Patience in Professional Success

One of my former counselors, Carolyn, spent time in an addiction trauma unit early in her career... She learned that when a situation is chaotic, it is important to slow down, slow way down. There is so much wisdom in that. I still remember Carolyn sharing that the unit tended to feed off frenzy. When one patient was having a problem or incident, it would often cause others anxiety, and within a few minutes, the entire unit would be in chaos. She told me that in moments like that, it is so critical to not feed off the energy around you and to slow down to at least half speed, or else life-altering mistakes can happen. She shared that one night, they were short-staffed, and a patient was having a severe episode while a new patient was going through intake. They wanted Carolyn to rush the intake process to assist, but something in her told her to slow down, and she redid the intake process twice. She found a knife hidden in the new patient's luggage — something she missed on the first spot check. Her advice is essential for all of us. In workplaces, we tend to think of all crises as urgent and important. If our boss is upset because a client or an executive is annoyed, the whole team can be in a frenzy. As a team leader or member, it is important to be responsive but also keep your cool and check everything twice. Mistakes are more likely to happen when the situation is volatile or stressful. Being able to stay calm in a crisis is such an important skill. #leadership #leaders #workplace

Are you thinking about starting your own business as a beginner? Noah Kagan is the founder behind the 8-figure company AppSumo, and the author of Million Dollar Weekend. Noah teaches people how to start a business and launch a product in 48 hours. Here are the 12 most important lessons I have learned after interviewing him: 1. Embrace failure as a stepping stone. Noah’s experience of getting fired from Facebook was a pivotal moment. It taught him that what might seem like a setback can lead to significant personal and professional growth. 2. The power of persistence. Noah believes in the mantra that 1000 “Nos” only bring you closer to your success, emphasizing the importance of continuous practice and perseverance. 3. The art of asking. It is vital to develop comfort in uncomfortable situations and ask for what you want, even in minor instances. This practice builds confidence to pursue larger goals. 4. Improvement over ease. With each rejection, Noah sees an opportunity for growth, highlighting that challenges don’t diminish; rather, our capacity to handle them improves. 5. Value effort, not outcomes. Focusing on the action of putting yourself out there, rather than being fixated on the result, helps maintain motivation and resilience. 6. Clarity of intent. Being explicit about your desires and following up on them showcases genuine interest and commitment to your goals. Also, actively seeking connections and experiences aligned with your aspirations encourages a life filled with purpose and fulfillment. 7. Persistence before quitting. Noah advises committing to something a hundred times before deciding to quit, promoting endurance and dedication. 8. Automation is the fastest way to freedom. Automating aspects of your business can free up time, turning you into a “time millionaire” and allowing you to focus on growth and innovation. 9. Passionate hard work. Finding joy in hard work and focusing on interests lays the foundation for a fulfilling career and life. 10. Proactive recruitment strategy. Early and strategic hiring, with a focus on future company goals, ensures that the team grows in alignment with the organization’s vision. 11. The significance of distribution. Understanding that creating a product is only the beginning – effectively distributing it to the audience is key to success. 12. Creating with love. Products or services created out of passion not only bring satisfaction but also make the distribution process enjoyable. — Enjoy this? ♻️ Repost it to your network and follow Matt Gray for more.

The Silent Skills of Leadership (Day 6 of 7) Skill #6 – Leading with Calm in Chaos When the pressure’s on, people don’t look to the smartest person in the room. They look to the calmest. The one who isn’t flinching. The one who’s breathing slowly. The one who’s scanning for solutions...not someone to blame. Calm isn’t passive. It’s powerful. It tells the team: “We’ve got this. And I’ve got you.” But calm doesn’t just show up when you need it. It’s built... daily... through small habits: – Breathwork – Cold exposure – Physical training – Mindfulness – Reflection – Discipline in your routine You can’t lead others out of chaos if you live in it yourself. If your nervous system is always lit up… …so is your team. But if you train your body and mind to stay steady... especially when it’s hardest? That’s when leadership really begins. — Tomorrow we close out the series with something that fuels all the rest: Dopamine. How to get it naturally—and why leaders must manage it wisely. Missed a few? Catch up here: 🔹 Day 1 – The Power of Listening: https://lnkd.in/g7DCgpRR 🔹 Day 2 – Pausing Before You Speak: https://lnkd.in/dJ2fTz2W 🔹 Day 3 - Owning Your Mistakes Outloud: https://lnkd.in/duYAKuh2 🔹 Day 4 – Giving Credit, Taking Blame: https://lnkd.in/gGyRPkkM 🔹 Day 5 – Leading with Purpose: https://lnkd.in/dCDgp-4T 📩 Subscribe to my newsletter here → https://lnkd.in/g9ZFxDJG You’ll get free access to my 21-Day Mindfulness & Meditation Course—designed to sharpen your clarity, resilience, and leadership presence.

