Be Excellent Now! Today!

Hi LinkedIn Family,

This is Creative Curt with another installment of "Why Some People Win." In this post, I will discuss being Excellent Now. Today! If you want to win in your career, you need to start immediately.

Maybe you are in a job that you don't like or in a position that you don't see a future in and that's OK. Or maybe you are in your dream role. Regardless of the circumstance, I encourage you to do? your best with what is right in front you! Strategically figure out what the key tasks are in your current role and write out the skills that are required to complete those tasks. Next set aside 30 minutes each day to work on gaining or improving those skills! It is really that simple. People do not win by accident, they win by a strategic effort over time!

Being Excellent now is all about establishing and enhancing your reputation at your firm and in your industry! It is not only what you know how to do, but it is how you are viewed by others, including peers and management, that really counts.

Does your name come up often when people talk about those that move the needle?

Are you often picked for special projects or assignments?

Now is the time to focus your efforts on being great at the things that are right in front of you.

1. Reading industry newsletters.
2. Follow important companies and groups on social media.
3. Take extra courses and certificates to enhance your skills and demonstrate you commitment to learning and upskilling.
4. Go to industry conferences and network with others.

If you really want to stand out, all you have to do is follow up with those you network with, as most fail to do this simple step.?

Success requires bravery and being uncomfortable. It is okay to be afraid to meet new people, but it is necessary. The more you communicate genuinely with others, the easier it gets.

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Also, do not be afraid to work on your soft skills.? Our ability to talk intelligently, have emotional intelligence, poise and engaging conversation can only open more doors for us. If your company offers a Speaking Club, sign up for it. If not, start one! We all have room to improve our soft skills.

Some of you will read this and do nothing. That is okay.

For those who are serious about improving their career and life, take action now, today!

Side aside 30 mins and take inventory of your current responsibilities and underlying skills. And then make a plan to improve or increase yours skills and knowledge in those particular areas. Read the relevant policy. Set up time with the internal subject matter experts on the process. Meet with the necessary teams. TAKE ACTION NOW, TODAY!

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In my current role, I had to set up meetings with the team upstream and downstream in the process in order for me to fully understand what was going on. Fortunately, I formed several important relationships with those teams and I?am often a go-to person when they have a problem or issue that needs solved. This stuff is not rocket science. Just be strategic!

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The other side of the success coin is networking. However, networking will not be as effective if you do not have a good reputation. So focus on getting that first, by being excellent now, today!

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What do you have to lose. If you get great at the things you do not particularly like, imagine how practiced and good you are going to be once you get to the tasks and opportunities you desire!

Talent goes a long way. All talent is, is being really good at something. How do you get good? You practice, strategically.? Think about all of the Olympic athletes who spent years and decades practicing for those few moments at the Olympics. We could learn a few things from them. Strategic practice takes courage, getting out our comfort zone repeatedly, failing repeatedly, until we get good enough to start seeing success.? You have no excuse why you should not be working towards being in the position you want.? Want to be CEO one day? Well start being excellent today!

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Hopefully this post is a nice kick in the pants or skirt for you!?

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Bonus Questions:

What has been the most interesting thing about the Olympics this year?

Do you have a favorite athlete or sport or country?

Share in the comments!

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Till next time, Have a great week!

-Creative Curt