It’s a really crappy feeling we all know at one time or another: the realization that your efforts, kindness, or presence are being treated as the default rather than appreciated as the gift they are. Being taken for granted can be exhausting, frustrating, and deeply hurtful, whether it’s by a partner, family member, friend, or even a colleague or boss. For me personally, being taken for granted by anyone just pisses me off.
The good news? YOU have the power to change this dynamic. It starts with recognizing your worth and taking active steps to shift the balance. Here’s a practical guide on how to reclaim your value and put an end to being taken for granted.
Recognize the Signs and Acknowledge the Hurt
Before you can change the situation, you need to fully acknowledge it. Being taken for granted often looks like this:
Zero or minimal thanks: Your contributions are expected, not appreciated.
A lack of reciprocity: You’re always the one giving, reaching out, or initiating plans.
Only being called upon for favors: You feel like a resource, not a person.
Disregard for your time or needs: Your boundaries are consistently ignored.
Action Step: Don’t minimize your feelings. Tell yourself, “My feelings are valid, and I deserve respect and appreciation.” This mental shift is the foundation for everything else.
Communicate, Don’t Accuse
Many people who take others for granted aren’t doing it out of malice—they’ve simply fallen into a comfortable, unconscious routine. A calm, non-accusatory conversation can be a powerful first step.
Use “I” statements: Focus on how you feel, not on what they did wrong.
Instead of: “You never thank me for anything.”
Try: “I’ve been feeling unappreciated lately when I do X, Y, and Z. It would mean a lot to me if you could occasionally acknowledge my efforts.”
Be specific: Give clear examples of what makes you feel unappreciated and what specific changes you want to see.
Establish and Enforce Boundaries
Boundaries are the bedrock of respect. If you don’t clearly define where your responsibilities end and your personal time begins, people will naturally fill that void.
Say “No” (and mean it): You don’t have to agree to every request, favor, or social invitation. Start small. Decline a minor request without over-explaining.
Don’t over-function: If you find yourself consistently picking up the slack for others (e.g., always doing the chores, planning every event, managing a colleague’s mistakes), stop. Allow them the space to step up and own their responsibilities.
Guard your time: If you are used to being available 24/7, start setting limits. For example, “I can help with that project, but only until 5 PM today,” or “I’m busy this weekend, but I’m free to chat on Tuesday.”
Create Space and Shift the Focus
When you’re consistently available and putting others’ needs first, you create a dynamic where your efforts are expected. Stepping back is the most immediate way to disrupt this pattern.
Reduce your efforts: Do less for the person or people who are taking you for granted. Let the chore go undone, don’t initiate the weekend plan, or wait for them to contact you first.
Focus on yourself: Redirect the energy you spend on others back into your own life. Invest in a hobby, spend time with people who do appreciate you, or simply enjoy some quality solitude. When your life is full and vibrant outside of that relationship, you are less likely to tolerate being treated poorly within it.
Be Prepared for Pushback
When you change the rules of a relationship, the other party often resists. They may become confused, annoyed, or even try to make you feel guilty for setting boundaries.
Stay strong and stick to your boundaries. Remember: Your discomfort is not a reason to abandon your self-respect. If someone truly values you, they will eventually adjust and respect the new dynamic. If they refuse and the situation worsens, you may need to reassess the long-term health and benefits of that relationship and adjust accordingly.
Final Thought: You are the Standard
You teach people how to treat you. By drawing a line and demanding to be valued, you are not being selfish; you are being self-respecting. The people who truly belong in your life will meet you at that level.
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Hey everyone, I’m passionate about sharing insights on life and leadership through my blog. If you’ve found value in my posts and wish to see more content like this, please consider making a donation. Every little bit helps in continuing to provide quality guidance and inspiration.
But whether you can offer support or not, I’ll continue to try and write a blog that gives back, informs and sometimes even entertains. I hope you enjoy it!
Leadership is a never-ending journey of growth. It requires self-awareness, adaptability, and a commitment to continuous improvement. That’s why evaluating yourself as a leader is so crucial to your long-term success. Self-evaluation is a powerful way to identify your strengths, uncover areas for development, and ensure you’re effectively guiding your team toward success. In this post, we’ll look at practical steps to assess your leadership skills, reflect on your impact, and set a course for growth.
