if you’re going to be successful, you should know that a lot of people are going to hate you for it. A lot of people.This is because with success comes attention. And attention naturally breeds scrutiny and judgement, as well as admiration and respect. Naturally though, you will attract your fair share of haters when this kind of focus is placed on you. Sometimes it’s not the fact that you’re getting attention that bugs people, while in some cases, it’s the sole reason
The good news though is that naysayers don’t have to ruin your day. While it may not seem like it, often, negativity can be a blessing in disguise; a catalyst to motivate you forward, giving you a chance to prove them wrong.
While deep down inside, no one loves criticism and negativity, here are a few things that have learned that have helped me to appreciate the haters. Read on and feel the love!
#1: They’re Brutally Honest
To a point, that is. While you can’t take everything that a hater says as solid truth, you can bet that they’re going to draw attention to your weak points. And that’s something that none of our friends or family would ever do.
Always seek negative feedback, even though it can be mentally painful. They won’t always be right, but I find the single biggest error people make is to ignore constructive, negative feedback. Don’t let a good hater go to waste, gather the truth from what they’re saying –just remember to throw the rest of it away.
#2: They Push You Forward
While none of us ‘likes’ to be hated; there’s nothing like a little negativity to motivate you to do even better. While negative remarks that come from those closest to you will have the opposite effect (that’s why they say that those who are closest to us can hurt us the most), when it comes to haters, it’s another story. Your haters are largely made up of folks that really don’t know you, and that you don’t really care about as much. Insults from these guys can actually propel you forward. So the next time you hear that someone’s been saying something bad about you, know that you can use that as motivation to prove them wrong. But don’t worry –you won’t have to thank them!
#3: They Remind You That You’re in Control
Negativity forces you to take a deep and honest look at yourself, and gives you a chance to find out what you’re really made of. It also reminds you that while you can’t control what others are saying, you do have complete control over how you feel about your life. You can let those negative comments get you down, or use them to motivate you forward. It’s your call.
#4: Publicity is a Good Thing
Even though it may not seem like it at the time -no one wants to have bad press- negativity can actually bring you valuable publicity.
Here is a crazy observation; the number one predictor of popularity is how angry it makes your haters. In other words, publicity –especially negative press, encourages interaction. People are much more likely to engage with negative stories than they are with positive ones. “When you get bad press, your haters love it, so they talk about it, and your fans hate it so they come in and defend you,”
#5: They’re a Sign of Success
No matter what, it’s important to remember that at the end of the day, people wouldn’t be talking if it weren’t for your success. So don’t let it get you down, instead use it to motivate yourself, and prove your point by proving them wrong. And of course, no one said it better than Churchill himself. “You have enemies? Good. That means you've stood up for something, sometime in your life.” Take heart in knowing that everyone who’s found their way into the public sphere has been hated at some point or another. No one’s exempt.
“If everybody loves you, something is wrong. Find at least one enemy to keep you alert.” -Paulo Coelho
#6: They Make Success So Much Better
Finally, I firmly believe that haters just make your successes feel even better. It’s one thing to reach a pinnacle of success with the support of a devoted fan base that supported you all the way, and knew you could do it all along. It’s another to reach that point, despite all of the naysayers who said it couldn’t be done. Revenge, it turns out, is sweet after all. Take that haters!
Above all, it’s important to remember that negativity can be turned into success. Use it to motivate you, pick out the truth that can be found in it, and let it remind you that you’re still in control. Don’t let it get to your head, or cause you to lose sight of your goals. Publicity is a good thing, and having your very own critics is often a sure sign of success.
So don’t let the haters get you down, instead use them to drive you to success. There really is no better way to handle negativity. Also, remember that in the end, negativity and positivity don’t pay the bills.
“One week they like me, the next week they hate me, both weeks I get paid.”
How do you deal with haters? Do you find it easy to let things slide? Feel free to share your strategies in the comments.
