Advice

by Flinkliv · Updated Jul. 13, 2023

  1. Overconfidence vs underconfidence
  2. Feedback
  3. Focus on the process, not the outcome
  4. Feedback and advice
  5. Toxic Self-deprecation
  6. Foster learning
  7. Digital amnesia or Google effect
  8. The circle of influence
  9. SCQA
  10. How to succeed
  11. Procrastination
  12. Motivation vs Consistency
  13. Organize yourself
  14. Surrounded by idiots
  15. Keeping a job
  16. VUCA
  17. Trust
  18. Social skills
  19. Career update
  20. Control your life
  21. Feeling angry
  22. Self-confidence
  23. Data Science
  24. The 1% Growth theory
  25. Data science automatization
  26. Vanity metrics
  27. Accept your limitations
  28. Workout
  29. Impostor syndrome
  30. Efficiency vs productivity
  31. Reasons employees fall short
  32. Don’t give up


Advice for life

Overconfidence vs underconfidence

Underconfidence is a severe issue that can hinder you professionally and socially. Learn to know signs such as self-pity, procrastination, etc., then fight back by listing your skills, success, etc.

Conversation between A and B about overconfidence and underconfidence. A: I am not good enough B: don't beat yourself up B: Avoid self-pity, list your skills, improve, C: I can do anything, I am the best B:Oh, boy!

Effective feedback assists people in understanding what they did well and what they could improve. Feedback is a crucial means for improving both individual and team performance.

Conversation between A and B about feedback. A: Thanks for your feedback; it helped me a lot. Btw, feedback should be common to help each other grow. B: I agree many people want to receive either positive or negative feedback, but a few are willing to give feedback.

Systems work better than goals because goals or outcomes are only good for setting a direction, where systems and processes help us achieve the goals.

Conversation between A and B about Focus on the process, not the outcome . A: I don’t know how to succeed B: Focus on the process, no the outcome A: What do you mean? B: Make a list of tasks to reach your goal. Then focus and commit to executing the tasks. A: Oh! Do you have an example? B: Well, athletes regularly work on specific tasks to improve their chances to win a competition A: Ok B: The bottom line, focus on the steps, and you will reach your goal A: Thx

Feedback and advice

Asking for feedback, advice, and help is not a sign of weakness, insecurity, or incompetence; but rather crucial to anyone's growth. Just be sure to ask the right person, and be precise in the advice or feedback you are seeking.

Conversation between A and B about feedback and advice . A:Great presentation. B:Let me know if I have to improve anything in the future. A:About that. Please, stop asking for feedback and advice. B:Why? A:Because it reveals incompetence, insecurity, and weakness. B:Asking for feedback and advice is essential; that's how we see our blind spots, how we learn and grow. A:Sadly, not many people see it that way. So act like you have answers. B: Thx for the advice.

Toxic Self-deprecation

It is awesome to be down-to-earth and humble; however, avoid toxic self-deprecation at all costs, as it can negatively impact your self-esteem, health, and career.

Conversation between A and B about Toxic Self-deprecation. B: Nice presentation; Very creative A: Thx. Anyone can do that B: Why do you always downplay yourself? A: What? B: This is self-deprecation A: I am down-to-earth and humble B: You are sabotaging yourself; your managers and colleagues might see you as weak and don’t respect you A: Thx for the advice B: So, stop beating yourself down A: Agreed, Sorry for that B: Oh boy!

Foster learning

Fostering exploration, experimentation, and learning in a business context is essential. However, you have also to acknowledge the difficulty of implementing these values due to the pressure from investors and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) that prioritize profits over exploration. Despite this, promoting exploration is also in the interest of investors.

Conversation between A and B about how it is challenging fostering exploration, experimentation, and learning in a business context B: We need to foster exploration, experimentation, and learning. A: Sounds good doesn't work A: Say that to investors and KPIs sniffer. B: They just want their damn profits. A: But it is in their interst as well

Digital amnesia or Google effect

Google effect is our tendency to forget information available via search engines. In contrast, digital amnesia is our tendency to forget information stored digitally.

Conversation between A and B about Digital amnesia or Google effect A: I keep forgetting and Googling the same thing B: Digital amnesia or Google effect B: Forgetting information that is available digitally. A: Digital what? I will google it later A: Now, I forget what I forget

The Circle of influence

Sadly, many people are focused too much on areas they have neither the energy nor the will to change. Let's start with what we can control; we gain experience and confidence, expanding our circle to tackle more significant challenges.

Conversation between A and B about the circle of influence. B:What's up? A:Life is hard, global warming, stocks are down, pandemics, my job sucks B:Don't mix all issues; separate them into three circles: control, influence, and concern. B:And spend your energy on the control circle. A:You are terrible at drawing

SCQA

SCQA stands for Situation, Complication, Question, and Answer.
SCQA is an effective method to structure information simply and clearly. Use it to organize your message during a meeting presentation, in a report, in an email, etc.