Why Self-Evaluation Matters for Leaders
Self-evaluation is more than just a personal check-in; it’s a proactive step to align your actions with your values and goals. By regularly assessing your leadership, you can:
• Gain Clarity: Understand how your behaviors and decisions impact your team.
• Build Trust: Demonstrate accountability by recognizing and addressing your weaknesses.
• Drive Growth: Identify opportunities to enhance your skills and leadership style.
• Inspire Others: Model self-reflection, encouraging your team to grow alongside you.
Let’s dive into a step-by-step guide to evaluating yourself as a leader.
Step 1: Define Your Leadership Values and Goals
Before you can evaluate your performance, you need a clear benchmark. Start by reflecting on your core leadership values and goals:
• What kind of leader do you want to be? Are you aiming to be collaborative, decisive, empathetic, or innovative? Perhaps all of the above? Write down 3-5 core values that define your leadership philosophy.
• What are your goals? Consider both short-term objectives (e.g., improving team communication) and long-term aspirations (e.g., fostering a culture of innovation).
• How do these align with your organization’s mission? Ensure your personal leadership goals support the broader vision of your team or company.
Action Tip: Create a “Leadership Mission Statement” that encapsulates your values and goals. For example: “I strive to lead with empathy and clarity, empowering my team to achieve excellence while fostering a culture of trust and collaboration.” Post your mission statement where others can see it. That will help create accountability and build a bridge to step 2.
Step 2: Seek Feedback from Others
Self-evaluation is incomplete without external perspectives. Others can provide insights into how your leadership is perceived and its impact on the team. Here’s how to gather meaningful feedback:
• Ask for 360-degree feedback: Collect input from peers, direct reports, and supervisors. Use anonymous surveys or one-on-one conversations to encourage honesty.
• Ask specific questions: Instead of vague prompts like “How am I doing?”, ask targeted questions such as:
• “What’s one thing I do well as a leader?”
• “What’s one area where I could improve my support for the team?”
• Listen without defensiveness: Approach feedback with an open mind, focusing on growth rather than justification.
Action Tip: Use a tool like Google Forms or a platform like SurveyMonkey to create a simple, anonymous feedback survey. Schedule follow-up discussions with your team to clarify feedback and show your commitment to acting on it.
Step 3: Assess Your Emotional Intelligence (EQ)
I’m really close to saying that EQ is even more important for a leader than IQ. That’s because emotional intelligence is a cornerstone of effective leadership. It involves self-awareness, self-regulation, empathy, and relationship management. To evaluate your EQ:
• Self-Awareness: Reflect on how well you understand your emotions and their impact on your decisions. Do you recognize when stress or frustration affects your leadership?
• Self-Regulation: Consider how you handle challenges. Do you stay calm under pressure, or do you react impulsively?
• Empathy: Ask yourself how well you understand and respond to your team’s needs. Do you actively listen and show genuine care for their perspectives?
• Relationship Management: Evaluate your ability to build trust, resolve conflicts, and inspire collaboration.
Action Tip: Take an online EQ assessment, such as the Emotional Intelligence Appraisal by TalentSmart, or journal about a recent leadership challenge to analyze how your emotions influenced your actions.
Step 4: Review Your Decision-Making and Results
Leadership is often judged by outcomes. Evaluate your decision-making process and the results of your leadership:
• Decision-Making Process: Are your decisions informed, inclusive, and aligned with your values? Do you seek different perspectives before acting?
• Impact on Team Performance: Look at measurable outcomes, such as team productivity, morale, or project success. Have your actions led to positive results?
• Adaptability: Reflect on how you handle change or uncertainty. Do you pivot effectively when faced with challenges?
Action Tip: Review a recent project or initiative you led. Write down what went well, what didn’t, and one decision you would approach differently next time. Use this to identify patterns in your leadership style.
Step 5: Evaluate Your Communication Skills
Effective communication is critical for leadership success. Assess how well you convey ideas, listen, and encourage open dialogue.
• Clarity: Do you articulate goals and expectations clearly? Are your instructions easy to understand?
• Active Listening: Do you genuinely listen to your team’s ideas and concerns, or do you dominate conversations?
• Feedback Delivery: Are you constructive and specific when providing feedback? Do you balance praise with areas for improvement?
Action Tip: Record a team meeting (with permission) or ask a trusted colleague to observe your communication style. Note areas where you excel or could improve, such as body language or tone.
