GarthBox

I despised math class. I failed trigonometry the first time I took it. I couldn’t stand investing time and energy into something I knew I wouldn’t use.

Alas, there’s one thing about math that does apply to life and work: the power of showing your work.

It enables you to discover your weak points. It lets you feel more fulfilled when you’re done working through a problem. It makes pivoting in the moment feel easier because you’re not set on a specific path.

And that’s all internal.

Then there’s the validation and respect you earn from others by showing the work.

Can you imagine a tattoo artist with no sketch book?

Or a contractor without any bids from various plumbers?

Not showing your work is only holding you back.

Stay Positive & Show Your Work, Show Your Worth

Photo credit

A table is a great prop, but it’s terrible at enabling vulnerability.

And as status quo has it, chances are pretttttty slim that someone is going to come behind the table to talk to you.

So that leaves one option: you adventure out from behind the table.

To shake hands and listen; to be the vulnerable one first.

A table might as well be a wall.

Stay Positive & No More Hiding

Photo credit

Spectrums are there for you to place yourself, not slide yourself.

Sliding destroys loyalty; it breaks expectations and eliminates any familiarity people have built about you or your brand.

Stay focused on being the best version of yourself; not seeking a different spot on the spectrum.

Stay Positive & Own Your Spot

Photo credit

I haven’t run any particular studies, but I think it’s safe to assume that the brands that have more people saying out loud “That’s cool that you X” are the ones that are thriving.

The thing about cool is that once it’s cool, it doesn’t stay there for too long.

Which means that you need to cycle through what you do, say or give to keep getting the response.

When was the last time you heard someone say “That’s cool that…” about something of yours?

Stay Positive & Cool

Photo credit

The bad gets a bad rap.

The bad gives someone an opportunity to turn it good. It gives someone the chance to learn and grow. Even more important, the bad gives someone something to connect with others around (because we’ve all experienced something bad).

When all you do is focus on the good, put out a facade of perfection, you’re missing out on a whole level of deeper connection.

This applies to family and friends, guests and customers, teams and colleagues – everyone, really.

Stay Positive & Go Ahead, Break The Yoke

Photo credit

I’ve been in the midst of work for about a half dozen different industries lately and I’m continuously reminded of how low the bar is set.

Which, if you choose to let it, this could work in your favor.

Very basic attributes like response time (you know, answering an email in 24 hours rather than 3 weeks) or remembering someone’s name could be your game changer.

Demand attributes like these from yourself and your team. You’ll immediately be in the top bracket of your industry.

Hell, some people don’t even smile at those who walk in their door!

Stay Positive & Back To Basics

Photo credit

I was on the phone with someone the other day and they said, “Hold on. Before we talk business I just want to give you kudos.”

They went on about how we had talked seven years ago about a business I was thinking of opening and all these years later, I did it and now I was talking to that person about how the business can partner with his.

“Most people would have turned around by now. You’ve got tenacity, brother and I admire that.”

After a week of dealing with some very frustrating suppliers, damn did that put a pep in my step.

I feel pretty confident in writing that for most people that you’ll interact with after reading this, they’ve probably had to deal with some B.S. this week, too.

It might be worth reaching out to let them know you’re proud of them or you love them.

Stay Positive & Put A Pep In Their Step

Photo credit