Thursday, 30 October 2014
Tuesday, 28 October 2014
How to give effective criticism
Nobody really likes to be criticized: the word has negative connotations of someone pulling your work apart and telling you how bad it is and making you feel angry and annoyed, just like a drill instructor shouting at a new recruit. The reality is that people are often simultaneously bad at giving criticism and similarly poor at receiving it. Whilst we often like to think that we are giving out good advice and feedback, the recipient may hear our words as negative criticism and respond in a way that we had not intended.
Couching everything as mere feedback often misses the point that there may be serious performance issues that need to be addressed. That doesn't, however, mean that the manager has to adopt an overtly negative or hyper-critical approach to giving meaningful and developmental criticism. you and I have to be more positive in our approach, if we want to develop our team and deliver on our objectives.
So how do we ensure that as a people we are a good critic too?
#1 – Accentuate the Positives
Start by praising what went well. If you start on a positive then you have the team member on side and they'll also believe that what you are telling them is balanced and considered and they may be more receptive to what you have to say. If you launch in with what went wrong, then you will alienate them from the outset and their defences will be up, even if you then proceed to give them some praise for something that went well.
#2 – Highlight Progress
Even if the performance isn't quite where it needs to be, give credit where progress has been achieved and forward momentum has been made. A key part of motivation is to feel that we are getting good at something, but if all we hear is how bad we are doing, even where some progress – however slight – is being made, then this can be a powerful de-motivator. If things have improved, then say so.
#3 – Be Encouraging
Suggest that the issue can be resolved and that the team member is capable of overcoming it and succeeding, given the right encouragement and support. Try and be nurturing towards your team, because the payback in terms of the boost to performance will be incalculable and you will be building a supportive and loyal group around you.
#4 – Share the Blame
Don’t make the team member out to be a scapegoat. If you are the manager, then some of the blame probably sits on your shoulders and if part of the reason is something that you did, or failed to do, then say so. Otherwise you will just start to build resentment and a belief that you are prepared to sacrifice others and shift the blame. Your team don’t expect you to be infallible, but they do expect you to have broad enough shoulders to admit your own mistakes when they happen
Couching everything as mere feedback often misses the point that there may be serious performance issues that need to be addressed. That doesn't, however, mean that the manager has to adopt an overtly negative or hyper-critical approach to giving meaningful and developmental criticism. you and I have to be more positive in our approach, if we want to develop our team and deliver on our objectives.
So how do we ensure that as a people we are a good critic too?
#1 – Accentuate the Positives
Start by praising what went well. If you start on a positive then you have the team member on side and they'll also believe that what you are telling them is balanced and considered and they may be more receptive to what you have to say. If you launch in with what went wrong, then you will alienate them from the outset and their defences will be up, even if you then proceed to give them some praise for something that went well.
#2 – Highlight Progress
Even if the performance isn't quite where it needs to be, give credit where progress has been achieved and forward momentum has been made. A key part of motivation is to feel that we are getting good at something, but if all we hear is how bad we are doing, even where some progress – however slight – is being made, then this can be a powerful de-motivator. If things have improved, then say so.
#3 – Be Encouraging
Suggest that the issue can be resolved and that the team member is capable of overcoming it and succeeding, given the right encouragement and support. Try and be nurturing towards your team, because the payback in terms of the boost to performance will be incalculable and you will be building a supportive and loyal group around you.
#4 – Share the Blame
Don’t make the team member out to be a scapegoat. If you are the manager, then some of the blame probably sits on your shoulders and if part of the reason is something that you did, or failed to do, then say so. Otherwise you will just start to build resentment and a belief that you are prepared to sacrifice others and shift the blame. Your team don’t expect you to be infallible, but they do expect you to have broad enough shoulders to admit your own mistakes when they happen
Thursday, 16 October 2014
What To Do When You Don’t Know What To Do
All of us, from the Executive-suite to the maintenance crew, are occasionally confronted with a problem or an issue about which we don’t know what to do. Depending upon your experience these moments can be exciting because:
● they open the possibility of learning, discovering, and growing ● or terrifying because they can be felt by you or seen by others as a comment on your capability and/or competence.
But in both instances they are definitely a window onto your character. So what do you do at those times when you don’t know what to do?
I am proposing a strategy, a holistic approach, weaving together the objective elements of a don’t-know-what-to-do moment with subjective intention to solve the problem.
