Category: Motivation

Navigating Turbulent Waters: The Vital Role of Purpose, Employee Engagement, and Positive Psychology

Photo by Angga Indratama on Unsplash

In times of turbulence, change, and financial headwinds, the dynamics of leadership, employee motivation, and success take on added importance. As the business landscape evolves, the wisdom of various theories and thought leaders comes to the fore, offering a blueprint for steering through challenges while nurturing purpose-driven achievement.

Simon Sinek’s Golden Circle Theory

1. The Golden Circle: Illuminating the Path in Uncertainty

Simon Sinek’s Golden Circle theory is particularly relevant in times of upheaval. When faced with uncertainty, individuals and organizations seek an anchor, a guiding star that keeps them on course. The “why” — the core purpose — becomes a North Star, leading the way through turbulent waters. Purpose-driven companies, with a clear “why,” inspire employees to remain steadfast and committed, even when faced with change. This is especially true in the face of financial headwinds; a shared purpose can rally teams and ignite resilience.

  • Daniel Pink: “People are motivated by three things: autonomy, mastery, and purpose.”
  • Simon Sinek: “The most successful organizations are those that have a clear and compelling ‘why.’”
  • Martin Seligman: “Happiness and well-being are not just the absence of negative emotions, but the presence of positive emotions, engagement, relationships, meaning, and accomplishments.”
Self-Determination Theory of Motivation

2. Self-Determination Theory: Fostering Resilience and Adaptability

The pillars of autonomy, competence, and relatedness, as posited by Self-Determination Theory, become pillars of resilience in times of change. The ability to adapt and thrive amidst uncertainty hinges on an individual’s intrinsic motivation — a quality that is strengthened when these needs are met. Companies that prioritize autonomy, offer opportunities for skill development, and cultivate relationships empower employees to navigate challenges with determination. This not only fuels success but also empowers employees to weather financial uncertainties.

  • Daniel Pink: “Employee engagement is not about perks and benefits. It’s about giving employees a sense of purpose and belonging.”
  • Tom Rath: “Employee engagement is not about how much money you make. It’s about how much you feel like you matter.”
  • Martin Seligman: “Positive psychology is the science of happiness and well-being. It’s about understanding what makes people happy and healthy, and then applying that knowledge to improve our lives.”

3. Positive Psychology: Cultivating a Thriving Mindset

In times of turbulence, a positive psychology perspective provides a beacon of hope. Martin Seligman’s PERMA model highlights the importance of positive emotions, engagement, relationships, meaning, and accomplishments. In the midst of change, fostering a sense of meaning takes center stage. Purpose-driven work offers employees a sense of direction and fulfillment, bolstering their well-being even in the face of financial headwinds. Organizations that weave purpose into their fabric create a buffer against stress, enhancing both employee resilience and overall success.

  • Tom Rath: “Happy employees are more productive employees.”
  • Martin Seligman: “When people experience positive emotions, they are more likely to be happy and productive.”
  • Shawn Achor: “The more positive you are, the more successful you will be.”
Photo by Ian Schneider on Unsplash

4. Transformational Leadership: Guiding Through Uncertainty

Transformational leaders, with their ability to articulate a clear vision and inspire purpose, shine as beacons of stability during turbulence. In times of change and financial challenges, employees seek direction and assurance. Transformational leaders, like those within the framework of the Golden Circle, provide not only a roadmap but a rallying cry. They exemplify the “why,” steering their teams through uncertainty while nurturing a culture of purpose and adaptability.

  • Jim Collins: “Level 5 leaders are those who build enduring greatness through a combination of personal humility and professional will.”
  • Simon Sinek: “Leadership is not about being in charge. It’s about being responsible.”
  • Martin Seligman: “Optimistic leaders are more likely to be successful leaders.”

