks." In some cases, it is when you simply start receiving the emails, verbal accolades, and pats on the back from coworkers, colleagues, or supervisors.
What's the solution? Once you notice the recognition, and it may be subtle rather than obvious, realize that you are no longer "in hiding." At this point, your actions will be noticed. As long as you succeed, the praise will grow. Your confidence will grow, as well.
Of course, you will slip, make a mistake, or run into a problem that cannot be solved to anyone's satisfaction. When it happens, the track record of success will not matter. "Political capital" and "peace dividends" do not matter in a world where your last evaluation is the only one people think about.
When it comes to careers, the short memory of your professional associates and society in general work to your advantage. Once you rise again, often as quickly as you fall, "people" will be there to praise you. The feeling will ebb and flow, and even those closest to you who you can trust will still show changes in behavior depending on how your efforts are evaluated by the masses and authority.
In short, perception of success and failure can be random and replicating as this post. The reactions of others will only serve to reinforce the most important element of achievement, the realization that one step is only as good as the next. Enjoy the trail!
Now it is time for Day Two (i.e., yesterday). Let's examine those moments we wait for in life where all seems right with the world and the choices we make. These are the times when we receive the greatest reward possible when our moments of noticed accomplishment reflect not only technical excellence, but also a spiritual simpatico with our passions. These are the time, of course, when we receive recognition.
"Recognition" can take many forms. but most of the time, it is simply acknowledgement from our peers and customers. If we are passionate about what we do, we focus on the results and benefits it provides others (customers, society, etc.). A sincere compliment or sign of appreciation is often all we need to feel truly fulfilled, though a bonus, promotion, or deal with a new client does not hurt.
However, such platitudes represent one of the sharpest of double-edge swords we deal with. Those who are most likely to compliment are often just as likely to criticize, denigrate, and most importantly, disappoint (more on this last word later this week). The worst part is that we might draw out their anger or frustration without doing anything differently, even if we are just as helpful or correct as we were before.
This is the hard part of developing relationships and building a body of work. Whenever something does not go right, one often finds their most vocal detractors amongst their most ardent "supporters." Those who are easy to tell us what a great job we are doing when times are great can be the first ones to shove us to the front of the firing line when things get tough.
At some point, anyone successful reaches the point where they receive the recognition they deserve. It might happen formally, like when you receive an award or promotion to a level with notoriety and "perks." In some cases, it is when you simply start receiving the emails, verbal accolades, and pats on the back from coworkers, colleagues, or supervisors.
What's the solution? Once you notice the recognition, and it may be subtle rather than obvious, realize that you are no longer "in hiding." At this point, your actions will be noticed. As long as you succeed, the praise will grow. Your confidence will grow, as well.
Of course, you will slip, make a mistake, or run into a problem that cannot be solved to anyone's satisfaction. When it happens, the track record of success will not matter. "Political capital" and "peace dividends" do not matter in a world where your last evaluation is the only one people think about.
When it comes to careers, the short memory of your professional associates and society in general work to your advantage. Once you rise again, often as quickly as you fall, "people" will be there to praise you. The feeling will ebb and flow, and even those closest to you who you can trust will still show changes in behavior depending on how your efforts are evaluated by the masses and authority.
In short, perception of success and failure can be random and replicating as this post. The reactions of others will only serve to reinforce the most important element of achievement, the realization that one step is only as good as the next. Enjoy the trail!
Monday, March 16, 2009
Week of Wisdom, Day One: Don't listen to me
It is now time to start Always Achieve's first Week of Wisdom. Be prepared for the greatest advice and insight ever spouted by someone yet to turn 35, make $1 million, or be involved in a major sporting event. Now, it is time for the enlightenment.
Let's start off with the topic of advice. Whether we are starting out professionally, undertaking reinvention, or simply trying to maximize the potential of an opportunity, one commodity ever present is the suggestions and insight of observers. They might be a mentor or friend we trust and admire, or a person off the street with unique perspective that possesses the potential for benefit. There are also the "experts" we meet on the street or find online and in a myriad of books and articles whose credentials and track record of success lead many to value their opinions and recommendations for success.
