sent by Nick Grantham | 27th April 2021
COVID-19 has thrown up some unexpected events for all of us. Unfortunately, there are many in the S&C world who have lost their jobs. But as painful as it is, maybe it's time for you to change course. You might have to let go of some of your most treasured tools and embrace the challenge of learning some new skills. It may require taking a different approach or even doing some stuff you don't like. But if you can be agile, be creative, and pivot, you will get through this tough time and may even end up in a better and more fulfilling situation.
Source: Think Again by Adam Grant
I believe that we can have most things that we want in life, whether good or bad. Of course, if I want to break 9.58 seconds for 100m metres, it's just not going to happen no matter how hard I try. But with sustained effort, wise advice, and good decision-making, you can get to where you want in your career. I worked for two years on thirteen thousand pounds a year as an S&C coach and did hours of thankless and payless overtime. I've done countless pieces of work for free along the way in my career too. If it means making some sacrifices or needing to work for free, then you might have to swallow it and do it to get to where you want to. Just make sure that your decisions are based on your values. I did everything the wrong way round but don't regret it one bit. I got married young and had kids earlyish in my career, and as a result, I turned down good opportunities with good money to put my family first. Now I'm in a position where I can invest more in my career. Whatever way round you do it, you're going to have to work hard, make some tough decisions, and persevere to get to where you want. But don't forget your values along the way.
Source: Scott Oldford
On the one hand, I agree with the sentiment of self-preservation and making sure that you are not keeping relationships that are damaging to us or not going round and round in circles caught in an unhelpful relationship, habit or cycle that you need to walk away from. But on the other hand, I don't fully buy into this statement or attitude. It's a bit selfish and self-centred. I don't just want to know people who are 'useful' to me when it comes to relationships. I want to know people because I like people. I was humbled and almost shed a tear recently when I had a Zoom call with an old friend with whom my relationship had been damaged years ago. In the call, he was big enough to apologise for his part, and I was able to apologise for my part in the breakdown. He didn't apologise because he needed me or wanted access to my network. He apologised because he was selfless and a good person. If he had followed the above advice, he would have just walked away, but he's bigger than that, and I respect him so much for his decision to reconnect, and we will remain friends. What a challenge.
Source: Robert Tew
I read this in the book 'Perform Beyond Pressure' that was recently gifted to me by the author of the book, Rich Hudson. (Thanks Rich!) I'm an avid reader and I'm always keen to learn, and try out new things and new ideas. But it made me think, what unlearning do I need to do? Are there any unhelpful or wrong ideas or habits that I need to let go of?
Source: Perform Beyond Pressure: The Keys to Realising Your Potential by Rich Hudson
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