Step 6: Reflect on Your Team’s Growth and Engagement
A leader’s success is tied to their team’s growth and motivation. Evaluate how you are fostering a positive and productive environment:
• Team Development: Are you providing opportunities for your team to learn and grow? Do you delegate effectively to build their skills?
• Engagement: Are team members motivated and committed? Do they feel valued and empowered?
• Culture: What kind of culture are you creating? Is it inclusive, collaborative, and aligned with your values?
Action Tip: Conduct a “stay interview” with team members to understand what keeps them engaged and what could improve their experience. Use their insights to assess your impact as a leader.
Step 7: Set Goals for Improvement
Self-evaluation is only effective if it leads to action. Based on your reflections and feedback, identify 1-3 areas for improvement and create a plan:
• Be Specific: Instead of “I’ll be a better communicator,” aim for “I’ll practice active listening by summarizing team members’ points in meetings.”
• Set Measurable Goals: For example, “I will implement monthly one-on-one check-ins with my team to improve engagement.”
• Seek Resources: Consider leadership training, books (e.g., The Five Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencioni), or a mentor to support your growth.
Action Tip: Create a 30-60-90-day plan outlining specific actions you will take to improve. Review your progress regularly to stay accountable.
Step 8: Make Self-Evaluation a Habit
Leadership evaluation isn’t a one-time task—it’s an ongoing practice. Build self-reflection into your routine:
• Daily Reflection: Spend 5 minutes at the end of each day journaling about a leadership moment—what went well and what could be better.
• Monthly Check-Ins: Revisit your leadership mission statement and goals to ensure you’re on track.
• Annual Deep Dive: Conduct a comprehensive self-assessment, including 360-degree feedback, to measure your growth over time.
Action Tip: Use a journal or app like Evernote to track your reflections and progress. Set calendar reminders for monthly and annual check-ins.
Final Thoughts
Evaluating yourself as a leader requires honesty, humility, and a commitment to growth. By defining your values, seeking feedback, assessing your emotional intelligence, and reflecting on your impact, you can gain a clear picture of your strengths and areas for improvement.
The goal isn’t perfection but progress—each step you take toward becoming a better leader inspires your team and drives meaningful results. As you become a more effective leader, your team becomes more effective as well. And never forget, not even for a moment, that your leadership is not about you; it’s ALL about the people you lead.
So, take the first step today: carve out 15 minutes to reflect on one aspect of your leadership, such as how you handled a recent challenge. Then, commit to one small action to improve. Your team—and your future self—will thank you for it.
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Hey everyone, I’m passionate about sharing insights on life and leadership through my blog. If you’ve found value in my posts and wish to see more content like this, please consider making a donation. Every little bit helps in continuing to provide quality guidance and inspiration.
But whether you can offer support or not, I’ll continue to try and write a blog that gives back, informs and sometimes even entertains. I hope you enjoy it!
Sometimes we get so overwhelmed that everything seems to set us off. A tough critique at work, a spat with a friend, a never-ending to-do list—suddenly, the world can feel like it’s crashing down. But the truth is, most of what stresses us out are just small pieces of a much larger, more complex puzzle.
Learning how to keep things in perspective isn’t about ignoring problems; it’s about developing a mindset that prevents minor setbacks from hijacking your overall well-being.
I’m a big believer in living in what Dale Carnegie called, “Day-Tight Compartments.” Living each day in its own 24 hours. That means not allowing yesterday’s “stuff” to impact today’s efforts. It means not over-worrying about tomorrow’s events at the cost of today’s happiness and productivity.
Living in Day-Tight Compartments is the superpower that lets you navigate storms without sinking your entire ship.
Here are a few practical strategies you can use to zoom out and regain your footing when life feels too big and your Day-Tight Compartment starts to get a little leaky.
1. The 10/10/10 Rule
When you’re facing a stressful decision or a major upset, try asking yourself these three simple questions:
How will I feel about this in 10 minutes? (Immediate impact)
How will I feel about this in 10 months? (Mid-term impact)
How will I feel about this in 10 years? (Long-term impact)
Most of the things that cause immediate distress—that awkward email, a spilled coffee, a missed deadline—will have zero emotional weight in 10 months or 10 years. This exercise instantly shifts your focus from the current drama to the long-term reality, often shrinking the problem down to its true, manageable size.
2. The “Worst-Case Scenario” Check
Our minds are masters of catastrophizing. When we feel anxious, we often jump straight to the most dramatic, scary outcomes without checking the facts.