In conclusion, the nexus of leadership, employee motivation, and success emerges as a force to reckon with in turbulent times. As businesses grapple with change and financial challenges, the wisdom of purpose-driven theories offers a lifeline, guiding organizations towards stability, adaptability, and triumphant achievement. Amidst the storm, purpose remains the steadfast anchor that ensures both employees and organizations not only survive but thrive.

Companies like Salesforce that are committed to purpose, employee engagement, and positive psychology are well-positioned to succeed in turbulent times. By creating a workplace where employees feel valued, empowered, and connected to a larger purpose, these companies can build a resilient workforce that is capable of weathering any storm.

The Peak-Trough-Recovery Model: How to Optimise Your Productivity and Well-Being

Photo by Milada Vigerova on Unsplash

Do you ever feel like your productivity takes a nosedive in the afternoon? Or that you’re more creative in the morning? If so, you’re not alone. Our daily mood follows a predictable pattern, with peaks and troughs throughout the day.

In his book When, Daniel Pink explores the science of timing and how we can use it to our advantage. He introduces the Peak-Trough-Recovery Model, which describes the three phases of our daily mood.

“The secret of getting ahead is getting started.” — Mark Twain

Peak

The peak period is when our cognitive abilities and mood are at their best. This typically occurs in the morning, but it can vary depending on our individual chronotype (whether we’re a morning person or an evening person). During the peak period, we’re more alert, focused, and creative. This is the time to tackle our most challenging and important tasks.

Trough

The trough period is when our energy levels and mood dip. This typically occurs in the early afternoon, but it can vary depending on our individual schedule and lifestyle. During the trough period, we’re more likely to feel tired, sluggish, and unfocused. This is not the best time for making important decisions or engaging in complex tasks.

Recovery

The recovery period is when our mood and energy levels begin to bounce back. This typically occurs in the late afternoon or early evening. During the recovery period, we’re more relaxed and sociable. This is a good time for less demanding tasks, such as socializing, organizing, or responding to emails.

How to Apply the Model in Your Everyday Life

Understanding the Peak-Trough-Recovery Model can help you optimise your productivity and well-being. Here are a few tips:

  • Schedule your most important tasks during your peak period. This will help you make the most of your heightened focus and energy.
  • Take breaks during the trough period. Get up and move around, or do something else that will help you recharge.
  • Avoid making important decisions during the trough period. Wait until your mood and energy levels have improved.
  • Leverage the recovery period for less demanding tasks. This is a good time to catch up on paperwork, socialize with colleagues, or relax and unwind.

“Timing is everything.” — Benjamin Franklin

Conclusion

The Peak-Trough-Recovery Model is a valuable tool for understanding our daily mood patterns and optimising our productivity and well-being. By understanding when we’re at our best and when we’re likely to be more fatigued, we can make better decisions about how to allocate our time and energy.

Graph showing the Peak-Trough-Recovery Model

The graph shows how our mood and energy levels fluctuate throughout the day. The peak period is represented by the highest point on the graph, the trough period is represented by the lowest point, and the recovery period is represented by the middle point.

References:

  • Pink, D. (2018). When: The scientific secrets of perfect timing. Riverhead Books.

Additional Thoughts

Recent research has corroborated the Peak-Trough-Recovery Model. For example, a study by the University of California, Berkeley found that people who are allowed to choose their own work hours are more productive and have better well-being. This suggests that the model is a valid representation of our daily mood patterns, and that by understanding these patterns, we can make better decisions about how to allocate our time and energy.

The modern trend for flexible work is a good fit with the Peak-Trough-Recovery Model. Flexible work arrangements allow people to choose their own work hours and location, which gives them the flexibility to schedule their work around their own peak and trough periods. This can lead to improved productivity and well-being, as people are able to work when they are most alert and focused.

For example, a person who is a morning person might choose to start work early in the morning and take a break in the afternoon. They could then finish their work in the evening, when their energy levels are starting to pick up again. This would allow them to take advantage of their peak period in the morning and their recovery period in the evening.

