TIP #33: Step Out
You stay the same person if you keep doing the same things. Stepping outside your comfort zone is a conscious effort to stop your thoughts from stopping you. You're the one who gives your thoughts meaning.
People who are winning at working know stepping outside their comfort zone creates personal growth and development. They push themselves to do things that are "uncomfortable." Read more of Nan's thoughts on this topic in her August life reflections column, In the Scheme of Things , called "Going to Africa."
Check-out Nan's current Winning at Working column: Kill the Hype.
Make your work - work for you. Get Winning at Working concepts in your email every two weeks Subscribe to Nan's Winning at Working bi-weekly column.
Note: this blog will be quiet until Nan returns from her no-email, no-cell phone vacation in mid August.
Posted by Nan Russell at 10:56 AM
July 18, 2005Thought for the Day
Sitting in the bleachers, watching others, is not an option for people who want to be winning at working. You have to be out there.
As Jill Badonsky puts it: "We evolve only when we participate, not when we sit on the sidelines fearing inadequacy. And the more we act, the more wisdom, confidence, and excellence we receive."
I couldn't agree more.
Make your work - work for you. Get Winning at Working concepts in your email every two weeks Subscribe to Nan's Winning at Working bi-weekly column.
Posted by Nan Russell at 05:32 PM
July 09, 2005TIP #32: Watch Yourself
We are what we repeatedly do. Aristole
Take time and watch yourself. You acquire a habit by constantly acting in a particular way. Some are good ways; some are self-defeating. I have my share of both, but I've learned the value of checking-in to "watch" what I'm doing from time-to-time.
Recently I observed one of my habits was to immediately note down something that I find interesting. I've found it a helpful way to develop writing material (and since I'm a writer) that's a good habit. It's one to keep.
But I also identified a non-productive habit I'm in the process of developing. I noticed I pile things. So I have piles (not files). Now I can consciously work on correcting it.
Make time to step outside yourself on occasion and watch your behavior. What are you repeating? What habits are you developing that you like? Don't like? If you become what you repeatedly do, make sure it's the things you want to be doing.
Read Nan's current Winning at Working column: Get Beyond Your Tasks.
Make your work - work for you. Get Winning at Working concepts in your email every two weeks Subscribe to Nan's Winning at Working bi-weekly column.
ALSO, check out Nan's montly life relections column, In the Scheme of Things.
Posted by Nan Russell at 04:22 PM
July 07, 2005A Live and Learn Day
Today was one of those lesson days.
I'm a detailed people, and with twenty years in management, I've learned to check and recheck. So when I heard about an issue this morning that involved my brand (me!) and my winning at working website, I was first surprised, and then after checking it out, alarmed.
Thanks to the person who gave me a heads-up, I was able to get the situation corrected in a few hours. But, it got me thinking. What we think we know, may not be right.
I was upset about what happened ... deep breathe ... but I decided to chalk today up to personal development, and take comfort in Thomas Blandi's words, "If you are not having problems, you are missing an opportunity for growth."
Posted by Nan Russell at 04:25 PM
