Good afternoon, dear follower!
Last time we talked, I mentioned my next post would explore the lessons I've learned in a year of work in Fort Wayne. But the more that I thought about it and analyzed my experience, I realized that this would have to be an extended series because there is just so much to it. Every time I wrote down a lesson I've learned or been taught, I realized that there was so much to each of them! Ergo why this week, I will do a quick flyby on this year's lessons, then explore each in depth and maybe add some bonus lessons as weeks go by. In addition to this, I have some other exciting content I will be bringing you and glimpses into some big things sizzling, hot and ready to be revealed this year! But enough with the preambles. This is the first traditional office job that I have held, and if you work in an office, you know that the way that you start your day has a huge impact on the rest. Some people waltz in a little late and start their day sharing anecdotes with coworkers, grabbing some coffee, and slowly making their way to the email inbox. Slowly. And after checking their phone a few times, maybe browsing Instagram for a few. This is one of the worst ways to start your day. It begins before you even arrive at work. Get up early, accomplish a few tasks, even something so easy as making your bed and going on a run, then sitting down for good hearty-but-not-sweet breakfast with a devotional or inspirational book. Then on the way to work, jog your mind with the projects you will have to work on that day, and remind yourself that it's going to be a good day and not to be too hard on yourself. By the time you arrive at the front door of your office, throw on a smile and greet your coworkers, then sit down and immediately after settling down, open your email inbox and accomplish a small task to get the ball rolling. You see, it's all about inertia. Look at the whole day's worth of tasks, and it can be overwhelming. Break it down into manageable chunks, and you will accomplish far more than you expect. Human beings aren't robots, after all. Master your thoughts and establish good habits, and the rhythms of your life will work for you. As Drew Dick mentions in his excellent book on self-control, "Your Future Self Will Thank You", "How we spend our days is, of course, how we will spend our lives." This has become instrumental for me in becoming more productive, happier, and better at what I do. Well, that went on a little longer than expected, but boom! There's your first gem. I'll wrap up by doing that quick flyby I mentioned earlier. Besides working on habits and starting the day right, I have found that preparation is the name of the game. Come to every meeting prepared with questions you've thought of, read up on all the relevant material, and think of solutions and input before you even have to speak. This way, you're already mentally engaged in the right mindset and ready to go. Next up, guard your work-life balance jealously, but make sure that you're being a team player and putting in your hours. Lastly, I have a two-parter. Don't be a wrecking ball. Don't assume that you know everything better than your team, and that the way you did things at your last workplace was the peak of human efficiency and business. But at the same time, don't be afraid to speak up if you have a good idea or question on why we do things the way we do. Your perspective is valuable and part of the reason you were hired. These two are a tightrope to walk that most people sway to one side of. There are far more than just these few lessons however, perhaps I should write a book (or maybe I'll just have content for a long long time!!). Keep tuning in, dear reader, and I promise a more consistent posting schedule than in the past. But until then, have a wonderful day and I hope we get into contact soon if we are a good fit. Bye now!
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Kevin StockmannGraphic Designer & Social Media Specialist. BSU grad. Storyteller. Archives
September 2024
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