So, what to do?
Admit It:
Many people refuse to admit they don’t know what to do. They rationalize, deny, ignore, and manipulate themselves to prevent losing face in their own eyes and those of their colleagues. The resulting problem is that they disconnect from reality. To maintain their stance they create a fantasy/illusion, a story they invent, and treat it as though it’s real.
For example---in the discomfort of an I-don’t-know moment, should you be asked, “Hey, what’s going on?” you might respond with “No problem. No problem:” But by doing that you deny reality and cut yourself off from the only source of solving the problem---i.e. you. Any solution you might imagine will be ineffective at best because it has to do with not losing face rather than the issue at hand. So your first choice is to Admit It.
Don’t Go Into The Past:
When confronted with an I-don’t-know moment people will search their experience for a solution. But whatever they find in the past is the same information or point of view that got them to the current I-don’t-know position.
If what you lack is topical you may find an answer in a book or from a colleague. But if you’re confronted with a problem that requires creativity it follows that creativity requires something new. You can
● use your experience to frame the problem
● strip away what is unnecessary; ● and/or focus your efforts, but the solution is not to be found in the past
It must be discovered or invented or both so that the solution is drawn out of the future---or to say it another way, the solution will create the future.
Accept That You Are At A Limit:
This takes admitting you don’t know what to do to the next level.
By accepting this you respond to the situation affirmatively, positively, and without a fight. You don’t chastise or condemn yourself for running up against a limit. You allow reality to be what it is respecting the fact that everyone confronts limits in their lives.
The power of acceptance is that it minimizes and even eliminates struggle and makes you available to see differently and more clearly. Resistance adds another layer of distance from what is real for you and it keeps you in place. Acceptance demonstrates your maturity and your willingness to become accessible to the way a solution will emerge, a solution you will not think of otherwise.
Listen:
When you listen you engage with the problem from an open and receptive point of view. You allow the solution, which, by the way, is already present in the problem, to emerge. I use the word “emerge” quite consciously and quite organically to include your creative depths---the unconscious---and your analytical, stepwise awareness---your conscious mind.
“Emerge” means to:
● come forth into view as from concealment or obscurity;
● come into existence;
● develop.
When a solution, or the beginnings of a solution, emerges this is a creative act. You cannot demand it nor can you wrestle it into being. As I said above, if you struggle, it will only bring forth the past which will keep you where you are.
Listening is just not intellectual, i.e. conceptual. It is total---your emotions, your intuition, your imagination, your mind---conscious and unconscious. It must be total because you are entering a new space, looking for a solution that has not been present to you before. Because you are in a new space you must explore until you have enough information to decide. Also, a solution can come to your awareness full blown without the need to be developed step-by-step or in bits that must be strung together to make the picture clear. Deep listening is the best method to assure your knowing how to proceed and what to do.
Take A Break:
A simple technique that can allow you to relax is to step away from the problem. When you become blocked continuing to drive will generally just add more blockage to your already blocked up mind. Do something different. Let your thoughts change their attention: drift in reverie, play, go for a walk and enjoy the scenery---do something totally other than concentrating on the problem. It’s been well documented that doing so very often yields an “Aha.” No guarantees. But it’s better than knocking against a wall that at the moment will not allow you entry.
Be Patient:
Some people will say that patience is NOT a virtue in the business world where you need to move fast. And I don’t disagree. But without patience you will distort the process and your solution will be distorted if not still born.
It takes courage to be patient but the outcome will be far more productive and rewarding.
What do you think? I'd love to know.
● they open the possibility of learning, discovering, and growing ● or terrifying because they can be felt by you or seen by others as a comment on your capability and/or competence.
But in both instances they are definitely a window onto your character. So what do you do at those times when you don’t know what to do?
I am proposing a strategy, a holistic approach, weaving together the objective elements of a don’t-know-what-to-do moment with subjective intention to solve the problem.
So, what to do?
Admit It:
Many people refuse to admit they don’t know what to do. They rationalize, deny, ignore, and manipulate themselves to prevent losing face in their own eyes and those of their colleagues. The resulting problem is that they disconnect from reality. To maintain their stance they create a fantasy/illusion, a story they invent, and treat it as though it’s real.
