A Blog on Personal Development & Leadership.
We can flourish in many ways, whether it be professionally, emotionally or spiritually. In whatever capacity we do grow, the journey to get there doesn’t just happen, it takes effort.
In nature, the hermit crab best illustrates the need for change. As it matures, the small shell it carries will eventually create discomfort. To survive, it must discard its smaller shell and seek a larger one.
Like the hermit crab, the discomfort we experience is what drives us to change and improve. But whatever our motivation is, change requires purpose and discipline.
Let’s discuss a few of these disciplines and how we can practice them in our lives.
1. Always Be A Student
Regardless of your level of expertise, and no matter how much success you have attained, there is always more to learn. The concept of ‘faking it till you make it’ is a sure path to failure. We gain nothing by pretending. We must admit our shortcomings, and toughest of all, acknowledge our failures. Owning our imperfections will also earn us a measure of respect and trust. Take action to get better at what you do. Enroll in a course at your local community college. Watch a YouTube tutorial. Read a how-to book. Maintain a strong appetite for knowledge and be a true student of your craft. 2. Set Goals and Have a Plan
Success is subjective. Each of us has their own notion of what it means. To achieve your version of success, you need to clearly define exactly what it means to you. What is it that you want? What are your intentions? No matter how lofty or modest, if you don’t identify your goals, how can you obtain them? Going further, the journey toward our goals requires a strategic roadmap. You need a plan! Write down short term and long term ‘to do’ lists. Stay accountable to yourself by keeping notes and tracking your progress. As new information presents itself, make adjustments. Document and celebrate your milestones.
3. Be Proactive
When it comes to proactivity, several entrepreneurial mottos and concepts come to mind. “Ask forgiveness, not permission”. “Move fast and break things”. While both of these ideas have pros as well as cons, there are undeniable benefits to acting on your own volition, rather than waiting for direction.
If you discover a problem and have the ability to fix it, there’s no need to wait for approval. If you identify a more effective way to tackle a project, implement it. Taking immediate action is always better than waiting for needless bureaucracy or red tape.
Mistakes are expected from everyone. Occasionally making one is a small price to pay for getting things done.
4. Take Risks Taking risks can be extremely rewarding, and hey, trying new things can be fun! When taking risks it’s always important to do your due diligence. Be strategic, evaluate your opportunities and ask yourself if the potential upside outweighs the potential downside.
Let's take skydiving as an example. For me, the risk of skydiving is not justified. The potential upside is an adrenaline rush and a short-lived great time. The potential downside on the other hand, is a messy injury or worse. To each his own, but if you ask me, this particular risk is just not worth it.
Some examples of a calculated risks may include asking for a raise, going on a blind date, or spending money on advertising for a new business venture. These risks have a small downside but a potential big upside. Spending a small budget on social media ads to promote your ‘side-gig’ may prove ineffective, but you can handle that budgeted loss of money if you fail. On the flip side, if those ads are effective you may have just launched a potentially profitable new business.
Risk taking can give you an advantage over your competition. It can also help you build new skills and best of all, provide learning experiences.
5. Self-Care
Self-care can mean many things to many people. The bottom line is in improving the quality of life by safeguarding your physical, emotional and spiritual health. The benefits of self-care can be immeasurable. An able body and a clear head can provide more self-confidence, allow increased productivity and permit one to put their own happiness and goals into clearer perspective.
A self-care routine doesn’t take immense effort but it requires mindfulness and attention to your habits. Spend time in nature when possible. Take the time to go for a walk. Mix in the occasional green juice. Go for a sauna. Don’t get lost in the cycle of living to work.
As the great Ferris Bueller once said, “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it”.
6. Be a Good Person
Last but not least, be kind. There may be nothing more rewarding than being a good person.
Ambition, tenacity, and laser-focused determination do not require that you be an asshole. Demanding excellence from your teammates does not mean that you need to lose your compassion. Behave with integrity. Treat others fairly. Have convictions and stick to them. You’ll be better off for it.
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