"Don't rush, but don't wait" - James Clear The struggle between rushing through tasks and waiting for the "perfect moment" is a challenge most of us face. Sometimes, we may find ourselves burning the midnight oil to meet deadlines, while at other times, we procrastinate, waiting for inspiration to strike. The real challenge is mastering the art of pacing oneself - a balanced approach where we neither sacrifice quality nor squander time. The Pitfalls of Rushing When you're always in a rush, it's easy to overlook the details. The focus shifts from doing a task well to merely getting it done. This compromise on quality can lead to unintended mistakes, which may require additional time and resources to fix later. Moreover, the constant hustle leaves little room for creative thinking or strategic planning, limiting long-term growth opportunities. Subtle Signs You're Rushing: - Sacrificing quality over quantity - Missing out on long-term planning and strategy - Frequent errors and the need for revisions - Stress and burnout The Downside of Waiting On the other end of the spectrum, waiting for the ideal conditions can lead to stagnation. You might think that you're giving yourself time to ponder, but in reality, you're indulging in overthinking and endless preparation. These delays can result in missed opportunities and can keep you stuck in a cycle of inaction. Red Flags That You're Waiting Too Much: - Procrastination disguised as "planning" - Constantly waiting for the "right time" or "perfect conditions" - Missed opportunities and deadlines - Overthinking and analysis paralysis The Balanced Approach: Don't Rush, But Don't Wait The balanced approach involves moving with intention and taking timely actions without sacrificing quality or thoughtfulness. Here's how to do it: Set Reasonable Deadlines Setting reasonable timelines allows you to focus on tasks while also giving you enough room to think and strategize. Take Calculated Risks Assess the situation and weigh the pros and cons before diving in. Calculated risks are those where you've considered the outcomes and are prepared for them. This approach allows you to take action without waiting indefinitely. Prioritize Tasks Not all tasks are created equal. Spend time on activities that bring you closer to your goals while being mindful of tasks that may seem urgent but are not critical. Adopt an Iterative Process Rather than aiming for perfection from the get-go, consider adopting an iterative approach where you make incremental improvements. This method allows you to move forward while continually refining and improving. Conclusion The key is to continually evaluate and adjust your pace, ensuring that you're moving forward with intention and thoughtfulness, without compromising on efficiency and quality. Illustration: GoLimitless (check out our free book https://stoic.im for more!) #productivity #motivation #work #growth

5 Ways Mindfulness Helped Me in Leadership 1. Enhanced Decision-Making Mindfulness has improved my ability to stay present and analyze with clarity In my role as an executive career coach, mindfulness has allowed me to stay attuned to the needs and aspirations of my clients, guiding them with a personalized approach and empathy. 2. Improved Emotional Intelligence Mindfulness has heightened my emotional awareness and regulation. As a former executive recruiter, my enhanced emotional intelligence has helped me to better match candidates with roles, understanding both their professional skills and emotional needs. 3. Increased Resilience Mindfulness has built my resilience, helping me to manage stress and adapt. In my consulting senior executives, this resilience has been vital in navigating complex organizational changes and guiding leaders through transformational leadership, helping them improve their learning systems. 4. Boosted Creativity and Innovation Mindfulness encourages a state of open-mindedness around ideas. At the state university where I serve as a mid-level manager, mindfulness has been key in developing innovative programs and initiatives. 5. Strengthened Focus and Productivity Mindfulness sharpened my focus and productivity; more efficient with tasks. As a former facilitator with the U.S. Department of State, I helped international leaders remain focused in their deliberations during a simulation similar to the pandemic predating the pandemic by 5 years. Mindfulness is part of mental wellness, managing emotions and mindset! Let me know in the comments which # is your favorite and why? Join me this Friday at 1pm to discuss this topic in more detail! ♻ Share this post with your connections #mentalhealthawarenessmonth #mindfulness #linkedin #leadership #leadershipdevelopment #selfleadership #claritywithcharity

