Considering that I live in Ohio (right in OSU’s backyard), it seems only appropriate that I write about over confidence. I’m referencing the type that is being poured out by many sports writers into the heads of LSU players/coaches/fans today. Specifically tonight’s BCS Championship game. Of course, I want the Buckeyes to win, but I don’t wish overconfidence on anyone.
If you’ve been reading paper/online sports columns, then you already know that Ohio State doesn’t have a snow ball’s chance in….
Maybe the above is true, but here are 10 rules for not getting over confident in life and work:
- Embrace discomfort. Discomfort breeds humility and a sense that everything is a journey, not a destination/arrival.
- Don’t chase success. For more on this, see Secret #3 from my upcoming book Waking Up In Corporate America: The Seven Secrets That Opened My Eyes (release date 1/15/2008).
- Don’t believe your own press. A wise friend told me once that who we are can often be found in-between the criticism and praise.
- Focus on your work and don’t compare.
- Make some mistakes and learn. In my younger days I used to think that life would be measured by my wins. I’m glad, with time, that I learned the value of losses…they produce the fertile ground for winning.
- Get mentors/advisors who are not impressed by you. These are the rare people who will actually tell you the truth.
- Stay hungry (enough said).
- Be thankful for prosperity, but don’t count on it or feel entitled to it.
- Face your insecurities and deal with them. This is often the biggest block to sustained breakthroughs.
- Go see the below movie:
“There’s a hole in the bucket, dear Henry, dear Henry”…
#6 I’ve found to be the truest. It takes people some time arguing with me to realize I relish and enjoy it, and truly seek to find out the right answer, instead of just be told “sure, you are right”.
Funny that you should comment and ask that question. I just finished listening to Pedro Aznar, who has one of the most beautiful voices on the planet…maybe in the universe. When I was a lad of 17 I heard him sing for the first time and I cried. I’ve never been that moved by another human being’s voice…nor since. It was a dream of mine to meet him and tell him how much he touched me. About 10 years later I did. One less dream for the bucket!
Powerful. So whats in your bucket?