GarthBox

A remarkable video editor starts with a single video. Then they learn to stitch a couple of videos together seamlessly. Then they quickly get to stitching multiple videos. And so on…

The same goes for learning language. You start with words. Then you go to phrases. Then you go to sentences… and so on.

It’s an effective approach to learning.

To try to jump from step one to step 100 is educational suicide. It creates unnecessary frustration.

Trust the process.

And by all means, move fast through it if you feel the need to become an expert. But expertise comes from time. It’s a law like gravity.

Stay Positive & Some Processes Just Aren’t Worth Trying To Cheat

People don’t care as much that you listen as they do that you act on what you hear.

That’s leadership. Making decisions based on what you hear.

Surveys. Suggestion boxes. 1-1s.

They only matter if the person acts differently after they listen.

Stay Positive & Sounds Like Leadership, Doesn’t It?

A joke isn’t too funny if you have to explain it.

Except, most of the time, when you do have to explain it, it leads to laughter because of that fact.

Maybe explaining it isn’t such a bad thing after all.

If the goal is not to get judged, then it’s a poor choice. But if the goal is to be understood, explaining works wonders.

Stay Positive & You Can Say That Again

They’ll listen if they want to.

Learn if they want to.

Care if they want to.

The real question is if you’re going to continue creating meaningful work, caring, and giving a damn regardless if they want to.

Of course… the answer is obvious.

Stay Positive & ….If You Want To

It was the baristas first time making a cortado and she told me.

That’s risky, isn’t it? Should I lower my expectations because it’s her first? Should I feel connected knowing that she would appreciate my feedback? Should I hold high expectations and give her fist bumps for a job well done?

In the capacity of firsts, I think it’s a safe bet to tell others it’s your first and not act like you’ve done a million before. Firsts are precious moments. They are yours and they can never be experienced again.

As for the second? Then it’s time to act as if it’s your 2,000th.

Stay Positive & Give Yourself That Grace (It’s Often What’s Needed To Ensure There’s A 2nd…3rd…4th…)

It might sound bad… but if it works, does it matter?

Someone might think “Ah, you know, it sucks, but if it’s not one thing it’s always another.” That’s a pretty pessimistic view, but if it helps them move through the struggles with less burden, it works, doesn’t it?

“I don’t care what they think,” might be an asshole statement if you listen to it without viewing how this person is doing some of their greatest work to date.

So, I repeat. It might sound bad… but if it works, does it matter?

Stay Positive & Work The Way You Need

What if, if nothing more than for the sake of this post, you think about every interaction you’ll have today.

Can you imagine what would happen if you went bearing a gift with each interaction?

Some of those you’ll interact with you might know obviously what to bring them. Others, it’s the mere thought exercise that matters. The intention will empower you to find a solution.

In fact, I’ve never once experienced a situation that I couldn’t figure something out to give.

A six-pack of beer. A compliment. A hug.

You might not tip you grocery store bagger but wouldn’t you think that saying “I appreciate that you’re here and helping me” might be received as if it were a gift?

Stay Positive & No Need To Carry A Santa Bag Around…