Next time you feel a worry spiraling, take a moment to define the absolute worst-case scenario. Write it down. Then, ask yourself two more questions:
How likely is this truly to happen? (Be honest, not fearful.)
If it did happen, what is the absolute minimum I could do to recover?
By confronting the “worst” and creating a fallback plan, you strip away its power. You realize that even if the worst happens, you would be okay, and you have the resourcefulness to handle it. You move from panic to planning. This will take a ton of weight off your shoulders.
3. Embrace the “Circle of Concern vs. Circle of Influence”
This concept, popularized by Stephen Covey, is critical for reducing stress over things you cannot control.
Circle of Concern: Everything you worry about—the economy, the weather, what others think of you, a coworker’s bad mood.
Circle of Influence: The things you can actually do something about—your effort, your attitude, your boundaries, and how you spend your time.
When stress hits, identify what part of the problem falls into your Circle of Influence. Don’t waste energy fretting over the weather (Concern); focus on bringing an umbrella (Influence). By dedicating your time and energy only to what you can control, you become more effective and less burdened.
4. Practice Gratitude Daily
It sounds almost silly, but a consistent gratitude practice is one of the most powerful tools for perspective. When you focus on what you lack or what went wrong, you narrow your vision. Gratitude forces you to widen it.
Take three minutes every morning or evening to list three specific things you are genuinely grateful for. It could be your morning coffee, a good night’s sleep, or the support of a friend.
This simple act reminds you that even on a bad day, your life is filled with existing good things—and the minor setback you’re currently facing doesn’t invalidate any of them. It puts your troubles into a richer, fuller context, which tends to shrink them.
A Final Thought: You Are More Than Your Problems
Remember that you are not your immediate circumstances. Hope is the understanding that our current circumstances are very unlikely to be our permanent circumstances. A bad day is a single data point, not a complete picture of your life. That means we always have hope. When you feel trapped by a current challenge, step back, breathe, and use one of these tools to zoom out.
The ability to keep things in perspective isn’t a trait you’re born with; it’s a skill you build, day by day, worry by worry. Start practicing today, and watch how much smaller and easier to manage your challenges become.
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Considersupporting my efforts with a gift!
Hey everyone, I’m passionate about sharing insights on life and leadership through my blog. If you’ve found value in my posts and wish to see more content like this, please consider making a donation. Every little bit helps in continuing to provide quality guidance and inspiration.
But whether you can offer support or not, I’ll continue to try and write a blog that gives back, informs and sometimes even entertains. I hope you enjoy it!
It’s easy to get stuck in the floaty trap. You know the one, the one that feels like you’re just floating along, letting life happen to you instead of making things happen yourself.
It can be a pretty comfortable feeling until it’s not. Eventually, we get frustrated with floating because, while it feels pretty good, we have little to no control over where we end up.
When we “float” we are subject to the whims of other people and circumstances that we’ve chosen to not control. Floating is a pretty common feeling, and it is easy to stay there way longer than you should. But floating does not have to be a permanent condition.
YOU can take control of your life!
Taking control of your life is about making a conscious decision to be the driver, not the passenger in your life’s journey. It’s about being intentional with your choices and actions, big and small.
Here’s how to start taking control of your life.
Define What “Control” Means to You
First, you need to understand what taking control looks like for you personally. It’s absolutely not the same for everyone. When you get married, for instance, you are willingly and lovingly giving up at least some control to your partner.
So for you, is control about your career? Your health? Your relationships? Your finances? It’s likely a combination of these things and maybe more, but identifying the key areas that feel out of whack is the first step. Grab a notebook, iPad, or whatever, and jot down the parts of your life that feel most chaotic or uncontrolled. This isn’t about judgment; it’s about clarity.
Set Intentional Goals
Once you’ve identified the areas you want to work on, it’s time to set some goals. These shouldn’t be vague wishes. A good goal is SMART:
• Specific: What exactly do you want to achieve?
• Measurable: How will you track your progress?
• Achievable: Is this goal realistic for you right now?
• Relevant: Does this goal align with your values and what you want for your life?
• Time-bound: When do you want to achieve this by?
For example, instead of “I want to get healthy,” try “I will walk for 30 minutes three times a week for the next month.”
Embrace Small Actions
The idea of “taking control” can feel overwhelming. The key is to start small. A big change is just a series of small, consistent actions. If your goal is to save more money, start by packing your lunch once a week instead of buying it. If you want to learn a new skill, commit to 15 minutes of practice a day. These small wins build momentum and confidence, proving to yourself that you are capable of making a change.
