We all have crappy days/weeks/etc. The important thing is what we do with them.
All tagged personal development
Beginning Background Knowledge
Understanding underlying concepts is critical to being successful. Not only will they help in whatever you’re up to now, but they can be applied across tools areas and people to make other ventures more successful as well.
Owning Mistakes
Mistakes… we’ve all got them, but not many of us own up to them. Calling ourselves out is scary, but helps us grow in many ways… it also helps us build stronger relationships and trust.
On Perseverance
Perseverance, or the ability to keep going, despite hitting brick walls repeatedly is a great skill to have. Having it means we can weather unexpected challenges more easily, and makes it easier to reach if they crop up.
On Negative Examples
Finding examples of things you want to mimic is great… but looking for examples of things you’d like to avoid (good and bad) is also important.
Flexibility
Flexibility is an ever-more-important skillset. Bending yourself to a task lets you meet new folks, explore new areas, and even avoid things you don’t want to do.
Forward Movement
Moving forward towards a threat is counterintuitive, but offers a number of advantages over other options. Being closer lets you see what’s really happening, makes response easier, and reduces long-term risk. Uncomfortable? Yes. Something we all need to practice? Definitely.
Like flipping a switch
Turning on your focus and controlling your energy isn’t something that takes time to “power up”. Instead, it’s more like flipping a switch… when you need it, it’s there.
Flexing your focus muscles
Not being focused is essentially a choice. Fortunately, focus is like our muscles, it’s strength and control can be improved by conscious effort. Take time every day to practice focusing on something (anything, really), and consciously take control.
The importance of having a good stance
Martial arts training is all about building strong foundations. These can take the form of strong basic concepts, like focus, or physical alignment. Regardless of which application, a strong foundation, or stance, is absolutely necessary for success both in the martial arts and in the rest of life. Not having a strong stance means falling over, weaker strikes, and more.
Play a little, train a little, work a little every day
Taking time to train, play and work each day not only helps keep us balanced, but helps ensure we have time to do things that are meaningful to us.
Laid Off? Invest in Your Self
Getting laid off is tough… many stressful questions can come up and a lot of uncertainty is introduced. It also presents an opportunity though… an opportunity to work on your Self and really figure out how you want to shape your life.
Tech changes can have vast impacts on peoples jobs. In this case, it resulted in a look of sheer terror when a supply manager had to stop using paper and use a computer. Empathy was critical in helping him make the jump to the New World.
There aren’t many of us who can be “the best” at any one thing. This means we have to learn to be OK being the best “me”.
There’s always been a debate around training vs. experience. Both have their strengths and weaknesses, and ardent supporters. I find a blended approach very helpful - you get both hands-on learning and background knowledge.
Keeping track of your accomplishments is important. Not only can it help during performance evaluations, but more importantly having a stock of positive messages can help pick you up when you’re down
We’ve all got tons to do. Understanding what pieces of work you can get rid of (either by automation, sharing or just not doing) will both help you know what’s going on AND help improve how you operate.
Frequently in tech we get pulled into high-criticality situations. Despite the pressure of these it’s incredibly important to remember to breath, look around, examine options and then execute your plan. These steps can help stop a situation from snowballing out of control, and also help your partner teams through tough situations.
Being in “tech” has a certain allure to many folks. If you’re interested in getting into “tech”, take time to first understand WHY you want to, then get out there and do your homework.
Being asked to join a big project can be a bit scary. Not panicking (having faith in your team) and doing your homework (having faith in yourself) goes a long way to growing and staying successful.