Conversation between A and B about SCQA. A: I get confused during meetings or when I explain issues B: Why? A: I don't know how or where to start B: You can use SCQA A: What is that? B: SCQA is a framework for structuring information B: SCQA stands for Situation, Complication, Question, and Answer A: How does it work? B: Well, you start with just explaining the situation. Then you talk about complications or issues related to the situation B: Ask a question about how to overcome the issues B: Then offer some options to answer the questions and to solve the issues A: Waw, thx

How to succeed

Success is not just about hard work; you have to build a solid network, get a sprinkle of luck, and, oh yeah, work your ass off too.

Conversation between A and B about how to succeed A: I’ll work hard to succeed B: Well, it’s more complicated than that

Procrastination

There are many ways to fight procrastination; start by identifying where you procrastinate, address your emotions, get rid of distractions, and look for the optimum place or time to do the task.

Conversation between A and B about procrastination. B: How is the report going? A:Not even started B:This is procrastination B: Procrastination is all about emotions. B: Procrastinators try to avoid negative emotions, or frustration, or fear. A:In my case, all three together.

Motivation vs Consistency

Motivation gets you started, but consistency keeps you going to reach your goal.

Conversation between A and B about Motivation vs consistency. A: My projects are failing despite my motivation B: Motivation is not enough. B: You need consistency.

Organize yourself

Organization skills are the most healthy abilities that allow us to use resources efficiently and effectively.

Conversation between A and B about Organize yourself, or someone else will do it. A: I don't know how to organize myself. it might be my personality B: It is not a personality trait; it is a skill that you lack. B: Btw, if you don't organize your work or life, someone else might step in and do it, and you might not like it A: What do you mean? B: Well, they might be bossy or mean to you B: You really need to develop organizational skills

Surrounded by idiots

Try to understand people before you judge. People are different; some like to work in groups, others don't, some are extroverts, and others are introverts.

Conversation between A and B about Surrounded by idiots. A: At work, I am surrounded by idiots B: Wait. What? Why? A: The way they work and think. Oh! It makes me sick B: What if they are just different from you A: What do you mean? B: Some people like to work in groups, others don't, some are extroverts, others are introverts, some think out loud, others need to reflect in silence, some like order others thrive in chaos. B: Don't judge, but try to understand

Keeping a job

You need skills to find a job, but also skills to keep it. Take the time to learn how to keep a job.

Conversation between A and B about how Keeping a job. A: I’ve got my dream job. B: Congratulations. B: Now, try to keep it. A: What do you mean? B: Well, be on time, be a team player, don’t complain but offer solutions, add valuable contributions, always sharpen your skills, and above all, stay positive.

VUCA

VUCA stands for volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity.
VUCA is a set of measures used to evaluate the world around us.

Conversation between A and B about VUCA. A: Chaos is everywhere. Jobs are uncertain.; stocks are highly volatile, and things are getting complex B: We live in a VUCA world A: What? B: VUCA stands for Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, and Ambiguous B: Volatile. The world is constantly evolving and becoming more and more unstable and unexpected B: Uncertain. The world is not easily predictable B: Complex. Things are becoming more and more interconnected and abstract B: Ambiguous. Many things seem unclear and unknown B: But don’t worry, there are ways to overcome this VUCA world A: Nice

Trust

Trust is the belief people have in your skills, integrity, kindness, etc.

Conversation between A and B about trust. A: No one trusts me at work B: What does trust mean to you? A: I am not sure B: Trust is the belief people have in your skills, integrity, kindness, etc. B: If you are competent; they will trust your skills B: If you are honest and credible, you will be a man of integrity B: If you care about them They will trust you by feeling safe around you

Social skills

Social skills help us in building personal relationships. Social skills include communication, empathy, cooperation, responsibility, etc.

Conversation between A and B about Social skills. A: Why is everyone mean to me? B: Some people are mean, but come on, not everyone B: It is all about the right social skills A: Oh! B: The way you communicate and behave impacts how people interact with you B: Make an honest list of what, how, and when you interact with people, then analyze it

Career update

Being a specialist in one area offers many professional advantages, such as a higher salary, job stability, etc. Nevertheless, keep your curiosity sharp to see the biggest picture by being a generalist in other areas.

Conversation between A and B about how to update career. A: How do I keep my career up to date? B: Well ... B: Try to be a specialist in one area and… Get a good idea of the surrounding areas A: Do I need to be lucky? B: Yes, luck plays a role

Control your life

Keep your life under control as much as you can by tracking your goals and tasks, avoiding distractions, and reducing stress.