Practice Self-Awareness
One of the most powerful tools for taking control is self-awareness. It’s about understanding your habits, triggers, and emotions. Why do you procrastinate? What makes you feel stressed? What are you truly passionate about? The more you understand yourself, the better you can navigate your life’s challenges. Journaling, meditation, or simply taking a few minutes each day to reflect can help you develop this awareness.
Take Responsibility (Without Blame)
This is a tough one, but it’s essential. Taking control means taking responsibility for your choices, ALL your choices, and their outcomes. This is not about blaming yourself for past mistakes. Instead, it’s about acknowledging your role in your current situation. For example, if you’re not happy with your job, instead of blaming your boss or the company, ask yourself, “What can I do to change this situation?” Maybe it’s updating your resume, networking, or taking a course to learn new skills. This shift in perspective is incredibly empowering.
Taking control of your life isn’t a one-time event; it’s a continuous practice. It’s about being proactive, not reactive. By defining your goals, starting with small actions, practicing self-awareness, and taking responsibility, you can begin to steer your life in the direction you want to go.
Things still will not always go your way, but YOU have the power to change directions as many times as are required to put yourself exactly where you want to be. Now that’s control!
So, where will you start?
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Hey everyone, I’m passionate about sharing insights on life and leadership through my blog. If you’ve found value in my posts and wish to see more content like this, please consider making a donation. Every little bit helps in continuing to provide quality guidance and inspiration.
But whether you can offer support or not, I’ll continue to try and write a blog that gives back, informs and sometimes even entertains. I hope you enjoy it!
I’m a little surprised by how often I’m asked by people how to ask for a raise. I don’t normally answer a question with a question, but in this circumstance, I do it anyway. The question I ask is, “Do you deserve a raise?”
I get a variety of answers to that question. Many people say, “well, I need one.” This is where the frustration begins to set in for them. Because my reply is that if I’m your employer, I could care less that you think you need a raise.
I then ask them to explain to me, with a pretty good level of specificity, why they deserve a raise. I want them to tell me what they have done to make themselves more valuable to their employer.
It is my belief that no one is entitled to a raise they didn’t earn just because they have been with a company for a certain period of time.
Consistently increasing the value you bring to your employer is the fastest way to earn a raise. Increasing your value helps you stand out from your colleagues and coworkers. Standing out as a valuable employee not only helps you earn a raise, it can open doors to career growth, job security, and personal fulfillment. Becoming indispensable to your employer isn’t about working harder—it’s about working smarter, aligning your efforts with the company’s goals, and consistently demonstrating your worth.
Here’s a practical guide to increasing your value at work, with actionable steps you can start implementing today.
Understand Your Company’s Goals and Priorities
To be truly valuable, you need to align your work with what matters most to your employer. Take time to understand your company’s mission, vision, and current objectives. Are they focused on increasing revenue, improving customer satisfaction, or streamlining operations? Knowing this helps you prioritize tasks that directly contribute to those goals.
Actionable Steps:
Ask questions: In team meetings or one-on-ones, inquire about the company’s short- and long-term priorities.
Read up: Review company reports, strategic plans, or public communications (e.g., investor updates or press releases) to grasp the bigger picture.
Align your work: Frame your contributions in terms of how they support key objectives. For example, if customer retention is a priority, focus on delivering exceptional service or suggesting process improvements.
Example: If your company is pushing for digital transformation, volunteer to learn a new tool or platform that supports that initiative, like mastering a CRM system or analyzing data to improve decision-making.
Develop In-Demand Skills
Employers value employees who bring expertise that is relevant to the company’s needs. Stay ahead by continuously developing skills that are in demand, both within your role and in the broader industry. This could mean technical skills (e.g., data analysis, coding) or soft skills (e.g., communication, leadership).
Actionable Steps:
Identify skill gaps: Look at job descriptions for roles similar to yours or ask your manager which skills would make you more effective.
Invest in learning: Take online courses (platforms like Coursera, LinkedIn Learning, or Udemy are great), attend workshops, or earn certifications relevant to your field.
Apply your skills: Find opportunities to use your new skills on the job, whether through a special project or by improving an existing process.
Example: If your company uses data to drive decisions, learning basic Excel functions or a tool like Tableau can make you a go-to person for insights, increasing your value.
