I have completed over three semesters at PC, and can safely say I’ve made a lot of mistakes. But isn’t that why we go to college? Yes, we go to college so we can learn about how not to be successful, usually followed promptly and ironically by a lesson teaching us how to be successful.
Whenever I make mistakes academically or occupationally, I try to think about what I did that kept me from succeeding in whatever I was trying to do, and I’ve come up with a few things that I think I can safely say we all do on a regular basis. These are oftentimes the “silent killers.” They affect our level of success significantly, but so many people don’t even notice them.
Here are a few often-overlooked mistakes that can keep you from being as successful as possible:
1. Not taking the time to foster relationships.
This is probably the most overlooked and valuable piece of advice I can give you. Especially in U.S. societies and culture, the focus is always on getting ahead. When you meet someone in any setting, pay attention to them and what they have to say. Be kind and ask questions. Exchange contact information if you want. At least remember their name and make a positive impression. I was working in China for a few months last year and, in comparison to the U.S., Chinese business relations were significantly more personal and respectful. Even in the most professional settings, people were speaking with me as if they really valued what I had to say. I think that if you really want to get ahead in any workplace, and even life in general, fostering positive relationships is crucial.
2. Putting too much emphasis on the self and not enough on the group collective.
In some settings, it’s very important to pay attention to yourself; but in most occupational and academic settings, you are a part of a team. Whether you are in class at school, a meeting at work, a club, or a volunteer-based program, you need to be able to understand that you are all there to contribute something to the group. The reason all of these things are group activities is because they work best that way. Always make sure you express your individual values when necessary as a means of respectful clarification, but someone who can cooperate well with other people and work to make a cohesive group for the sake of whatever you are all working towards is a valuable asset and generally a very successful type of person.
3. Rushing through something just to get it done.
If you're not doing your best work, then what's the point? Instead of wasting your time rushing through an assignment or job with shoddy work and a lack of passion or really any effort at all, try to find some part of it that interests or excites you. People always do better work and feel more fulfilled when they actually feel something for what they’re doing. It’s not that hard to find some reason to want to do well, even for jobs or assignments that don’t really fit within your interests. Making an effort is always rewarding anyway, and if you’re the type of person who really tries to find a reason to be excited by something you have to do, you will undoubtedly encounter more success.
4. Relying on others to know what you’re thinking without actually saying anything.
This approach to any issue is always counterproductive. To work best within a team, you have to be communicative of the issues you see and the ideas that you have developed to fix these issues. You’re part of a team for a reason, and it’s usually because you have something to offer. Passive aggressive problem solving is an oxymoron and it never works. One of the easiest and most effective ways to gain people's respect and solidify your own probability for success is to put your thoughts into words. I'm unfortunately guilty of this one on too regular a basis, but that doesn't change the fact that it's an unhealthy way to live. Not to mention the fact that it won't get you very far in any facet of your life.