Of course, the Peak-Trough-Recovery Model is just a general guideline. Everyone’s individual chronotype and preferences will vary. However, understanding the model can help people make better decisions about how to allocate their time and energy, which can lead to improved productivity and well-being.

I hope this blog post has been helpful. If you have any questions, please feel free to leave a comment below.

Striking Harmony: The Pursuit of Work-Life Balance and Career Fulfilment

Photo by Ian Schneider on Unsplash

“Life is a constant juggle,” tweeted Randi Zuckerberg in 2011, highlighting the ongoing struggle to maintain a balance between career, family, friendships, fitness, and sleep. Years later, this sentiment still resonates, prompting profound reflections on personal purpose and the tradeoffs we make to achieve success and fulfilment.

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As I engaged in a recent conversation with a colleague about their career path at Salesforce, the intricate dance of balance came to the forefront of our discussion. This encounter prompted me to explore my own “Why” and how I’ve navigated tradeoffs throughout my career to find harmony and achieve my goals.

Navigating the Tradeoffs:

During our conversation, my colleague and I realised that tradeoffs are an integral part of any career journey. We often find ourselves faced with choices between our career and family, health, personal growth, or friendships. Recognising that there is no one-size-fits-all solution, we acknowledged the importance of introspection and understanding our individual “Why.”

The Art of Balancing:

Achieving balance requires a personalised approach that suits your unique circumstances. It may entail sacrificing certain aspects of your life to focus on others or devising creative strategies to pursue multiple goals simultaneously. For instance, if your job demands much of your time, consider negotiating remote work arrangements to spend more quality time with your family. Alternatively, if community engagement is a priority, seek volunteer opportunities that align with your schedule.

The Importance of Self-Reflection:

To find balance in your career, embark on a journey of self-reflection. Delve deep into your priorities, values, and aspirations. This introspective process enables you to make choices that align with what truly matters to you, fostering a sense of purpose and fulfilment.

The Power of Collaboration:

Collaboration plays a pivotal role in achieving balance. Don’t hesitate to seek support and guidance from your loved ones, colleagues, and mentors. Their insights and assistance can prove invaluable as you navigate the challenges of balancing your career with other important aspects of your life.

The Importance of Self-Care:

Nurturing your well-being is paramount in finding equilibrium. Dedicate time to caring for your physical and mental health. Engage in activities that bring you joy and rejuvenate your spirit. Prioritising self-care empowers you to effectively handle the demands of your career while tending to other vital areas of your life.

Conclusion:

Successfully navigating tradeoffs in your career may seem daunting, but with commitment and self-awareness, balance can be achieved, leading to both personal fulfilment and professional success. Remain true to your priorities, collaborate with others, and prioritise self-care. By embracing these principles, you unlock your potential and craft a career that is not only meaningful but also harmoniously aligned with your life as a whole.

I invite you to share your insights on managing the juggle and offer tips that have proven effective for you. Please feel free to share your thoughts in the comments section below.

Further Reading:

To delve deeper into the realm of balancing career and life, consider exploring the following resources:

  • The Balance Careers: A comprehensive website offering valuable insights on managing work-life balance. [link: https://www.thebalancecareers.com/]
  • Lifehack: A platform dedicated to providing practical tips and advice for achieving work-life balance. [link: https://www.lifehack.org/]
  • Arianna Huffington’s Thrive Global: A source of inspiration and guidance on prioritising well-being while pursuing professional success. [link: https://thriveglobal.com/]
  • The Muse: An online resource featuring expert advice and articles on career development and work-life integration. [link: https://www.themuse.com/]
  • The Harvard Business Review: A renowned publication exploring various aspects of work-life balance and career advancement. [link: https://hbr.org/]

For additional inspiration and profound insights, consider exploring these exceptional books:

  • “The 4-Hour Workweek” by Timothy Ferriss
  • “Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less” by Greg McKeown
  • “The Power of Habit” by Charles Duhigg
  • “The Happiness Project” by Gretchen Rubin
  • “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” by Stephen Covey

Embrace the art of balancing, prioritize your well-being, and unlock the limitless potential that awaits on your journey toward a fulfilling and harmonious career and life.