Take Initiative and Solve Problems
Valuable employees don’t wait for instructions—they proactively identify challenges and propose solutions. Being a problem-solver shows you are invested in the company’s success and can be trusted to handle responsibilities.
Actionable Steps:
Spot inefficiencies: Look for processes, tools, or workflows that could be improved and suggest actionable fixes.
Volunteer for challenges: Offer to lead a project, tackle a tough client issue, or streamline a task that others avoid.
Think ahead: Anticipate potential roadblocks in your team’s work and propose ways to address them before they become problems.
Example: If your team struggles with meeting deadlines due to poor task tracking, propose adopting a project management tool like Trello, or Asana and offer to set it up.
Build Strong Relationships
Your value isn’t just about what you do but how you work with others. Building strong relationships with colleagues, managers, and stakeholders fosters collaboration and makes you a trusted team member.
Actionable Steps:
Communicate effectively: Be clear, concise, and respectful in emails, meetings, and conversations.
Support your team: Offer help to colleagues, share credit for successes, and foster a positive work environment.
Network internally: Get to know people in other departments to understand their roles and how you can support cross-functional goals.
Example: If a coworker is overwhelmed, offer to take on a small task or share a resource that could help them, building goodwill and strengthening team dynamics.
Deliver Consistent, High-Quality Work
Reliability is a cornerstone of value. Employers prize employees who consistently meet or exceed expectations, deliver on time, and maintain high standards.
Actionable Steps:
Set clear goals: Break down large tasks into manageable steps and track your progress to stay on target.
Pay attention to detail: Double-check your work to avoid errors that could cost time or resources.
Seek feedback: Regularly ask for constructive feedback from your manager or peers to improve your performance.
Example: If you’re tasked with preparing a report, ensure it’s error-free, visually clear, and submitted early, demonstrating reliability and professionalism.
Be Adaptable and Embrace Change
Workplaces evolve—new technologies, strategies, or market conditions can shift priorities overnight. Employees who adapt quickly and embrace change are invaluable because they help the company stay agile.
Actionable Steps:
Stay open-minded: Approach new processes or tools with curiosity rather than resistance.
Learn quickly: Take the lead in mastering new systems or workflows, and share your knowledge with others.
Show resilience: Handle setbacks or unexpected changes with a positive attitude and focus on solutions.
Example: If your company adopts a new software platform, take the initiative to learn it early and help train your team, positioning yourself as a resource.
Communicate Your Value
It’s not enough to do great work—you need to make sure your contributions are visible (without being boastful). Employers often notice employees who can articulate their impact.
Actionable Steps:
Track your achievements: Keep a record of your accomplishments, such as projects completed, savings generated, or positive feedback received.
Share updates: In performance reviews or check-ins, highlight specific ways you have contributed to team or company goals.
Be proactive in meetings: Share ideas, insights, or progress updates to demonstrate your engagement.
Example: During a performance review, say, “I streamlined our reporting process, which saved the team 5 hours a week and improved data accuracy by 20%,” to quantify your impact.
Stay Positive and Professional
A positive attitude and professional demeanor make you a pleasure to work with, which enhances your value. Employers appreciate employees who inspire others and maintain composure under pressure.
Actionable Steps:
Stay solution-focused: Even when challenges arise, focus on what can be done rather than dwell on problems.
Show gratitude: Acknowledge others’ contributions and express appreciation for opportunities.
Handle conflict gracefully: Address disagreements calmly and constructively to maintain a positive work environment.
Example: If a project hits a snag, instead of complaining, say, “Let’s brainstorm a few ways to get this back on track,” showing leadership and optimism.
Mentor and Support Others
Helping your colleagues grow not only strengthens the team but also positions you as a leader, even if you’re not in a formal leadership role. Employers value employees who elevate those around them.
Actionable Steps:
Share knowledge: Offer to train a new hire or share tips with a struggling colleague.
Be a team player: Celebrate others’ successes and contribute to a collaborative culture.
Lead by example: Model the behaviors and work ethic you want to see in others.
Example: If a new team member is struggling with a task, spend 15 minutes walking them through it or sharing a helpful resource, showing you’re invested in the team’s success.
Stay Committed to Growth
Valuable employees never stop growing. Commit to continuous self-improvement, both in your role and as a professional, to stay relevant and impactful.
Actionable Steps:
Set personal goals: Identify one or two areas for growth each quarter, such as improving public speaking or mastering a new tool.
