Leveling Up

1. Define Your Own Success and Be Self-Aware

"You can look rich and be broke. You can take a beautiful family photo and hate the people in the picture."

Define success personally. Your definition of success should be authentic and clearly articulated, aligning your goals with what truly matters to you. Avoid living out someone else's definition of success. Consider both external achievements and internal growth.

Cultivate self-awareness. Understand how others perceive you by asking, "What is it like to be on the other side of me?" This requires honest self-reflection and feedback from trusted sources. Self-aware people excel at:

• Recognizing their strengths
• Acknowledging their shortcomings
• Understanding their impact on others

2. Continuously Improve and Take Calculated Risks

"Think progress, not perfection."

Embrace self-improvement. Instead of striving to be the best, focus on being better than you were yesterday. This mindset shift allows for continuous growth without the pressure of perfection. Ask yourself regularly, "How can I get better?" and be open to feedback from others.

Take strategic risks. To level up in your personal and professional life, you must be willing to step out of your comfort zone. Assess risks by:

• Remaining a student of the future
• Understanding your risk affordability
• Overcoming the fear of looking foolish

Remember, failure is often the stepping stone to success. Learn from your mistakes and keep pushing forward.

3. Support Others' Dreams and Give Credit Generously

"Be a rainbow in somebody else's cloud."

Be a dream detective. Actively seek to understand and support the aspirations of those around you. This applies to personal relationships, professional settings, and beyond. Ask yourself, "Whose dream do I need to support?" and find ways to contribute to their success.

Give credit generously. Acknowledge the contributions of others and resist the temptation to take all the credit for success. Ways to support others include:

• Using your influence to open doors for them
• Exposing them to new opportunities
• Investing your time in their growth

Remember, your success is often built on the support of many others. Paying it forward not only helps others but also enhances your own growth and reputation.

4. Own Your Mistakes and Act with Integrity

"I'm not mad you lied to me. I'm mad that I can't trust you anymore."

Take responsibility for your actions. Owning your mistakes builds trust and respect. Be quick to apologize and slow to place blame. This approach fosters a culture of accountability and growth in both personal and professional settings.

Act with integrity. Make decisions based on what's right, not just what's convenient or profitable. Consider these steps:

• Let good intentions guide you
• Ask what's right for everyone, not just yourself
• Allow for multiple ethical choices
• Invite accountability from others

Remember, your integrity is your most valuable asset. Protect it by consistently doing the right thing, even when it's difficult.

5. Manage Your Time Effectively and Prioritize Rest

"If you don't value your time, other people definitely won't."

Master time management. Audit your calendar regularly to identify time-wasters and areas for improvement. Implement strategies such as:

• Scheduling shorter meetings
• Understanding your most productive hours
• Learning to say no to non-essential commitments
• Scheduling time for personal growth and development

Prioritize rest and self-care. Recognize that you don't have to do it all. Give yourself permission to rest and recharge. This includes:

• Setting boundaries on your time and energy
• Making space for activities that bring you joy
• Recognizing when to "drop a ball" to maintain balance

Remember, effective time management and regular rest are crucial for sustained success and well-being.

6. Enjoy Life's Journey and Find Joy in Every Season

"Life is difficult. Enjoy it anyway. People are difficult. Enjoy them anyway."

Cultivate gratitude. Appreciate what you have now, rather than always chasing the next milestone. This includes:

• Enjoying your current possessions and achievements
• Finding joy in relationships and experiences
• Recognizing the value in everyday moments

Embrace every season of life. Each phase has something to offer, even if it's not perfect. Practice finding enjoyment in:

• The challenges that help you grow
• The simple pleasures of daily life
• The journey itself, not just the destination

Remember, happiness is often a choice. By consciously deciding to enjoy life's ups and downs, you can find fulfillment regardless of your circumstances.

7. Live Authentically and Create Safe Spaces for Others

"Everyone wants to be Cary Grant. Even I want to be Cary Grant."

Embrace authenticity. Be true to yourself instead of constantly trying to meet others' expectations. This involves:

• Owning your average, imperfect self
• Remaining curious and asking questions without fear
• Being honest about your beliefs and values

Create safe spaces for others. Foster an environment where people feel comfortable being their authentic selves. This includes:

• Being non-judgmental and accepting of others
• Offering support and understanding
• Encouraging open and honest communication

Remember, while not everyone needs to know everything about you, it's crucial to have at least one person who knows the real you. By living authentically and creating safe spaces, you contribute to a more genuine and supportive community.

Last updated: July 27, 2024