deepstash
Beta
The Difference Between Professionals and Amateurs
How to Become a Pro
- Decide what you want to be good at. If you know what you want, then getting it is much easier.
- Set a schedule for actually doing it. You want to set a schedule based on actions you can do, not the results that you want.
- Stick to your schedule for one week. Stop thinking about how hard it will be to follow a schedule for a month or a year. Just follow it for this week. Setting a schedule doesn't make you a professional, following it does.
1718 SAVES
SIMILAR ARTICLES & IDEAS:
2
Key Ideas
9 Tips To Give Constructive Criticism
- Use the "feedback sandwich" method when advising. Give a positive comment, then the feedback that could potentially be construed as criticism, and finish by reiterating the positive. That way the criticism is "sandwiched" between two positives, making it seem less harsh.
- Focus on the situation, not the person. This helps preventing the other person from feeling attacked.
- Think about timing when you give feedback. When emotions are running high people tend to become less receptive to criticism.
- Use A "Straw Man" to illustrate your point. "Try to give the critique through a personal anecdote or an inspiring story of someone famous who went through the same thing.
- Offer specific suggestions. This keeps the discussion focused and gives the other person a concrete area of improvement.
- Keep your language positive and avoid negative statements. It helps to set the tone of the entire exchange.
- Stick to "I" statements. Using "I feel" statements over more accusatory "you" statements works.
- Be conscious of your tone. If you're coming off as stern, or angry, that may trigger someone’s defenses.
- Think about if it really needs to be said, or if it doesn't need to come from you. Sometimes it's better not to say it. Nothing can be more off-putting than unsolicited advice.
Constructive Criticism
However needed it may be, people often view criticism as hurtful and feel attacked. And that puts them on the defensive, meaning they won’t be able to truly absorb what’s being criticized.
That’s why constructive criticism is a helpful skill to develop when dealing with other people. Knowing how to do it drastically affects how the message is received.
2
Key Ideas
Income and wealth are related, but it's a complicated relationship
The Difference Between Income and Wealth
- Income is earning money. Yes, it's the primary piece of wealth creation, but income itself is not wealth.
- Wealth is having money. If you have a lot of money, you are rich. If you don't have much money, you're poor.
3
Key Ideas
Writing and thinking
Writing provides excellent insight into the way someone’s mind works. Good writers have well-structured thoughts and an orderly outlook. And everybody wants great thinkers on their team.
Writing and success
Clear communication builds confidence and creates more productive relationships.
Other skills matter a great deal, of course, but you’ll go further if you can express yourself well in writing. Whether you’re communicating with partners, customers, or coworkers, the way you write influences how people view both you and your company.
Becoming a good writer
- Read a lot. It expands your vocabulary, solidifies your grammar, enables you to draw inspiration
- Review everything you write.
- Use as few words as possible to communicate your meaning.
- If there’s a simpler word, use it.
- Use anecdotes and examples wherever you can.
- When it matters, have someone edit your work.