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Tag: decisions

13 lessons to be learned from expats

  1. It’s OK to not understand everything that is happening around you all of the time.
  2. True friends will keep in touch.
  3. Don’t compare your life, your successes, your failures or your progress with anyone else.
  4. Take time to connect with the people around you. See them for who they really are.
  5. Never stop learning.
  6. Use social media sparingly.
  7. Drink alcohol in moderation.
  8. Build community. Seek out and find those who bring out your very best self.
  9. If you don’t know the answer, don’t be afraid to ask.
  10. It’s always helpful to research and gather information before making big decisions. In the end, however, let intuition guide you.
  11. Spend time getting to know yourself so you can acknowledge your weaknesses and strong points.
  12. Set goals that both challenge and inspire you.
  13. Write. Make time to dream, to reflect, to observe and to record. Situations are constantly changing, and your perspectives will shift as well. Writing your thoughts down can help you stay on track and grow.

Post modified from this Medium article, posted July 15, 2015.

The long game

It’s temping to go after the immediate. “Bird in the hand is worth two in the bush” reinforces the tangible, encouraging the pursuit of results that can be seen. But what if the best results aren’t just around the corner — instead, that payoff, that freedom, that title, that responsibility is waiting; 1 year, 3 years, 7 years down the line? Would your strategy change? Would your work ethic and your daily habits be different? Would your focus remain?

It seems most people want results that are better suited for long-term strategies. They become too easily disappointed when short-term bets fall through. Matching strategy with goals should include a [realistic] priority assessment of what you’re willing and able to give. Honest considerations of finances and resources is essential in order to thoughtfully plan tactics and timelines.

There’s no use setting yourself up for the long haul if your heart isn’t in it. Make sure the goals you set match your intended aim and the resources you can put forth.

P.S. Thanks to those who contributed to my writing residence. NY, here I come!

Making time

Too often it feels like our schedules are packed and we don’t have time to do the things we really want to do. I want to encourage you to step back and reconsider.

What if the choices you make on a daily basis could be adjusted, and suddenly you find yourself with an extra hour? What would you do with that time?

What if — instead of pressuring yourself to get it all done — you eased off the gas and settled for eight out of ten, six out of ten? What if you gave 70% instead of 110%?

Write down the goals that are most important to you and the daily priorities you don’t want to lose. Look for places you can simplify and back off.

It’s possible to add hours in your day, but you may have to give something up.

For more help, visit zenhabits.

Sacrifice

What are you willing to risk? Those at the top level are there because of sacrifice. Time, attention, family, health, luxury, recognition, security, titles, safety.

Behind every story of beauty lies pain. Success often follows repeated failure. Fortune accompanies perseverance. The stories that are picked up and publicized, the most famous wins are rarely overnight sensations.

If you’re wanting to rise, if you’ve set a goal for yourself that you’re wanting to claim, you must first ask yourself: What am I willing to give?

What will become your sacrifice?

Bonus: Here’s one director’s take on the suffering that often accompanies passion and success.

Build reputation, establish trust

The fastest way to build reputation and trust with the audiences you care about: treat everyone the same.

Granting exceptions to certain people makes your work difficult, and you have to remember who you promised what. Trust is the only way you can make solutions that matter and develop reliable products.

Give the same respect, the same quality of time, the same work effort, the same level of commitment to each one of your clients. What you do and what you say must align in order for any of it to count.

While you’re dancing

You’re trying to get the project finished, but for whatever reason, your goals aren’t being met. With deadlines looming, all the outcomes you had envisioned are falling short. Nothing is working. Square pegs, round holes. Everywhere. You’re dismally unhappy.

What would happen if you eased off the gas? Put forth a little less effort?

Unmet expectations can be a signal for you to divert your energy. If you’re experiencing continual let-downs and disappointments, it’s absolutely OK to step back and regroup. Is there another project where you can invest your time?

This isn’t giving up, and you’re not a failure. You’re working effectively, conserving your energy for the places pieces fall into place and where people appreciate your efforts.

The best things happen while you’re dancing.

Happy Holidays.