Seek mentorship: Connect with a mentor or manager who can guide your career development.
Stay curious: Read industry blogs, attend webinars, or follow thought leaders on platforms like X to stay informed about trends.
Example: Follow industry leaders on X to learn about emerging trends in your field, then share a relevant insight with your team to spark discussion.
Final Thoughts
Being more valuable to your employer is about aligning your efforts with their goals, continuously improving yourself, and making a positive impact on your team and organization. By taking initiative, building skills, and developing strong relationships, you’ll not only increase your worth but also create a more rewarding work experience for yourself.
Start small—pick one or two of these steps to focus on this week. Over time, these efforts will compound, making you an indispensable asset to your employer and setting you up for long-term career success.
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Considersupporting my efforts with a gift!
Hey everyone, I’m passionate about sharing insights on life and leadership through my blog. If you’ve found value in my posts and wish to see more content like this, please consider making a donation. Every little bit helps in continuing to provide quality guidance and inspiration.
But whether you can offer support or not, I’ll continue to try and write a blog that gives back, informs and sometimes even entertains. I hope you enjoy it!
In Part One of this two-part post, we looked at why a strong work ethic is essential to a person’s success. Many people think having a strong work ethic simply means working hard. That’s true, but there’s more to it than that.
Strengthening your work ethic involves building habits and adopting mindsets that promote discipline, focus, and accountability. So continue to work hard but add these ideas into the mix so that you’re working smarter too.
1. Set Clear Goals
Break larger objectives into smaller, actionable steps.
Use tools like planners, task lists, or apps to track progress.
Learn to prioritize tasks using frameworks like the Eisenhower Matrix. Never mistake the urgent stuff for the important things that really matter.
Minimize distractions by creating a focused work environment. This may be shocking, but it is possible to turn your damn phone off from time to time.
6. Take Responsibility
Own up to mistakes and learn from them. If you’re not confident enough to admit your mistakes, you actually lose the power to correct them.
Hold yourself accountable for meeting deadlines and achieving results.
7. Build Resilience
Accept that setbacks are part of growth. If you’re not failing once in a while, you’re probably not working hard enough.
Develop mental toughness to stay productive under pressure. Understand that those failures are all about learning to succeed. Embrace the lessons of failure and do better next time.
8. Seek Continuous Improvement
Learn new skills and stay updated in your field. The most successful people learn something new almost every single day. Invest a minimum of 15 minutes a day to improve your base of knowledge, it will positively impact you in a ton of discipline ways.
Actively seek feedback and use it constructively.
9. Surround Yourself with Like-Minded People
Spend time with motivated, hard-working individuals. If you’re hanging out with low- energy people, don’t expect to be high energy yourself.
Engage with people or groups that value diligence and productivity.
10. Balance Work and Rest
Avoid burnout by incorporating regular breaks and leisure activities. Invest time to “recharge” and refresh. Even small breaks can make a big difference.
Get enough sleep, eat healthy, and exercise to stay energized.
Using these ideas can help you steadily build a strong work ethic. One that supports success, personal satisfaction, and career growth.
Remember, there will very possibly always be someone who knows more than you. And someone who has a bit more ability, and maybe someone with more experience. Those things are outside of your control. But you have complete control over the level of effort you put forth; that means there is never really a valid excuse for being consistently outworked.
Make a better effort and you will be making yourself a better life.
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Considersupporting my efforts with a donation! I put a significant amount of time and effort into writing a couple of blog posts each week. My primary goal is simple, to help other people. That doesn’t mean a little financial support isn’t appreciated. If you’ve benefited from my efforts and think my posts are valuable, I’d certainly appreciate whatever support you might be able to offer. But whether you can offer support or not, I’ll continue to try and write a blog that gives back, informs and sometimes even entertains. I hope you enjoy it!
It has been said that a person who is good at making excuses is seldom good for anything else. Make no mistake about this absolute fact… making excuses is habit-forming. Making excuses is demoralizing, for the excuse maker and the people who have to listen to them. Excuse-making limits a person’s potential.
It’s just not good to make excuses. Ever!
Before we look at how to stop making excuses, let’s make sure we are all on the same page about exactly what an excuse sounds like.
Let’s say you have two employees who show up to a meeting late. The first one says, “sorry I’m late; the traffic was terrible. There was nothing I could do.” THAT’S AN EXCUSE. It indicates that the employee accepts no responsibility for being late. It indicates that the employee is likely to be late again. It shows a lack of respect for those who may have had to wait on him. It’s not an attitude that aligns well with success.
