Understand what holds you back and well as what propels you forward.
When we see one of our peers excelling, the first thing that comes to our mind is usually: How did they do that? The best of us admire their accomplishments, but we also crave to get insights into how they did it. We want to know if we can blaze that same trail, and even get their quicker.
Through my years of academic research, working in business and coaching high-achievers, I’ve found that in virtually all circumstances emotional intelligence is the key differentiator for success. Here is some research to back that point up:
It’s about time you prioritize.
It’s easy to get down. It’s easy to feel small. It’s easy to feel like your goal or your success is so far away when you haven’t yet completed “your masterpiece” or lived out the big plans you have for yourself. The path of least resistance is ALWAYS easy.
It’s when the going gets tough, when your day is so busy with work, family obligations, personal ambitions and B.S., that the picture somehow — some crazy way — gets clearer.
Maybe you know what I mean.
Let’s face it, you have a super busy life. Heck, you might be reading…
Here’s what you need to renew your focus and prioritize.
It’s the early part of the year and you have a million things on your mind. For most of us, we’re far too anxious about little things that aren’t urgent and could easily wait for another day.
Little, insignificant worries and problems can accumulate and catch up to us, and before we know it, we’re consumed with big worries and problems. It’s better to face these things with a clear mind and an intelligent approach to knock them out.
It’s also not a bad time to ask, how are your big goals and resolutions for 2021 working out for you…
Let your curiosity fuel your advancement.
Are you willing to make one extra call? That extra effort will change the course of your journey. It’s why one of life’s most important lessons is to always, always, always Follow-up.
Following-up and checking in on someone, something or any kind of opportunity will make the difference between a successful career and an unsuccessful career. Here’s why:
Persistence is a requirement if you want to get ahead. Don’t ever mistake persistence for pushy. Don’t think you’re being a pest. Even if it feels tough inside to do it, do it anyway. Even if you’re afraid someone might ignore you…
Here’s what to do instead.
Despite many a successful person’s efforts to gain influence and control over every part of their life, it will never happen. Never.
And you know what?
That’s actually a great thing.
You have to seek to influence what you can and control what is within your control. But know it’s not possible to influence everything. As a result, you won’t figure out the answer to everything.
Those of us with dominant personalities fight this battle each day. Eventually, you have to let go. Faith needs to enter the equation. Faith in yourself, faith in others, faith in God — faith…
Start by keeping an open mind.
Throughout your life, your plans are going to change and at times, you’re gonna get knocked on your butt.
That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t make plans — or have a plan.
Quite the opposite.
Emotionally intelligent people recognize the importance of direction, discipline and purpose.
They understand when to continue their course, and when it’s time for a change. Sometimes we can be proactive and own that ourselves. Other times, we’re forced to react.
As COVID has shown us, when everything changes in an instant, we still have the ability to adapt, change our plan and push forward with optimism.
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5. Stack your less creative, more tedious work in chunks
There really isn’t some magic elixir out there that’s going to transform your mind and body, leading you to become a productivity machine. I hate to break the news to you. It’s not a quick fix.
If you’d like to stop reading there, you can.
However, there are ways to work hard, increase your focus and take the pressure off. When you have a clear, beginner’s mind, you’re operating with limitless possibilities.
I’ve worked with top executives, business leaders, athletes and writers and I’ve learned they are where they are because they operate efficiently. Time is our most precious commodity…
A story of hard work, following your heart and perseverance.
I’m going to guess you’re sick of the same ol’ hard work story. You know, the one that goes: “If you work hard enough, you’ll live the life of your dreams.”
So, here’s one that shows hard work isn’t enough. In fact, it’s about a lot more than just hard work. It’s perseverance, patience, self-improvement and recognition of your talents, strengths, passion and experience.
It’s how you use these to keep going until you find what you’re looking for. …
Are you willing to do the inner-work necessary?
How do you bring energy into each new day in your virtual environment?
It’s not easy. It is possible. Doing so makes all the difference. A technology executive I coach recently said to me,
“The way I show up, is how others show up.”
Simple. Succinct. Powerful.
This starts from a position of passion, desire and energy. We have to want to be there for ourselves and the people we lead. If we don’t want it, whether we think so or not, it shows.
Yes, even on Zoom calls!
Energy
Our self-motivation and energy work in…
Everyone should become their own boss at some point in their life.
Every great stride in productivity, performance and planning comes from what we learn and put into action from others. None of us are given all the answers. We have to figure that out. We do so from teachers, mentors, coaches and partners.
Even now, in a virtual environment for the past year, what we learn and pick up from others informs our ability to get the most out of ourselves. You can call it a chicken-and-egg relationship, but the fact is happiness feeds productivity; and vice versa.
A fascinating analysis from Harvard Business Review details Dr. Emma Seppala’s findings in…
