Mediocrity Isn't the Answer

I was reading about brand loyalty today.  It's so hard to find now.  Years before it was easy to have one choice, now in the day and age of having every choice, no one product keeps our attention long.  We feel entitled to have the best.  Every brand tries to offer everything the others do and they become more homogeneous.  The differences stop mattering.  They aren't significant.  

Sadly I feel the same way about people and educations.  We fight to be well rounded and good at everything.  How does that help us?  Employers seem to look for what makes us unique.  That is just as important, if not more.  You don't have to be right for every customer or every employer.  You'll attract better ones if you stand for what you believe in and are unique.  It's a risk, but why fight to be average?

Gotta do, what you gotta do.

In a conversation today about how your mood can effect others this phrase came up. I naturally ignore fake it till you make it, but in terms of mood this was awesome. When I make myself smile and cheery I often get happier. Dancing around to happy music usually cheers me up to. Just as changing your walk can change your mood, so can a lot of other activities.

The same applies to negative emotions, but I don't want to fake anger till I'm actually angry at work. No thank you.

As silly as it sounds I like tricking myself into feeling better. I smiled more yesterday, it helped. I want my joy, excitement and passion to be infectious. Not my frustrations. Also helps to work some place I love.

No one is awesome at everything.

Some natural behaviors don't help you succeed at work. Vague, but true. Sometimes coaching to change those behaviors can make you defensive.

No one is awesome at everything. Admit you suck at doing it a certain way. Try and be aware of it so you don't slip back into that behavior and work at it every chance you get! Improving those skills will help you succeed. You want to and if people are coaching you, they want you to as well.

Work styles

This one seems really obvious. Still, it's important to talk about. I work best alone, with music or videos playing and usually too many things going on. When others see me work it can be amusing.

I have my my desktop with two screens. My phone. My laptop sometimes too. Plus my kindle or sketchbook as well. The thing is, that way works for me.

When I see others work differently I need to not judge. Be true to how you work. You do your best work that way. Early in the morning, late at night, outside, at a desk, sofa or bed. Don't be pressured to do it the "right" way.

Inspired by workisnotajob

Okay, I spent so many hours on workisnotajob yesterday.  When I moved to Chicago I chose to work for a company I love, and use the spare time I might get from not working a regular 9-5 job to do projects I am passionate about.  I may not get as much, but I cannot believe how good I feel being excited to go to my job.  How thankful I am and proud to be a part of this company. 

I lucked out with a company that the more you learn about it the more you love it.  In my spare time I can enjoy myself or delve into other work I love.  I'm happier with a job I love, than a job that pays well.  Maybe if I can move up in the company I can have both, but right now I'm just happy being a part of a great company.

My work is not a job.  It is my passion, and I am thankful everyday I chose to do this instead of getting lots of money at a job I did not love.

It reminds me of the film Lemonade.  See it if you ever get the chance.

Finding Motivation

Some jobs are just atrocious.  So many people end up quitting jobs when they really need them.  They get treated terribly, are undervalued, uninspired or just hate going there.  When I get home from a job or meeting that doesn't inspire me the rest of my day feels empty.  Some jobs we stick with because we have to.  I'm thankful not all of mine are and most days I am giddy with excitement over interactions with customers or clients.  New big ideas or just changing someone's day.

I may stay at home and feel like death but tomorrow will be better.  Sometimes I can turn around a day, but when I can't it's okay. 

Couldn't Fit This On My Hand

This is amazing and I must share.  I am far too willing to work for free, thankfully there is an amazing flowchart created by Jessica Hische to help.  Sadly it doesn't fit on my hand but that isn't stopping my today.  My blog, I can do what I want.

For the original big version go here! 

Quit Compaining

Today's common sense came from an epiphany post yoga.  When I'm getting paid, enjoy when your boss wants you to put in more hours to change something.   He gives you great feedback and values your work.  Be thankful.  It's rare to feel valued working some jobs, when you have work and a great job, look forward to the feedback and changes you can make.  You rarely get it right on the first try, enjoy the journey.