For example---in the discomfort of an I-don’t-know moment, should you be asked, “Hey, what’s going on?” you might respond with “No problem. No problem:” But by doing that you deny reality and cut yourself off from the only source of solving the problem---i.e. you. Any solution you might imagine will be ineffective at best because it has to do with not losing face rather than the issue at hand. So your first choice is to Admit It.
Don’t Go Into The Past:
When confronted with an I-don’t-know moment people will search their experience for a solution. But whatever they find in the past is the same information or point of view that got them to the current I-don’t-know position.
If what you lack is topical you may find an answer in a book or from a colleague. But if you’re confronted with a problem that requires creativity it follows that creativity requires something new. You can
● use your experience to frame the problem
● strip away what is unnecessary; ● and/or focus your efforts, but the solution is not to be found in the past
It must be discovered or invented or both so that the solution is drawn out of the future---or to say it another way, the solution will create the future.
Accept That You Are At A Limit:
This takes admitting you don’t know what to do to the next level.
By accepting this you respond to the situation affirmatively, positively, and without a fight. You don’t chastise or condemn yourself for running up against a limit. You allow reality to be what it is respecting the fact that everyone confronts limits in their lives.
The power of acceptance is that it minimizes and even eliminates struggle and makes you available to see differently and more clearly. Resistance adds another layer of distance from what is real for you and it keeps you in place. Acceptance demonstrates your maturity and your willingness to become accessible to the way a solution will emerge, a solution you will not think of otherwise.
Listen:
When you listen you engage with the problem from an open and receptive point of view. You allow the solution, which, by the way, is already present in the problem, to emerge. I use the word “emerge” quite consciously and quite organically to include your creative depths---the unconscious---and your analytical, stepwise awareness---your conscious mind.
“Emerge” means to:
● come forth into view as from concealment or obscurity;
● come into existence;
● develop.
When a solution, or the beginnings of a solution, emerges this is a creative act. You cannot demand it nor can you wrestle it into being. As I said above, if you struggle, it will only bring forth the past which will keep you where you are.
Listening is just not intellectual, i.e. conceptual. It is total---your emotions, your intuition, your imagination, your mind---conscious and unconscious. It must be total because you are entering a new space, looking for a solution that has not been present to you before. Because you are in a new space you must explore until you have enough information to decide. Also, a solution can come to your awareness full blown without the need to be developed step-by-step or in bits that must be strung together to make the picture clear. Deep listening is the best method to assure your knowing how to proceed and what to do.
Take A Break:
A simple technique that can allow you to relax is to step away from the problem. When you become blocked continuing to drive will generally just add more blockage to your already blocked up mind. Do something different. Let your thoughts change their attention: drift in reverie, play, go for a walk and enjoy the scenery---do something totally other than concentrating on the problem. It’s been well documented that doing so very often yields an “Aha.” No guarantees. But it’s better than knocking against a wall that at the moment will not allow you entry.
Be Patient:
Some people will say that patience is NOT a virtue in the business world where you need to move fast. And I don’t disagree. But without patience you will distort the process and your solution will be distorted if not still born.
It takes courage to be patient but the outcome will be far more productive and rewarding.
What do you think? I'd love to know.
Sunday, 12 October 2014
Step up and be counted...boldly!!
Recently, I was discussing with a colleague of mine the state of affairs at companies that we used to work with and for and we found some interesting parallels: in most of the larger companies, no matter what the industry, there seemed to be a common thread:
1.People spent an inordinate amount of time "covering their asses" - basically generating paperwork and other "evidence of industry" that they were working, other than actually working. If they did any actual work, they made sure not to do too much or too little of it.
2.Very few people took on responsibility and made decisions, for fear that they would stick out and either be reprimanded or fired.
In short, we concurred that in a lot of companies, innovation groups aside, the culture was so risk averse that timidity was the order of the day - people would much rather ask and get permission first before implementing anything - yes, not even incremental innovation and small process improvements, lest something goes wrong and they are blamed for it.