Unleashing the Spin: 5 Life and Business Lessons from Shane Warne

The legendary Shane Warne

As the Ashes unfolds in England and we go to Lords for the second test, there’s a bloody great void in the cricketing world. It’s been more than a year since the passing of one of the greatest spin bowlers of all time, Shane Warne. His absence is deeply felt, not only for his on-pitch wizardry but also for his profound insights as a commentator.

As a Brit who grew up watching the Ashes and witnessed England being challenged by Warne’s unparalleled brilliance, I couldn’t help but reflect on the invaluable lessons we can learn from this cricketing legend. Here are five principles inspired by Shane Warne that can empower us in both life and business:

1. Embrace fearlessness.

Shane Warne’s career epitomised fearlessness. He fearlessly confronted opponents and took calculated risks, no matter the circumstances. As entrepreneurs, we can adopt his bold approach by embracing challenges head-on and pushing beyond our comfort zones. Warne’s philosophy of never giving up resonates deeply: “You can’t afford to live your life with regrets.”

2. Master the art of adaptability.

Warne’s mastery of spin bowling was not solely based on his natural talent; it was the result of his relentless commitment to adapting and evolving. Similarly, in life and business, we must embrace change, continually learn, and adapt our strategies to navigate the ever-shifting landscapes. Warne understood the art of making the batsman doubt: “You can’t always bowl the same line and length. You’ve got to be able to mix it up.”

3. Cultivate mental resilience.

Cricket, like life and business, is filled with highs and lows. Warne’s ability to bounce back from setbacks is a testament to his mental resilience. He never allowed failures to define him but instead used them as stepping stones to success. His words remind us of the importance of living a regret-free life: “You’ve got to be able to cop a bit of criticism and come back stronger.”

4. Nurture strategic thinking.

Warne was not just a bowler; he was a master tactician. His strategic thinking and ability to outwit opponents were legendary. In the world of business, strategic thinking is equally crucial. Warne’s belief in the simplicity of cricket holds valuable lessons for us: “Cricket is a simple game. You just gotta outthink the other guy.”

5. Champion the power of passion.

One cannot discuss Shane Warne without acknowledging his bloody great passion for cricket. He played with unbridled enthusiasm and a love of the game that was infectious. This passion fuelled his success and inspired others around him. As we pursue our endeavours, let’s channel Warne’s passion and dedication. As he said, “If you don’t love what you’re doing, you’re never gonna be good at it.”

Conclusion:

Shane Warne was a true legend of cricket, and his legacy will continue to inspire people for many years to come. He was a fearless competitor, a master strategist, and a passionate advocate for the game. His life and career are a testament to the power of hard work, dedication, and never giving up.

Call to action:

What are your favourite memories of Shane Warne? Share them in the comments below.

Fact check:

  • Warne played 145 Test matches, taking 708 wickets with an average of 25.41.
  • In the Ashes, Warne played 36 matches, claiming 195 wickets at an average of 23.25.
  • These remarkable numbers stand as a testament to his unparalleled skill and impact on the game.

Vale ‘Warney’…

Taking a career break — 7 tips to maximise the experience

In 2015 I took 8 months off work to travel through Latin America and learn Spanish. The following year I returned to the workplace feeling rejuvenated, recharged and ready for a new challenge. What’s more, the time off gave me time to assess the direction I wanted to take my career and what work I enjoy.

Time off to travel was traditionally just the preserve of students, either pre or post university. Having not taken this opportunity myself, I was always envious of my friends’ amazing stories of an unforgettable summer working and back packing across Australia, Asia or South America. Admittedly, we saw a lot of travellers who fitted this remit, but there were also a large number of people like us, and much older than us, who wanted to experience something new, and do it before they were too old to do so.

