Tag: growth

There are no shortcuts worth taking in the long run

There are no shortcuts worth taking in the long run. Of course, this is metaphorically speaking. I’m sure you could find actual examples of shortcuts that are beneficial to you. But in the way of thinking of trying to avoid putting in the hard work, it is almost always better that you go through that tough experience instead of trying to skirt around it. The hardships will help to develop you as a person.

So instead of cheating to get an A in a class or on a test, study hard and earn that A. That way you’ll actually learn the material and be able to use it in the future.

Or instead of taking steroids to get strong really quickly, build your body over time. It will be safer and better for your overall health.

Instead of lying or taking credit when you don’t deserve it at work, tell the truth and you’ll earn more respect. Share the credit with others when it is due to them. Be humble in your successes and gracious in your defeats.

Learn to enjoy the journey instead of only focusing on the destination. When you stop and pay attention, you’ll realize that the trials and tribulations you experience along the way are some of your best learning lessons.

The relationship between courage and vulnerability

To be vulnerable is to be courageous and to be courageous is to be vulnerable. Doing something difficult when there is an easier choice inherently makes it a courageous act. Whether it is opening up about your life, telling somebody a hard truth, or defending someone else where you might get physically or emotionally hurt, there are different types of vulnerabilities, but they all require courage. How can you practice being courageous today?

On receiving advice

“Advice is one thing that is freely given away, but make sure that you only take in that which is worth having.” Excerpt from The Richest Man in Babylon

Everyone has an opinion on something and most people want to share their opinions, no matter how much or how little knowledge they have on the subject. It is important to keep an open mind, to be respectful, and to listen to other’s ideas, opinions, and advice.

But before you accept their advice and start putting it into action, try to understand if the source from which you’re receiving the advice is credible to listen to. Do they have first-hand experience in what they’re recommending to you? Are they intimate with someone who does? How far removed are they from the successes or failures of those opinions?

Be sure to always think for yourself. Use your critical thinking skills and try to play out best-case and worst-case scenarios on your head. Try to analyze the risks versus the rewards, and the likelihood of either of those extremes (as well as the middle-ground). Play devil’s advocate and try to punch holes in their advice. Does it still hold up?

In the end, understand that you can spend all day analyzing and not take any action. We all know someone who can see the faults of every decision, but is too afraid to make a decision of their own. Don’t be one of those people. Take actions (especially when it comes with asymmetric risk), learn from your mistakes, and keep moving forward.

Things to think about every day

1. Have I made strides towards my goals today? Did I help or hurt myself physically, mentally, spiritually, relationally, vocationally, and financially?

2. After my encounters with others, do I generally make them feel better about themselves?

3. Did I live with integrity today? Did I do the right things, say the right things, and act according to my values?

Courage to look within

Have the courage to face your weaknesses. Where are you lagging behind? What faults do you have? What mistakes do you repeatedly make? How can you improve in these areas?

Have the courage to admit you were wrong. It will be hard to look in the mirror instead of pointing out the faults of others. Or to admit your mistakes without caveats or giving excuses…just own them. Don’t say, “I only did this because…” or “I wouldn’t have done that if you didn’t do this.” That’s not admitting your mistake, not really.

Focus on your actions and how you can improve the situation, not on what you did right and what the other person did wrong. Don’t go in with the idea of having an “unwritten and unspoken agreement” (something in your head only) that when you apologize for X, the other will/should apologize for Y. That’s not how it works. Be sorry when you’re sorry. If you only use the words but don’t actually mean it, others will eventually see through it.