Competing for the section leader position of my high school band drum section taught me lessons about life that still hold true in my career today. At the ripe age of sixteen, it was win at all costs, while not taking the time to realize how I got in my own way. Eventually I won that coveted spot as section leader, but not before a very smart band director sat me down and mentored me on what winning was really all about. Winning is less about what we win and more about how we got the win, especially regarding our treatment of competitors.
Amazing when we take the time to think about why we may not be winning at our business, the one major thing standing in the way is usually OUR SELF. From how we define success to how we go about achieving it, it is all a reflective of our personal attitude. And we all know attitude is a CHOICE!
Take a look at these habits, which I have gathered from much reading and many folks who are successful, and determine if any of them may be contributing to the YOU factor keeping you from being all you can be.
1. Winning too much: The need to win at all costs and in all situations – when it matters, when it doesn’t, and when it’s totally beside the point.
2. Adding too much value: The overwhelming desire to add our two cents to every discussion.
3. Passing judgment: The need to rate others and impose our standards on them
4. Making destructive comments: The needless sarcasms and cutting remarks that we think make us sound sharp and witty.
5. Starting with “No,” “But,” or “However”: The need to secretly say to everyone, I’m right. or I ‘m afraid
6. Telling the world how smart we are: The need to show people we’re smarter than they think we are.
7. Speaking when angry: Using emotional volatility as a management tool.
8. Withholding information: The refusal to share information in order to maintain an advantage over others.
9. Failing to give proper recognition: The inability to praise and reward.
10. Claiming credit that we don’t deserve: The most annoying way to overestimate our contribution to any success.
11. Making excuses: The need to reposition our annoying behavior as a permanent fixture so people excuse us for it.
12. Playing favorites: Failing to see that we are treating someone unfairly.
13. Refusing to express regret: The inability to take responsibility for our actions, admit when we’re wrong, or recognize how our actions affect others.
14. Not listening: One of the most critical forms of disrespect for others.
15. Playing the blame game: The failure to accept full responsibility.
Our business and how we do it is a direct reflection of who we are and how we think. Isn’t it interesting that every habit listed here is a reflection of our personal attitude.
Change our attitudes, which are our habits of thought, and positive results are endless
How will you go about changing those poor challenging habits which create obstacles for achieving exactly what you want?
What is one significant habit you want to change? What will it take?
Let me know if I can help you make that change.
To your continued success,
Coach Nancy
