You can’t fly with the eagles if you scratch with the turkeys
We all have ups and downs, professionally and personally. I remember many low points, and somehow, someway I found a way to move forward and get back on the positive path. How about the time that the company I was working for, after announcing all the great upcoming projects, suddenly shut its doors and being instantly out of work? Or moving to a new city (without knowing the local language) and believing that I would easily find a good job? These were times of turbulence that I was unprepared for. What about you?
Stuck in your job? Uncertain about your future? Anxiety, frustration or stress due to professional relationships or a toxic office environment? What tools do you have to guide you? I have one that I want to share and has helped me pass through many unimaginable situations. Is it the magic pill that makes everything go away? Of course not. There is always work involved. It does, however, put things into perspective and can help set a path forward.
As we go through the valleys, there seems to be a point that turns it all around. Sometimes it is acceptance of a situation, a good discussion to let it all out, or other action. This valley/peak scenario used to play on repeat throughout my younger adult life. There was no pattern that I could see and was dealing with the issues on a day-by-day basis. Then, through a professional colleague, who is now a great friend to this day, simple wisdom was provided to me in the form of a small wallet-sized card. Astonishingly, it allowed me to minimize the valleys from that point onward in so many situations I have been in.
A Life-Changing Conversation
On the flight portion of a business trip to Texas, with Jesse by my side, I held this card in my hand, and something changed. Have you ever been so profoundly struck by an incident that the time and place is instantly cemented in your memory? Closing your eyes, you are almost able to remember every minute detail? This was one of those times for sure. With his endless positivity and passion, he guided me through 7 simple phrases that have provided me a guiding light to this day. Am I questioning a big decision? Go through the phrases on the card. A serious difficulty with your company? The answer is right there. I do not seem in control? OK card, do your magic.
The trip was memorable in many ways, including pooling our travel per diems and buying camping & fishing gear, setting up camp on the sand with the waves of the Gulf Coast crashing with Jiffy pop popcorn cracking over the flames. Yes, some business trips are more memorable than others. The most remarkable part of that trip was the simple card, since it struck such a major chord within me, and has been a guide in my life path ever since. Why? Because it is simply simple.
The 7 Professional Reminders – Explained
I have found that reading these 7 simple phrases puts everything back into perspective. If something is misaligned, I am able to identify and deal with it almost instantly and the path forward is evident.
I just counted the words. In under 100 words, a tool of unlimited power. Many are just common sense, however, I cannot tell you the times that I took this card with these simple words of wisdom and instantly my view of my situation changed. It keeps me centered and focused, and is still a tool I use to this day.
Let’s take a closer look:
1. “If you don’t know where you are going, you will probably end up somewhere else”
Ever been in a company that doesn’t have a strategic plan, or any plan? Yup, me too. Just one speed bump away from disaster or stuck in the endless position of mediocrity. Working towards a goal, in any form provides clarity and focus of your energy. Your subconscious mind will help you gravitate to your objective.
2. “Never complain, never explain”
This one is derived from “Never explain – your friends do not need it and your enemies will not believe you anyways” (Elbert Hibbard). Sometimes it is better to not waste energy, especially if the energy is negative. Even spending too much time providing all the details eats up energy. Stick to the main points or high level without getting sucked into this energy-draining trap. Those with confidence in you will trust your decisions.
3. This first law of holes is, “If you are in one, stop digging”
Simply stop when things are going awry. So many of us continue down the path watching the cliff as we charge full speed towards it! Raise your hand and speak out. Not thinking about it, and continuing on will not help. You will go off the cliff.
4. “You can’t fly with the eagles if you scratch with the turkeys” (people are your power, choose wisely)
This reminds me of the mastermind concept present by Napoleon Hill in his Laws of Success. Pretty much, surround yourself with good people, and good things will happen. Rise above the “crowd” thinking, especially when the focus turns negative. Find like-minded individuals and build around them. A tornado effect sets in place and things start going faster, further, without the effort.
5. “Don’t waste your life doing a job unless you love it enough to be the best”
Passion is important. We spend ⅓ of our day (or more) at work. Having meaningful work that provides avenues to bring out the best in us is important. You don’t have to do it for others, do it for yourself!
6. Ask yourself “What is the most valuable use of my time right now”
What can you do right now that will take a step, however small, to improve the current situation? Sort through the needs of the moment and find the ones that are truly important to tackle. The 80 / 20 Pareto Principle usually applies. Take the time to see clearly through the static.
7. “I will study and prepare myself and someday my chance will come”
Today is not your day. Hey, it happens. However, do you know what? Your day is just around the corner. Keep persevering, keep your target in focus, get informed. Even if you do not get there, since you are moving, other opportunities are automatically created.
How to use this information?
All the answers are in those phrases. Well, a lot of answers are. Take the time to look at each one, and see what you are presently doing in your professional life and career in general. If you are getting that funky feeling in your stomach, I think there might be some minor or major adjustments required. The next time you are confronted by a situation that makes your spidey sense tingle, refer to the reminders and pin-point why you are feeling anything but positive and upbeat.
You are not alone in your situation. Did you know that half of all workers are unhappy with their job? (source: Mercer). Be active in transforming your reality!
Paying it forward
Years of international business travel, hundreds of conferences, and working in more than a dozen different positions, lends itself to hearing many interesting stories from people from all walks of life. Over the years I found myself in so many discussions where I took out this precious card. I found that every person is able to see and take something different from these words of wisdom. I can only hope that I was able to transfer my enthusiasm as did Jesse so many years ago did for me and help others in some way. Go out there and share your knowledge with others! We all need some guidance to help us out of the valleys.
A Constant Presence – Make it part of your life
A Wicked Office starts with wicked awesome leaders and employees that have positive attitudes, respect, and a sense of purpose. We have prepared 3 versions of the 7 Professional Reminders to download and print out for your use. How about giving a card to each employee? A small page reminder to hang in your cubicle for you (and others) to view and consult and create dialogue? A poster for your office wall?
Be sure to add your thoughts or your favorite or inspiring quote(s) in the comments
DOWNLOADS
7 Professional Reminders To Keep Close: Onward to Wickedness – Card
7 Professional Reminders To Keep Close: Onward to Wickedness – Page
7 Professional Reminders To Keep Close: Onward to Wickedness – PosterLike this article? Continue reading other articles by this author: How the Universe is Conspiring for Me. The Magic of Positive Thinking