Up to 90,000 people every year take some sort of career break (about 60% women). Typically, it’s people who are in their late twenties or early thirties, although an increasing number are in their forties and fifties (independent.co.uk).

So here are 7 tips for those looking to take a career break. They are designed to not only help you have the time of your life, but also to ensure you don’t damage your career prospects along the way.

1. Work out your budget.

When doing this, make sure you add plenty of wiggle room. We added on an amazing, totally unforgettable 6 day hike in Torres del Paine in Patagonia, which I’ll be telling my great grandchildren about. When you’re on the road you will hear about amazing things to do you’ve not heard of before, so make sure you have flexibility in your schedule and your budget. We booked our accommodation and school ahead of time, but needed to change this throughout as we learnt of activities we wanted to add in and we sort a more even balance between study and travel. The school were flexible but didn’t offer a refund and charged us for each change, meaning we were left with credit at the end. I’d therefore recommend not committing yourself to anything more than a month a time. Even if just staying near home to spend time with family or to get more involved in your hobbies, you’ll notice that life when you’re not commuting and have more time can be considerably less expensive, so your day-to-day costs will be much lower. This is particularly true in some countries, but do your research. We expected Argentina to be cheap but this is only the case if you can trade US dollar notes on the ‘blue market’. Prior to travel, do your research, and be prepared to cut back on the little things to focus on the experiences. Will I be telling my friends about that new iPhone in 2 years? Probably not. But I’ll definitely still be talking about where I’ve been and what I’ve seen.

2. Get your ducks in a row as to your finances before you go.

Make sure you have travel insurance paid up for the trip. If you’re renting your house out, make sure you have money set aside for ‘problems’. My boiler packed in the first month I no longer had a pay-cheque. Have a look at your government and personal pensions and make sure the time out isn’t going to effect your contributions. Can you pay more in advance, or what will you need to pay extra to catch up? Put some extra money aside for after you finish travelling to see you through until you start work again. If you want a bit more security then you can…

3. Ask your company for a sabbatical.

I didn’t do this as we were planning on changing country, but was surprised how many people we met who had. Some were still even being paid during their time off, whilst others had their jobs held open for them on their return. Many companies these days are supportive of employees taking time out, especially if there is flexibility as to timing to avoid a busy project or deadline.

4. Use the time usefully.

One of our biggest concerns was how the time off would be perceived by potential employers. We also didn’t want to feel we were just drifting in life, and wanted to give real purpose to what we are doing. I’ve always wanted to learn a second language and thus we chose to base our travels around Spanish schools in South America. There are many options, and students range from the old to the young. You can live independently or also have the opportunity to live with families and really get to know the people and the culture the way someone just travelling through never could. There are lots of options to volunteer or do a ‘work away’ program, where you swap work for food and board. You can volunteer in so many ways.

When looking for work, treat your career break as if it were a job on your CV and LinkedIn profile, with a clear title, dates and bullet points on what you achieved. For example, “Unpaid sabbatical to travel across South Africa and Mozambique — Sept 2013 to Sept 2014” with a description of how you project planned the trip, taught English and IT, and volunteered in the local community. Your CV will now have something unique which will help you stand out from the crowd. It’s also a great icebreaker during any interview.

5. Start looking for work before you get back.

If you’re like me and haven’t gone down the sabbatical route, then you don’t necessarily have to wait until you land back in your home country to start looking for work. The majority of job searching is done online these days, through the likes of Indeed.com, LinkedIn etc. Make sure you’ve uploaded your CV and got your profile correct. You can even carry out initial interviews through Skype, especially if you aren’t planning on working in your home country after the trip. Admittedly some employers will want to see you face-to-face, but probably not until after they’ve done at least one screening interview. I’d say that you can start looking up to 2 months before the end of your trip, but you can definitely network the entire time. It’s amazing how much decent wifi there is in the world and how easy it is to grab timeout at the end of a busy day doing something amazing, to get your head back into the business world.