Timidity, not boldness, was the order of the day.
Funny thing though. If we, in our respective teams and groups, ever actually WERE BOLD - actually stepped up and took responsibility, actually made decisions, were accountable, stuck our necks out, instead of being slammed down, we were applauded.
Eventually we realized that people were desperate for someone, anyone, to step up and throw the first stone - to be the trailblazer, to be the one that steps up and takes control. I've done it a number of times now at a number of different companies and you know what - it's never ended up a negative thing - I've always been lauded and applauded.
Sure, there are always naysayers, but they usually get drowned out by the cheering of those who were looking for someone to step up.
So be that person. Be the one who steps up. Be bold.
You'll probably be pleasantly surprised by the result.
1.People spent an inordinate amount of time "covering their asses" - basically generating paperwork and other "evidence of industry" that they were working, other than actually working. If they did any actual work, they made sure not to do too much or too little of it.
2.Very few people took on responsibility and made decisions, for fear that they would stick out and either be reprimanded or fired.
In short, we concurred that in a lot of companies, innovation groups aside, the culture was so risk averse that timidity was the order of the day - people would much rather ask and get permission first before implementing anything - yes, not even incremental innovation and small process improvements, lest something goes wrong and they are blamed for it.
Timidity, not boldness, was the order of the day.
Funny thing though. If we, in our respective teams and groups, ever actually WERE BOLD - actually stepped up and took responsibility, actually made decisions, were accountable, stuck our necks out, instead of being slammed down, we were applauded.
Eventually we realized that people were desperate for someone, anyone, to step up and throw the first stone - to be the trailblazer, to be the one that steps up and takes control. I've done it a number of times now at a number of different companies and you know what - it's never ended up a negative thing - I've always been lauded and applauded.
Sure, there are always naysayers, but they usually get drowned out by the cheering of those who were looking for someone to step up.
So be that person. Be the one who steps up. Be bold.
You'll probably be pleasantly surprised by the result.
Friday, 10 October 2014
How to avoid office romance
The office romance is still alive and well but there are some critical rules of the road that I would strongly advise. After all, people's lives and careers are at stake.
If that special someone has caught your eye in the office, review this checklist before making the advance and embarking on the forbidden journey:
•Know your Company's policy on office dating. Every Company is different and there may be consequences from the start. You might find yourself in a situation where you have to quit your job or change locations for the fire to keep burning.
•Keep it professional. Refrain from the cute touching, kissing and other PDA's. Your co-workers will appreciate you both for being discreet.
•Assume that the staff knows, but don't flaunt it. Back in the day people got a kick out of the office romance game. Not anymore. Many may be offended. Their opinion, whether you like it or not, counts.
•Let the boss know before she/he finds out from someone else. Your professional attitude will go a long way in maintaining the boss's respect.
•Consider what might happen if the relationship doesn't work out. Give it more than a minute's thought. It's best to think about it when you are sober.
•Show respect. While this is true in any circumstance, it is especially true in a professional environment. Go the extra mile to be thoughtful, polite and understanding.
•Don't take business trips together. Your chances of crossing the lines of Company policy get very muddy with this one.
•Understand that no means no. If he/she says that they don't want the relationship, don't push it. Not only is that unprofessional, it's creepy.
HR Managers please chime in with comments below and add to my list or if you have an office romance that you would like to share, please do
If that special someone has caught your eye in the office, review this checklist before making the advance and embarking on the forbidden journey:
•Know your Company's policy on office dating. Every Company is different and there may be consequences from the start. You might find yourself in a situation where you have to quit your job or change locations for the fire to keep burning.
•Keep it professional. Refrain from the cute touching, kissing and other PDA's. Your co-workers will appreciate you both for being discreet.
•Assume that the staff knows, but don't flaunt it. Back in the day people got a kick out of the office romance game. Not anymore. Many may be offended. Their opinion, whether you like it or not, counts.
•Let the boss know before she/he finds out from someone else. Your professional attitude will go a long way in maintaining the boss's respect.
•Consider what might happen if the relationship doesn't work out. Give it more than a minute's thought. It's best to think about it when you are sober.