The second employee arrives a bit later. They are profusely apologetic. Embarrassed even. They also say the traffic was terrible. They say that they failed to consider potential traffic problems and did not leave home early enough. They commit to not making that mistake again. THAT IS A REASON. It indicates that the employee accepts full responsibility for being late. It indicates that the employee is unlikely to be late again. It demonstrates an understanding that they may have caused an inconvenience for others. It shows an attitude in excellent alignment with success.
There are indeed reasons why things don’t always go according to plan. Understanding those reasons helps you avoid them in the future. You maintain power over your circumstances rather than allowing circumstances to control you.
Excuses indicate a lack of control over your circumstances. Repeatedly making excuses puts you right on the edge of permanent victimhood. You lose the opportunity to control your circumstances and allow them to dictate the quality of your career and even your life.
If you’re currently an excuse maker, I have good news: you can break that habit with better choices and stronger effort.
You’ll need a mindset shift and a conscious, continuous effort to take responsibility for your actions and choices. If you’re interested in eliminating excuses from your life, here are some practical steps to help you do just that.
1. Acknowledge the Excuse Habit
• Self-awareness is key. Pay attention to when and why you make excuses. Is it due to fear, a lack of motivation, or the desire to avoid discomfort? Identifying patterns will help you address them more effectively.
2. Take Responsibility
• Own your choices and circumstances. Instead of blaming external factors or people, acknowledge that you’re in control of your actions. This helps shift the mindset from victimhood to empowerment.
3. Change Your Self-talk
• The language you use internally affects how you approach challenges. Replace phrases like “I can’t” or “I don’t have time” with more empowering statements like “I will make time” or “I’ll find a way to overcome this.”
4. Set Clear, Achievable Goals
• Excuses often arise when goals are vague or unrealistic. Break your larger goals into smaller, actionable steps. Clear, realistic goals give you direction and make it harder to justify excuses.
5. Plan and Prioritize
• Poor planning can lead to excuses. Develop a daily or weekly schedule, prioritize tasks, and stick to it. When you’re organized, you’re less likely to feel overwhelmed and make excuses to avoid tasks.
6. Hold Yourself Accountable
• Accountability is crucial. Share your goals with someone you trust, or track your own progress with a journal or app. When you’re accountable, there’s less room for excuses.
7. Embrace Discomfort
• Growth often requires stepping out of your comfort zone. Accept that discomfort is part of the process. Instead of avoiding challenges or blaming circumstances, lean into them knowing they’ll make you stronger.
8. Face Your Fears
• Excuses often mask fear—fear of failure, rejection, or even success. Recognize your fears and confront them head-on. Once you understand what you’re afraid of, you can take steps to move past it.
9. Develop a “Problem-Solving” Mindset
• Shift from focusing on the problem to finding solutions. When you encounter obstacles, instead of making excuses, ask yourself, “How can I overcome this?” This proactive mindset minimizes the tendency to rationalize inaction.
10. Surround Yourself with Motivated People
• Your environment influences your behavior. Spend time with people who hold themselves accountable and are goal-driven. Their discipline and attitude will inspire you to take ownership of your actions too.
11. Celebrate Progress, Not Perfection
• Expecting perfection can lead to frustration and excuses when things don’t go as planned. Celebrate your efforts and progress, even if they’re small. This positive reinforcement keeps you motivated and reduces the need for excuses.
12. Forgive Yourself and Move Forward
• If you fall into the trap of making excuses, don’t dwell on it. Forgive yourself and use the experience as a learning opportunity. Refocus on your goals and take the next best step forward.
You, like every other person on the planet, have incredible potential. Every time you make an excuse, you limit that potential. Don’t do that to yourself. Start taking control of your goals, actions, and attitude, and you’ll stop limiting your success.
You can do it; the question is… will you?
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Considersupporting my efforts with a donation! I put a significant amount of time and effort into writing a couple of blog posts each week. My primary goal is simple, to help other people. That doesn’t mean a little financial support isn’t appreciated. If you’ve benefited from my efforts and think my posts are valuable, I’d certainly appreciate whatever support you might be able to offer. But whether you can offer support or not, I’ll continue to try and write a blog that gives back, informs and sometimes even entertains. I hope you enjoy it!
