ARTICLES

Understanding how to say no effectively is a critical career and communication skill. Use this bridging technique to help you.

Our confidence understandably grows when we perceive we have control over what is happening. Conversely, that confidence shrinks when we feel like things are happening beyond our control and, even worse, get ‘out of control’. We feel more confident when we are in control because we know what we are doing and what is expected. We know we have the knowledge/skills/resources required by the situation.

You don't have to be an expert. You can be a highly successful generalist. And it's perfectly normal to be interested in - and good at - lots of different things.

How do you discover what motivates you? And how do you make that work to your advantage? I used to think I lacked discipline because I only got motivated when deadlines loomed. But I learned I’m not lazy, I’m externally motivated. Some people thrive on routine, others on novelty or achievement. Once you understand your own style, you can build systems that work with your rhythm instead of against it.

How do you feed your concentration? We have different ways of working and there is more than one way to achieve a result. Understand how your brain works and work with, not against it.