Category: self-help

With intent

FabrizioLeave a comment

Good job! is not feedback.

I like how you handled the situation is not feedback.

We are hiring somebody to support you is not feedback.

Performance reviews are not feedback.

The truth is, we rarely get feedback we can work with. And part of the reason is that we probably don’t like it.

We need to be asking for feedback regularly and with intent. What do you want to know? What could help you on your path? What do you feel is important to you at this stage?

Feedback is not going to happen otherwise.

Before the holidays

Fabrizio1 Comment

Few advises for your last day before the holidays.

  • Take care of the emails early in the day. You don’t want to send out an important message while you are rushing out of the office.
  • Find the courage to say no to last minute requests. In fact, plan your day (even your week) in advance, and stick to the plan.
  • Keep the day free of meetings, and let everybody know in advance.
  • Allocate half an hour to draft a schedule for your first day back. It’s going to make your last days of vacation feel more relaxing.
  • Update your calendar for once you are back. Mark down personal commitments to avoid double bookings, send out invites for things you need to follow up with, allocate time for breaks.
  • Remove work related apps from the phone.
  • Log off 5 minutes earlier.

I promise you, when you are back, everything is still going to be there.

Enjoy the summer!

Getting used to it

FabrizioLeave a comment

It’s not the next big thing. It’s not the role you want. It’s not the company you’d love to work for. It’s not the next 1,000 or 1,000,000 euros. It’s not the year that is starting soon or the new season.

For as much as having goals and ambitions can be fuel for your doing, make sure that does not get you burnt while you are seeking peace of mind.

In the end, it’s simply what you have here and now.

Get used to it.

Make it matter

FabrizioLeave a comment

When somebody tells you that you are not ready for a project, a new challenge, a promotion, there are two ways you can react.

You can behave as if you were not given the responsibility. That’s easy, because you were not. It is the attitude of “why should I?”, of “it won’t matter”.

Or you can behave as if you were given the responsibility. Do what you would have. It is the attitude of “I can”, of “I will make it matter”.

Which one will you choose?

A break

FabrizioLeave a comment

Breaks should not be a privilege, a sign of laziness, something you are embarassed to ask.

Breaks are important for two reasons.

They help to take distance from what you regularly do. And in doing so, you get the chance to reinforce your dedication and find new ways to approach old problems.

They also promote the idea that no matter who you are, no matter how important the work you are doing, the world is not going to end if you pause.

Take frequent breaks, and take some long ones too throughout the year. Give them all of your attention and dedication. Make them real.

You should be proud of it.