Conversation between A and B about how to control your life. A: I feel like I am not in control of my life ... I am not sure what I am doing or where I am going... B: There is no magic or straightforward solution; just focus on a process ...Write a list of your goals and the tasks that lead you towards them. Then focus on the execution. Also, write a list of things that keep you away from your goals and avoid them or reduce their impacts.

Feeling angry

No one can make you feel angry; you are the only one responsible for your emotions.

Conversation between A and B about how to control your feelings. A: She makes me feel angry, B: Why? A: She never appreciates my efforts. B: No one can make you feel what you feel. But you are responsible for how you choose to react. A: How do I solve this issue? B: Work on yourself; how do you know she doesn’t appreciate your efforts? Why do you need this appreciation? How important is it? What does she think about all that?

Self-confidence

Self-confidence is the belief in your ability to accomplish a task. Self-confidence is a skill that can be mastered.

Conversation between A and B about Self-confidence. A: Sometimes, I lack self-confidence B: It is ok; everyone lacks confidence occasionally B: just to be sure, what is self-confidence for you? A: I dunno, a feeling, I guess. B: Self-confidence is the belief in your capability to perform a task. B: We can not be self-confident everywhere B: Btw, self-confidence is a skill that can be learned.

Data Science

Data scientists spend more time in getting and cleaning the data than analyzing the data.

Conversation between A and B about dataScience. A: I want to be a data scientist to analyze data Yeah B: Oh Boy, you know what … Well, check these charts. Expectations 25% data cleaning and 75% data analysis. Reality 90% data cleaning and 10% data analysis.

The 1% Growth theory

Over time, minor improvements make a tremendous difference. So be consistent and never give up.

Conversation between A and B about the 1% Growth theory. A: I have a hard time improving myself B: Try frequent tiny gains B: Seek 1 to 2% improvement every day

Data science automatization

Automatization is great to relieve developers and data scientists from some repetitive and tedious tasks, but it comes at the cost of maintenance.

Conversation between A and B about data scientists and automatization. A: I will write a code to automate all our tests, then chill B: Are you sure about that? A: Totally

Vanity metrics

In digital marketing, vanity metrics, such as likes, make your content look great on the surface but don't necessarily translate to any significant business results. Too many likes alone could be interpreted as an echo zone; too many comments alone is a war zone. Try to get quality comments with a far number of likes.

Conversation between A and B about vanity metrics. A: Nice, my posts are getting many likes. B: Likes alone are vanity metrics. That means the Echo Zone. B: Too many comments with few likes is the war zone. Look for a balance between likes and quality comments.

Accept your limitations

You have to acknowledge and accept your limitations. However, this doesn't mean to give up and struggle with negative emotions. You have to look for solutions such as finding ways to improve yourself, reaching for help, etc.

Conversation between A and B about Accept your limitations. A: No matter how hard I try, it feels like I am limited B: It is ok. A: Why is that ok? B: Look, we all have to acknowledge that we have limitations, But this doesn't mean you have to give up, beat yourself up, or ruin your days with negative thoughts. Accept your limitations, find ways to improve yourself, or reach for help and support.

Workout

Workout is the best way to prevent excess weight gain, improve mood, fight depression, reduce anxiety, boost energy, promote better sleep, and enhance cognitive functions.

Conversation between A and B about the benefits of workout. A: Where are you going? B: I am going to improve my mental health and cognitive function. Reduce anxiety, depression, and negative mood A: What kind of therapy is that? B: Workout.

Impostor syndrome

Imposter syndrome is the tendency to doubt your own skills and achievements, despite your success. You have to learn to list and embrace your success.

Conversation between A and B about the impostor syndrome. A: My success at work is just luck, not my talent. A: Many people are better then me B: This is imposter syndrome. B: You feel incompetent despite apparent success. B: Learn to list and embrace your success

Efficiency vs productivity

Efficiency is quality, and productivity is quantity. Nevertheless, if you plan to use productivity score software, think about the pros and cons.

Conversation between A and B about efficiency vs productivity. Tapping on keyboards Click Click Click Click A: Why don't you work? B: I am thinking B: I focus on efficiency instead of productivity A: Uh-huh A: Tell that to the productivity score software

Reasons employees fall short

Efficiency is quality, and productivity is quantity. Nevertheless, if you plan to use productivity score software, think about the pros and cons.

Conversation between A and B about why employees fall short. B: Employees fall short 'cause: B: They're in the wrong damn job B: Caught up in office politics B: or just bad luck.

Don’t give up

Don’t give up, as it is better to look back and say I did that than look back with regret. Be patient, make a plan, and execute.

Conversation between A and B about it is better to look back and say I did that than look back with regret A: I give up B: It is better to look back and say I did that than look back with regret A: I don't waste my time gazing into the past.