•Show respect. While this is true in any circumstance, it is especially true in a professional environment. Go the extra mile to be thoughtful, polite and understanding.
•Don't take business trips together. Your chances of crossing the lines of Company policy get very muddy with this one.
•Understand that no means no. If he/she says that they don't want the relationship, don't push it. Not only is that unprofessional, it's creepy.
HR Managers please chime in with comments below and add to my list or if you have an office romance that you would like to share, please do
Sunday, 5 October 2014
We all are slaves to our smartphones
Whilst at a concert last week, dubbed "the comedy night", I had a quick look around at the audience of fellow comedy lovers and the majority of attendees all had one thing in common which was the inability to keep their smartphone in their pocket for more than 2 minutes!
Some even watched most of the gig through the black screen on their phone as they recorded which prompted the question “why are we desperately trying to record and capture the moment rather than simply enjoying it?”
From experience, when looking back at footage shot on smart phones the sound and images seldom capture the experience of the show itself, so the night would be better enjoyed and remembered if we simply left our phones in our pockets.
After the encore, people headed for the exits, but rather than talk to each other about how great the performance they just shared together in a moment that will be frozen in time inside their hearts and minds, most couples were heads down into their phones before going for an after show drink somewhere only to sit at a table in silence with their attention directed towards their online lives.
Suddenly it felt like I had the third eye of enlightenment and could see how we are turning into zombies who are slaves to an insatiable thirst for their mobile phones and digital connections who they probably will never even meet in the physical sense.
Here is the irony: this fantastic technology that has enabled people from every corner of the world to connect and share ideas has equally prevented us from being able to communicate with each other face to face.
In extreme circumstances, it’s not unusual to find people recording the scene of an accident on their phone rather than offering a helping hand which is something that I find incredibly creepy, sinister and reminiscent of the brave new world that some author wrote about many years ago.
Recently a smartphone-addict sidewalk was created in China for users who are just too busy to look up and see where they are going that once again proves the theory that truth really is stranger than fiction.
This got me thinking, I wonder how many times we actually check our mobile devices each day?
Make no mistake, I am not going to get all self-righteous with you all because I have enough self-awareness to know that I'm guilty of checking my own phone over 100 times a day and have recently upgraded to a Windows phone which allows me to have multiple apps running and several functionalities that are largely addictive. This, in itself, makes me a part of the problem rather than the solution.
Even when armed with this information, I realise that if there is ever a spare few minutes such as queue at the supermarket, I will be reaching for my phone but I would argue that this is more productive than standing around sighing and complaining about the length of time to be served!
As someone who is passionate about how technology has revolutionised the field of productivity and communication in the workplace, there is no doubting that the key to the success is via being connected, collaborative and creative.
Technology can have an often overwhelming but positive effect on our lives, however sometimes maybe we should all try to be more self-aware of our immediate surroundings and the experience that you could be missing out on right now.
Everything is on demand in this digitally connected world where instant gratification dominates every aspect of our lives, however the next time we are in that important work meeting, romantic meal or day out with family and friends, let’s all make an extra effort to rescue the lost art of communicating face to face and enjoying the moment rather than recording it.
Living your life, rather than viewing it through a screen should be an easy choice for anyone to make, so let’s make a united effort to not take for granted the things that really matter in our lives.
Some even watched most of the gig through the black screen on their phone as they recorded which prompted the question “why are we desperately trying to record and capture the moment rather than simply enjoying it?”
From experience, when looking back at footage shot on smart phones the sound and images seldom capture the experience of the show itself, so the night would be better enjoyed and remembered if we simply left our phones in our pockets.
After the encore, people headed for the exits, but rather than talk to each other about how great the performance they just shared together in a moment that will be frozen in time inside their hearts and minds, most couples were heads down into their phones before going for an after show drink somewhere only to sit at a table in silence with their attention directed towards their online lives.
Suddenly it felt like I had the third eye of enlightenment and could see how we are turning into zombies who are slaves to an insatiable thirst for their mobile phones and digital connections who they probably will never even meet in the physical sense.
