This morning I have been contemplating how much I spend focusing on basic skills. I think I take it for granted that I have some skill or natural talent in certain areas – such as reading, writing, communication, thinking, memory, negotiating and others. However – I am not sure I spent a lot of time on these and I really do not do anything to focus on improving them. I always focus on improving my knowledge of a specific thing – like a technology I need to learn.
Focusing on new knowledge is important, but I think practicing and fine tuning basic human skillsets is even more important. What we do not realize is that we are lulled into mediocrity because all the people around us are doing the same thing. When we walk into a room full of people and hear people talk, or read what people write, or listen to them teach we are used to a lazy, mediocre delivery. When it is our turn we do the same thing – delivery a mediocre performance. We all go home, thinking that was good. What we are really thinking is that was “meh.” Don’ be meh. Stop! Please!
Have you ever noticed someone that brings a bit of fine tuned skill to a meeting, discussion, or event? Everyone is usually blown away – they are like wow! You are amazing! You can really teach/write/think/speak well! It is really not that hard to impress the herd of sheep that huddle together all day long singing in harmony..”meeeehhhhhh”. Don’t be a sheep! Stop! Please!
Can you agree that if you are following the 365 commitment – you will stop being a mindless lemming and start actually focusing on improving your basic skills so that when you go to your next meeting – you will stand out? You will raise the bar on expectations!? I have decided to do that. I am making a concentrated effort with my 365 commitment to just be a better human.
When I have an opportunity to speak, to write, to teach, to perform, to negotiate, to remember something I am going to do it with flare! I am going to add to my 365 list important skills that I need to work on and improve. I am going to strive to just be a better skilled human. I want to be a wow, and not a meh.
Guy Reams (130)
365 Member