I’ve been blessed to be surrounded by some incredibly calm leaders in my career. This week’s #leadership lesson will focus on this amazing attribute. 🧘♀️ I’ll be the first to admit that my passion and energy have a switch. Like many, that switch usually turn’s off automatically after 6pm 😆 I have worked hard the last 6 years at refining that “zen” switch myself, rather than letting someone else do so. We all know how that goes right??? When you are doing something important and someone else walks in and turns the light off, you get upset. 🎚️ We all have to work at remaining calm under pressure and not letting someone else trigger us. Remaining calm as a leader is crucial for maintaining a positive and productive work environment, fostering effective communication, and making sound decisions. Here are several examples of the impact a calm leader can have on an organization, both from an academic and practical standpoint. 💡 A calm leader creates an environment of psychological safety, where team members feel comfortable expressing their ideas, concerns, and taking calculated risks. Research by Amy Edmondson at Harvard shows that “psychological safety enhances team collaboration, innovation, and overall performance.” 📈 Leaders serve as emotional beacons within their organizations. When leaders remain calm, it has a positive impact on their team members' emotional states, reducing anxiety and stress. Studies by Sigal Barsade and Donald Gibson demonstrate the concept of emotional contagion, where emotions spread among individuals, affecting their #motivation, morale, and productivity. 💪🏽 During a crisis or challenging situation, a calm leader is better equipped to assess the situation objectively, make rational decisions, and communicate effectively with stakeholders. By maintaining composure, they instill confidence and trust among team members and enable them to stay focused on resolving the issue. Cool as a cucumber. 🥒 Workplace conflicts are inevitable, but a calm leader approaches them with a composed demeanor, allowing for more effective conflict resolution. By remaining calm, leaders can facilitate open discussions, promote active listening, and guide the parties involved towards finding mutually beneficial resolutions. 👂 Calm leaders can make more informed and rational decisions by avoiding knee-jerk reactions driven by emotions. They are better able to consider multiple perspectives, weigh pros and cons, and evaluate the potential long-term consequences of their choices. This approach fosters a culture of thoughtful decision-making within the organization. Cooler than a polar bear’s toe nails. 🐻❄️ In summary, a calm leader cultivates psychological safety, manages emotions effectively, promotes trust, and enhances decision-making capabilities. This leads to improved team #collaboration, crisis management, conflict resolution, and overall organizational performance. 😌 Dr. Scott Andrews, ICMA-CM

In the face of challenges, it's all too easy to let frustration take the helm and to let the immediate heat of anger guide our actions. ⬇️⬇️⬇️ But let me share something crucial I've learned through my own journey, both in the sometimes chaotic world of business as well as the quiet moments of personal reflection. Patience is more than a virtue; it's a strategic asset. 🌱 Take, for instance, a pivotal moment for Hint. When Starbucks unexpectedly dropped our product, a decision that blindsided us. My initial instinct was frustration. However, maintaining composure and keeping a level head opened up an unforeseen opportunity. It was this calm that prepared us, allowed us to think quickly versus being eaten up by something we couldn’t control. During this time, Amazon approached us to be a part of their grocery platform. With inventory ready, thanks to our preparation for Starbucks, we seized the moment with Amazon, propelling Hint into a new chapter. A chapter that allowed us to be the omnichannel brand that Hint Inc. is today. This wouldn't have been possible had we not kept our cool. Reacting in anger can lead to decisions or words we later regret. ➡️🤐 Being patient doesn't mean being passive or allowing others to walk over us. It's about staying composed, even when faced with situations we vehemently disagree with. Anger can cloud judgment, blocking us from seeing and seizing opportunities right in front of us. Don’t fall into that trap. The toughest challenges often teach us the most invaluable lessons.💭 Patience over anger, especially when obstacles loom large. If this message resonates with you, if it's what you needed to hear today, I'm glad to have shared it. 🌟 Here’s to patient navigation with no regrets. #Patience #Leadership #Resilience #KaraGoldin #Undaunted

