Welcome to our four-part “Tip Series”.
In this weekly series, we’ll share some important things that we’ve learned throughout the years. Hopefully you’ll learn something that you can apply to your particular field!
I think the most valuable lesson that I can impart is to avoid what I call “corrosive thinking”. If you’re hazy on the word “corrosive”, click here for a quick refresher.
Just like acid eats fabric, corrosive thinking eats us up inside. Corrosive thinking rears it’s ugly head when we don’t get that big account that we wanted or when a client is being particularly difficult. If, instead of venting and moving forward, we indulge our anger, we have already started down a dark path. The next step down this road is oftentimes playing the “Comparison Game” where we compare our level of talent/ability to that of another person or another company. We feel that we are entitled, that we know better.
Well firstly, let’s say that you are being cosmically wronged and you do know better. If you ‘know better’, then no doubt it is because you were given more opportunities in life. Maybe you had a better upbringing or education or access to technology. Then isn’t it better that someone else got that big job instead of you? As you, in the Darwinian sense of the phrase are “the fittest”, therefore much more likely to get clients in the future.
When we “rank” ourselves with others, what we’re really doing is taking pride in our own insecurity. Of course, I’m not saying that we shouldn’t feel, we’re all human (except me, I’m half-robot). Sometimes something doesn’t work out that we do really need – professionally, socially, or monetarily. That’s undoubtedly discouraging, there’s no way around that. But if we don’t manage our emotions properly or check our attitudes and egos at the door, we allow ourselves to be consumed by our frustrations and our pride. The infection spreads; we’re perpetually frustrated, it affects our work, it can even spread to others in our office.
In economic terms, the opportunity cost is too great to indulge in corrosive thinking. Instead, we should take a step back when these situations arise and use our energy in a more fruitful way. Instead of being angry over being slighted – feel gratitude for the blessings in your life, instead of toiling in frustration – go follow up with some prospects, instead of yelling like a insane person – continue to master your craft.
Buddhists call this “Right Intent”, Christians call this “the fruits of the spirit”, others may call it “positive thinking”. Whatever you want to call it – this way of thinking is much more beneficial and much more pleasant than the other kind.
Thanks for reading! =)