Here is the irony: this fantastic technology that has enabled people from every corner of the world to connect and share ideas has equally prevented us from being able to communicate with each other face to face.
In extreme circumstances, it’s not unusual to find people recording the scene of an accident on their phone rather than offering a helping hand which is something that I find incredibly creepy, sinister and reminiscent of the brave new world that some author wrote about many years ago.
Recently a smartphone-addict sidewalk was created in China for users who are just too busy to look up and see where they are going that once again proves the theory that truth really is stranger than fiction.
This got me thinking, I wonder how many times we actually check our mobile devices each day?
Make no mistake, I am not going to get all self-righteous with you all because I have enough self-awareness to know that I'm guilty of checking my own phone over 100 times a day and have recently upgraded to a Windows phone which allows me to have multiple apps running and several functionalities that are largely addictive. This, in itself, makes me a part of the problem rather than the solution.
Even when armed with this information, I realise that if there is ever a spare few minutes such as queue at the supermarket, I will be reaching for my phone but I would argue that this is more productive than standing around sighing and complaining about the length of time to be served!
As someone who is passionate about how technology has revolutionised the field of productivity and communication in the workplace, there is no doubting that the key to the success is via being connected, collaborative and creative.
Technology can have an often overwhelming but positive effect on our lives, however sometimes maybe we should all try to be more self-aware of our immediate surroundings and the experience that you could be missing out on right now.
Everything is on demand in this digitally connected world where instant gratification dominates every aspect of our lives, however the next time we are in that important work meeting, romantic meal or day out with family and friends, let’s all make an extra effort to rescue the lost art of communicating face to face and enjoying the moment rather than recording it.
Living your life, rather than viewing it through a screen should be an easy choice for anyone to make, so let’s make a united effort to not take for granted the things that really matter in our lives.
Thursday, 2 October 2014
Linking your college life to your career
College is a time for personal and professional growth. However, with growth, generally comes some mistakes. As long as you learn from those mistakes and make sure they don’t negatively impact a professional career down the road, you’ll be just fine.
Here are some behaviors and mistakes you need to stay away from to ensure a bright future and great job out of college:
1. Depend on dangerous remedies to get through rush-hour. Whether it’s studying for the big exam tomorrow or pulling a trans-nighter to write your thesis, nothing is worth depending on dangerous remedies or drugs to get you through it.
Avoiding crunch time altogether is your No. 1 solution to this problem. Develop good prioritization and time management skills while you’re in college so you don’t have to worry about this in a professional position.
If crunch time is inevitable, learn how to be as efficient as possible and pick up some healthy strategies to keep your mind fresh. Caffeine in moderation is a great way to keep yourself awake and alert, and consistent breaks can help bring fresh air to your body and stimulate your mind.
2. Forget about your health.
Once you’re away from home and don’t have a routine built yet, it’s easy to make poor decisions that will end up affecting your health.
As you build a routine, be mindful of decisions you’re making that can keep you healthy and successful in your college life. Think about what you eat and drink or how much time you set aside for exercise. Doing this early in college will give you the ability to maintain a healthy lifestyle later in life when you have even more responsibilities to juggle.
3. Share too much on social media. It’s fine to have fun with your social media channels and use them for what they’re intended: socializing. However, making smart decisions in college about what you post on your social channels will greatly impact your outcome of finding a great job out of college.
Use a more private channel to share some of your crazier memories, like Snapchat, but leave all your inappropriate images and comments off any major social channel. This will ensure any bad behaviors from your college days won’t dampen a bright future.
4. Miss out on side projects that can showcase your skills.
Expanding your soft skills is critical to become a desirable employee. Colleges provide many opportunities to get involved with things beyond just classroom curriculum, including clubs, pre-professional organizations, and even study groups. Stop avoiding these and take advantage of them.
These side projects will allow you to meet new people and expand your network and build your soft skills. They also look great on your resume. Just because you’re a college student doesn’t mean employers don’t expect to see some kind of initiative to grow your skills in a professional or collaborative setting within the industry you’re applying.