I've been building startups for 10+ years now. The #1 mindset mistake I see early entrepreneurs make: Thinking too short-term. Short-term thinking creates anxiety, fear, and doubt. Long-term thinking creates patience, confidence, and peace of mind. But there's an even bigger reason that long-term thinking trumps short-term. Long time horizons give you the freedom to mess up and make mistakes. And here's what's been true in my own career: Making mistakes is the #1 way I learn (and improve) as a founder. This mindset doesn’t just help me in business. It also helps me in endurance events like Ironman and 100-mile ultramarathons. When I’m 10+ hours into a race, I’m not worried about what it would take to go 5 more minutes. I think more long-term. I focus on what I need to do to make it 5 more hours. Success in life (and business) is about focusing on where you want to go, not the current pain. And more early entrepreneurs would benefit from planning to play for a long, long time. Think in decades, not years.

The #1 skill of being a successful entrepreneur is pure resilience. I’ve led three startups, and each time it has felt like climbing a mountain. Some days, the summit is clear, and you want to break open a picnic basket. On others, storms obscure the path, and I feel so defeated that I lose sight of the top. In moments like this, I reflect on three things: 1️⃣ Do I care about what I'm climbing for? Passion for the mission of my work fuels my perseverance, turning daunting challenges into worthy pursuits. 2️⃣ Who am I climbing with? Surrounding myself with a strong and collaborative team makes even the darkest days manageable. Together, we can weather any storm and celebrate every sunny day. 3️⃣ I remember that we make progress one step at a time. Even on the stormiest days, I know sunny days are ahead. (And I try not to stop for too long a picnic on the sunny days either.) As founders, we’re going to get knocked down over and over again. The real path to winning is dusting ourselves off and moving forward. By embracing resilience, leaning on our teammates, and staying committed to our journey, we can persist on the steepest climbs. Fellow entrepreneurs: Tell me what’s a setback you’ve bounced back from 👇🏼 #entrepreneurship #leadership — Like this post? Follow me for more insights on leadership, team building, and the future of work. Subscribe to my LinkedIn newsletter Leadership is Everywhere: https://lnkd.in/g_VETsRY

Dear friends, in these times, where many are feeling discouraged by the current challenges in the gaming job market, I want to offer an uplifting story. It’s a tale of perseverance and triumph that I hope will inspire and remind us that resilience can lead to unexpected success. It's about a man who, after graduating first in his class in college and eighth in medical school in his home country, sought greater opportunities in the United States, landing in New York. However, his transition was far from easy. The loneliness and adjustment to a new study environment hindered his performance, leading him to miss out on his preferred residency program. Yet, he viewed this setback as a hidden opportunity, switching disciplines and discovering his true calling. Despite his exceptional training and board exam successes, numerous challenges, including job availability, kept him from securing the type of full-time position he wanted. Undeterred, he worked as a house doctor across various New York towns, continually moving with his newlywed wife to make ends meet. He began to wonder if he would ever land a stable, long-term role. Fate took him to another state where he finally landed a position at a medical practice, albeit with very modest pay. When the senior partner unexpectedly had to step back due to health reasons, and the second most senior partner didn't want to manage the practice, he was thrust into the topmost leadership role as employee number 3. Embracing this chance, over 15 years he expanded the practice significantly to three locations and nearly 30 staff, turning it into one of the most successful for its specialty in the region. The man at the heart of this story, revealed now as my father, Dr. Behzad Satvat, embodies the spirit of never giving up. His journey from struggling to adapt in a new country to leading a successful medical practice is a reminder that opportunities often arise in the most unexpected ways and at the most unexpected times. My father's experiences, especially during those lean initial years in the U.S., when my mother literally made some of my clothes and toys and our curtains to save money, are a testament to the fact that life's setbacks can pave the way for unforeseen opportunities. They remind me daily to remain resilient, adaptable, and open to the twists and turns of life. May this story inspire you as it does me. Remember, life is full of surprises, and sometimes, it's the unexpected turns that lead to the most rewarding paths.