Sunday, March 20, 2016

Quit to Get Ahead

Critical things you must stop doing now to be more successful, another Linked In article by Travis Bradberry.

We have internalized the mantra “don’t be a quitter to the point we feel guilty when we don’t finish a book that’s boring us to death. The adage persistence is necessary for success isn’t entirely wrong, but sometimes quitting is the most effective course of action. Whether it’s a failed project, a thankless job, or a doomed relationship, quitting can be a virtue.
 
Some people keep plugging away long after logic suggests it’s time to move on. This is much less productive. Knowing when to quit is a skill to be learned. I am guilty of at least five of six behaviors:
 
Quit doubting yourself. Confidence plays a huge role in success. Sometimes confidence is all it takes to reach the next level. You just have to believe it. Faking confidence doesn’t produce the same results.
 
Quit putting things off. Change is hard. So is self-improvement and going for what you want. When things are hard it’s easier to put them off.
 
Quit thinking you have no choice. There’s always a choice, though sometimes that choice is between two things that are equally bad. The overwhelming job may pay better than an easier job with shorter hours. Pretending there isn’t a choice makes you a victim taking on the mantle of helplessness. To be the victim you have to give away your power, which is needed to succeed at the highest level.
 
Quit doing the same things over and over again and expecting a different result. Even when it’s painful.
 
Quit thinking everything will work out on its own. Don’t expect your boss to notice when you’re ready for a raise or promotion. Don’t expect your co-worker to stop sloughing work off on you if you’re willing to do it. Don’t think someone will stop walking all over you as long as you allow it. You have to be productive and take responsibility for yourself.
 
Quit saying “yes.” By saying yes to one thing you’re saying no to something else. Saying yes to working long hours is saying no to working out and spending time with your family. Those saying having a hard time saying no are more likely to experience stress, burnout, and depression. Bradberry has addressed this point several times before.
 

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