5. Let your hobbies fall to the wayside.
It is easy to lose sight of the things that mattered a lot to you before college. Whether it is a hobby, sport, or activity, keep it up in some capacity. You may not be able to begin doing it right away, but as your routine solidifies, you will be able to carve out time to get back to what helps you decompress and maintain a sense of familiarity.
Hobbies and personal interests are also a great way to identify with those in the professional world. They give common ground to find conversation and show that you are a well-rounded person outside of work or school.
6. Obsess over failure and miss out on fun.
You have enough going on and plenty to worry about so there is no reason to be obsessed with what may or may not happen a couple years down the road.
Give yourself some slack and enjoy college. Always focusing or worrying about the future and never enjoying the moment will make you lose friends or lose out on forming new relationships. This can stunt your growth and could be a detriment to making powerful connections in college that will help drive your professional path.
College is a great time to let loose, have fun and learn about yourself. There will be bumps in the road as you make your way to the real world, and that’s ok. Just keep in mind what your ultimate goal for college is. Also, steer clear of the bad behaviors and habits that could negatively impact your future and the chance to land your dream job
Here are some behaviors and mistakes you need to stay away from to ensure a bright future and great job out of college:
1. Depend on dangerous remedies to get through rush-hour. Whether it’s studying for the big exam tomorrow or pulling a trans-nighter to write your thesis, nothing is worth depending on dangerous remedies or drugs to get you through it.
Avoiding crunch time altogether is your No. 1 solution to this problem. Develop good prioritization and time management skills while you’re in college so you don’t have to worry about this in a professional position.
If crunch time is inevitable, learn how to be as efficient as possible and pick up some healthy strategies to keep your mind fresh. Caffeine in moderation is a great way to keep yourself awake and alert, and consistent breaks can help bring fresh air to your body and stimulate your mind.
2. Forget about your health.
Once you’re away from home and don’t have a routine built yet, it’s easy to make poor decisions that will end up affecting your health.
As you build a routine, be mindful of decisions you’re making that can keep you healthy and successful in your college life. Think about what you eat and drink or how much time you set aside for exercise. Doing this early in college will give you the ability to maintain a healthy lifestyle later in life when you have even more responsibilities to juggle.
3. Share too much on social media. It’s fine to have fun with your social media channels and use them for what they’re intended: socializing. However, making smart decisions in college about what you post on your social channels will greatly impact your outcome of finding a great job out of college.
Use a more private channel to share some of your crazier memories, like Snapchat, but leave all your inappropriate images and comments off any major social channel. This will ensure any bad behaviors from your college days won’t dampen a bright future.
4. Miss out on side projects that can showcase your skills.
Expanding your soft skills is critical to become a desirable employee. Colleges provide many opportunities to get involved with things beyond just classroom curriculum, including clubs, pre-professional organizations, and even study groups. Stop avoiding these and take advantage of them.
These side projects will allow you to meet new people and expand your network and build your soft skills. They also look great on your resume. Just because you’re a college student doesn’t mean employers don’t expect to see some kind of initiative to grow your skills in a professional or collaborative setting within the industry you’re applying.
5. Let your hobbies fall to the wayside.
It is easy to lose sight of the things that mattered a lot to you before college. Whether it is a hobby, sport, or activity, keep it up in some capacity. You may not be able to begin doing it right away, but as your routine solidifies, you will be able to carve out time to get back to what helps you decompress and maintain a sense of familiarity.
Hobbies and personal interests are also a great way to identify with those in the professional world. They give common ground to find conversation and show that you are a well-rounded person outside of work or school.
6. Obsess over failure and miss out on fun.
You have enough going on and plenty to worry about so there is no reason to be obsessed with what may or may not happen a couple years down the road.
Give yourself some slack and enjoy college. Always focusing or worrying about the future and never enjoying the moment will make you lose friends or lose out on forming new relationships. This can stunt your growth and could be a detriment to making powerful connections in college that will help drive your professional path.
College is a great time to let loose, have fun and learn about yourself. There will be bumps in the road as you make your way to the real world, and that’s ok. Just keep in mind what your ultimate goal for college is. Also, steer clear of the bad behaviors and habits that could negatively impact your future and the chance to land your dream job
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