Learning, in all forms, is the highway on which we travel toward achievement. Knowledge, experience, and influence each play a part. However, they must work in a state of balance. This is especially true when faced with personal situations where we cannot seem to overcome the advice and "wisdom" of others, especially when our instincts tell us we are right.
It's probably happened to you before. A new idea or wave of creativity hits us and our passion drives us to proceed. Then, the advice suggests changes, alterations, and of course, avoiding the idea altogether. Our confidence shrinks, replaced with doubt and the sense of security found in the status quo.
The guidance of others serves a purpose when it facilitates your growth or development, not when it inhibits ideas or creativity. Criticism from others, whether direct or masked by "suggestions" or "points of view," provides benefit when you can take the information and improve the effectiveness of your ideas. The words of others, regardless of their source, should never get in the way of the potential latent within your strengths and passions.
The successful among those who offer advice know this well. They remember what others said of them, even when the critics thought they were only being helpful.
An effective way to understand it is to put yourself in the position of the advisor (this is not an exercise in empathy, mind you). Do you really know what the creator's idea is? Do you know what will make it work? Is there any harm in their attempt at success? If you think about it seriously, you may still want to offer your suggestions, but indicate that they, not you, are in control.
We may think we want advice, but what we really want, more often than not, is a knowledgeable hand we trust and admire to simply look us in the eye and reassure with these simple words: "don't listen to me." Phrases like that are, in themselves, a sign of success.
Let's start off with the topic of advice. Whether we are starting out professionally, undertaking reinvention, or simply trying to maximize the potential of an opportunity, one commodity ever present is the suggestions and insight of observers. They might be a mentor or friend we trust and admire, or a person off the street with unique perspective that possesses the potential for benefit. There are also the "experts" we meet on the street or find online and in a myriad of books and articles whose credentials and track record of success lead many to value their opinions and recommendations for success.
Learning, in all forms, is the highway on which we travel toward achievement. Knowledge, experience, and influence each play a part. However, they must work in a state of balance. This is especially true when faced with personal situations where we cannot seem to overcome the advice and "wisdom" of others, especially when our instincts tell us we are right.
It's probably happened to you before. A new idea or wave of creativity hits us and our passion drives us to proceed. Then, the advice suggests changes, alterations, and of course, avoiding the idea altogether. Our confidence shrinks, replaced with doubt and the sense of security found in the status quo.
The guidance of others serves a purpose when it facilitates your growth or development, not when it inhibits ideas or creativity. Criticism from others, whether direct or masked by "suggestions" or "points of view," provides benefit when you can take the information and improve the effectiveness of your ideas. The words of others, regardless of their source, should never get in the way of the potential latent within your strengths and passions.
The successful among those who offer advice know this well. They remember what others said of them, even when the critics thought they were only being helpful.
An effective way to understand it is to put yourself in the position of the advisor (this is not an exercise in empathy, mind you). Do you really know what the creator's idea is? Do you know what will make it work? Is there any harm in their attempt at success? If you think about it seriously, you may still want to offer your suggestions, but indicate that they, not you, are in control.
We may think we want advice, but what we really want, more often than not, is a knowledgeable hand we trust and admire to simply look us in the eye and reassure with these simple words: "don't listen to me." Phrases like that are, in themselves, a sign of success.
Sunday, March 15, 2009
The week of wisdom
Many soon-to-be graduates are returning for the final push of their final semesters after a pleasant Spring Break. Why not welcome everyone back with a couple pieces of advice gleamed from the personal experiences one can only obtain by repetitive failure, low self-esteem, and less-than-desirous external personality.
Be on the lookout starting tomorrow (Monday) for five straight days of essential, life-altering wisdom, courtesy of your pro bono, non-credentialed, online career advisor. My apologies, but the nonexistent promotional budget refrains me from offering any detailed. I promise you, however, that what you will see will be about as original as possible in online career advice. See you tomorrow.
Be on the lookout starting tomorrow (Monday) for five straight days of essential, life-altering wisdom, courtesy of your pro bono, non-credentialed, online career advisor. My apologies, but the nonexistent promotional budget refrains me from offering any detailed. I promise you, however, that what you will see will be about as original as possible in online career advice. See you tomorrow.
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