6. Use the break to have a bit of soul searching.

Sometimes we get trapped in a job, for a whole load of reasons. Maybe the money is really good, or you’re scared of being out of work. You’ve fallen into a career and it’s kind of taken you along a path. Taking this time out can really help you increase the soft business skills, take time to work out what you really want to do, and look for a career that will make you happier. Sometimes you need to take a step backwards and have a look at the whole picture. We had originally planned to move back to the UK, but after spending time in Australia we strongly felt that it was a better match for us. We love being outdoors, in the sea or at the beach, being active and love the sunshine. We enjoy a healthy lifestyle and an environment where people are always exercising, where it’s safe to run or cycle. As such we will now be moving to Sydney in the next month to start work.

7. Make a record of your time.

Whether it’s a personal diary, a blog or just heaps of photos, make sure you capture this time. It’ll go quickly and if you’re like me you’re going to see and experience so much. It’s great to be able to share that with family and friends back home who will be very interested in where you are and what you are up to. Be prepared to be told ‘you’re an inspiration’, and as such live up to the responsibility. Many people wish they had the courage to do what you are doing, so show them what a great time you are having.

We had such an amazing time, saw so many places and experienced a whole different culture and lifestyle. We added a whole host of new skills and talents which will definitely enhance our careers. We completely changed the geographic direction we had planned our lives to go, based on what we know we like and what we want for our future. It also taught us that we need a lot less to be happy in life. The act of packing up your life and cleaning up before you travel is very therapeutic. It’s amazing how much clutter we gather through the years and a career break offers the chance of a fresh start. I’ve discovered I really only need a good bed, decent wifi, a safe & comfortable spot to relax, good company, great wine and strong coffee.

If anyone ever asked me whether they should take a break out, then my answer is a most definite ‘yes!’

5 things we can learn from Muhammed Ali to make us better in business and life.

Yesterday the world lost one of its greats. Probably the most talented boxer to ever live, certainly the most famous. He wasn’t nicknamed ‘The Greatest’ for nothing. An icon, a person who truly changed the way people looked at boxing; racism; war; religion. He spoke his mind and wasn’t afraid to take a chance.

A man who transcended the political landscape of the 60s and 70s, standing up for his rights and being oppressed because of his beliefs. More than that, in his later life as he struggled with Parkinson’s, he highlighted the dangers of this brutal sport. This would be a bout he couldn’t win, but he maintained his dignity and his status only grew during his 30 year struggle. Ali truly had a transformative role in society.

We can learn a lot from the man, but I’ve distilled this into 5 key points.

1. Preparation is key

“I hated every minute of training, but I said, ‘Don’t quit. Suffer now and live the rest of your life as a champion.”

Ali was a great natural talent but his success was built on the back of a hell of a lot of hard work. He started training at 12 in order to get revenge on a kid who’d stolen his bike, and 6 years later he was a Olympic gold medalist, light heavyweight champion.

He was quick, fast, agile, strong, powerful, and could take hit after hit and keep boxing. He was the best because he trained like the best. He trained 6 days a week. He’d start his day at 5:30am doing a 6 mile run in Army boots, in under 40 minutes. After stretching and a quick work out, he’d eat breakfast and then he’d train for another 3 hours. For dinner, Ali “always ate good: chicken, steaks, green beans, potatoes, vegetables, fruit, juice and water.”

“Before anything else, preparation is the key to success” (Alexander Graham Bell). Ali knew this, and that’s why he’d put the hard work in. If he’d not trained like he did, there is no way he’d have been a 3-time heavy-weight champion!

If the perfect opportunity was presented today, would you be ready? It’s better to always be ready and no opportunity arise than have one and not be ready. I see people in business who become complacent and start going through the motions. They stop preparing adequately for client meetings, to be different, offer something unique, stand out, to be insightful. They then wonder why their results aren’t what they were.

