Five Things Everyone Should Learn On The Beach
Sometimes a break is what we need to gain perspective about the world around. Work, family, friends, and even perceptions. Sometimes we get so deep into what we do, especially in our work lives that we miss the obvious things. It’s seeing the forest through the trees. So I’ve compiled a quick list of five items that I learned on my vacation from the working world!
1) Take a Breath. Everyone loses a job, gets downsized, or gets replaced. For years if your ratings sagged, you got replaced. If you want to see insecurity, check out the coaching profession! You can win a championship, get a new contract and 18 months later, you are out. If you bring value to your mission, there is someone out there that will recognize it!
2) Be Self Aware. Too many people lament about being out of work. Most lack self-awareness. It is the “what I want”, vs “where is my true value.” I had a mentor once tell me the best exercise is to look yourself in the mirror and be honest. I loved being on the air, but there came a point where I looked myself in the mirror and realized that I could hire people more talented. So I decided to move in places where my strengths elevated my game. Success is always about putting the right butts in the right seats. I remember wanting to be a professional athlete when I was young. At some point I realized that was never going to happen. Life didn’t end, I just looked for something that fit my skill set. You don’t have to give up on your dreams, but you need to be self-aware enough to recognize what you do will and grow your capabilities.
3) Understand The Moment. Realize you are where you need to be at this point of your journey. When I was in my 20’s, I thought that I knew more than others with more experience. As I became more seasoned and my knowledge base grew, I realized I was not as smart as I thought I was. It reminds me of Guy Zapoleon’s “Cycle of Music”. As I got further in my career, I saw things repeat themselves. There are always variations, but the similarities and outcomes were a part of an already pre-determined cycle. For the young people today, Bell Bottoms are a horrible idea. You don’t think so today, but just wait and in 10 years, you will know I was right! The point is, don’t compare yourself to someone who has a more experience and gets paid for that knowledge. Instead, ask questions, learn and embrace where you are today. As my Dad used to tell me. When you are in your 20’s, your time is your biggest asset. Give it freely, treat everything as education and understand your opinion is not as valued as you believe it is. When you are in your 30’s, you will become more balanced. Your knowledge will start to become as valuable as your time. If you have done it right, from your 40’s and beyond, your knowledge will drive your livelihood. Never stop learning but now you are also a teacher to those coming up. Knowledge is power and power is a part of success. Use it to elevate not eliminate. By the way, my Dad became much smarter the older I got! Weird how that happens.
4) Never Fear Success. This has always been a tough one for me. Many times I have wanted to be entrepreneurial, but never in the fields of my expertise (or should I say, perceived expertise!). I have always felt more comfortable with a “stable” job. Maybe it was due to my family and wanting to make sure they had security. Maybe it was comfortable. Anyway, I was able to create a successful career for many years. I have built a network and have made great friendships along the way. To be honest, I’ve been very fortunate and I know that I had a lot of help along the way. However, the value placed on hard work and results are not rewarded as they have been in the past. If I could do one thing, it would have been to take more calculated risks and push out of my comfort zone. The one good thing…it’s never too late to start. Failure is scary, complacency is fatal.
5) Be Thankful. To me this has become the most important thing that I’ve learned…and like many lessons, I’ve learned it the hard way at times. I was like many others, when things go well, its all me. When things got a little sideways, well, someone other than me had to be to blame. The sooner I realized that almost no one becomes successful on their own, the easier it is to appreciate the help people gave me along the way. As I look back, I’m thankful for everyone who gave me guidance, who gave me opportunities, who gave me the finger (motivation works in mysterious ways!), and honestly, anyone who has given me time, effort, and friendship. Being thankful allows you to appreciate others and grow your network. Being thankful, being kind, and trying to do the right thing even when it’s hard costs little and usually pays off. Being a dick, usually doesn’t.