2. Take any setbacks on the chin

“Champions aren’t made in gyms. Champions are made from something they have deep inside them-a desire, a dream, a vision. They have to have the skill, and the will. But the will must be stronger than the skill.”

On October 30, 1974, Ali thought the then undefeated heavyweight champion George Foreman in Kinshasa, Zaire (now Democratic Republic of the Congo). Ali had been champion in 1967 but had been stripped of his title for refusing to serve in Vietnam on religious grounds. He’d been banned for 3 1/2 years which arguably would have been his prime.

He’d lost to Joe Frazier on points on his comeback for a world title, and had not been given another shot since. In 1974 Ali was 32 and Foreman 25. Foreman was undefeated over 40 fights, and had 37 knockouts. The fight is legendary and Ali used the now famous Rope-a-dope technique of leaning on the ropes and basically letting Foreman punch-out on body and arm shots. With Foreman tiring Ali through a 5 punch combination in the 8th that left Big George flat on the canvas and Ali back at the pinnacle of heavyweight boxing.

Ali had taken all the blows thrown by the governing bodies of boxing, the government and Big George, and he’d come out fighting! When we have setbacks, we can either let them knock us down, or like Ali when he received a big punch to the jaw, we can whisper to our opponent “is that all you’ve got, George?”

In life you will have many ups and downs, and the same for all companies and business. It’s how you learn and react to what’s happened before that will set you for the future. Be prepared to adapt, to change, to try something new to overcome your challenges. But if you get put on the canvas (like Ali was versus Henry Cooper), get up and get back in the fight.

3. Be courageous

“He who is not courageous enough to take risks will accomplish nothing in life.”

Ali stood up for what he believed and it cost him over 3 years at his physical peak. He could have gone against his sentiments but that would have meant compromising himself. Muhammed Ali was certainly not the type to give anything but 100%.

Courage is just as vital in business. Aristotle called courage the first virtue, and all good business leaders have deep courage. Courage to take bold, unpopular decisions. To break new ground, to make changes. In sales, courage is vital to be rejected and keep coming back for more. To be told no thank-you and then go to the next customer.

“People who become good leaders have a greater than average willingness to make bold moves, but they strengthen their chances of success-and avoid career suicide-through careful deliberation and preparation. Business courage is not so much a visionary leader’s inborn characteristic as a skill acquired through decision-making processes that improve with practice” ( HBR).

Courage can be learnt. The man who is afraid of heights can overcome this. It’s ok to be afraid, but courage is about not letting that fear stop you from doing what you need to do, or what you know is right.

4. Have Faith

“If my mind can conceive it, and my heart can believe it — then I can achieve it.”

Ali had both a strong Islamic faith, and also a faith in his own ability. He could never be described as a man lacking confidence. He was proud of his religion, of his beliefs, of his colour, of his background. Even when society was against him, he felt his conviction to his own beliefs would eventually be vindicated.

In business, we must believe in ourselves and what we are doing. Faith in one’s self, in your own convictions, in your knowledge and training brings about confidence and ability, and ensues that faith in others. If you don’t trust in yourself then it’s hard for others to have confidence in you.

5. Carpe Diem — Seize the day!

“Live everyday as if it were your last because someday you’re going to be right.”

Watch any footage of Ali in his prime and you’ll see a man who was enjoying what he was doing. Watch him banter in interviews, this was a man who loved what he did and was damn well going to enjoy his time doing it.

I’ve written before about your career being short, but it’s going to feel mighty long if you’re not doing something you enjoy. If you don’t like your job, you need to change it. Whether you want to make a difference, be happy, be successful, whatever, take the opportunities when you see them. Life isn’t about ‘what ifs’, it’s about ‘what you did’.

Muhammed Ali will be remembered as one of the great ones. But in your own way, in your own field, in your own circles, you can be too.

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