📚 I’m creating a series of courses, live coaching, and a peer community to help guide people on a journey from Employee to Solopreneur. The launch date will be in 2022. If you’ve ever thought about starting your own business or side hustle, sign up to be notified. If you have a friend who might be interested, please feel free to share the link with them too. Thanks! If you’re reading this newsletter, you definitely have some reasons to feel grateful. If nothing else, you have access to the internet and a computer or phone. I’m sure you probably have many more reasons to feel grateful. But I don’t know you, so I can’t go much beyond those assumptions. I do too, but I sometimes forget how lucky I am and the many wonderful things I have in my life. I should feel gratitude every minute of every day, but instead, I frequently feel like I’m lacking. I’m disappointed in myself, impatient for results, and always wanting something more. * I want my business to grow faster.* I want more subscribers to this newsletter.* I want more podcast listeners.* I want more people in my community. * I want to write more books.* I want everything to progress more quickly and smoothly.If you’re ambitious and driven, you tend to focus most on what you don’t have and want to achieve. You get frustrated by the gap between reality and your expectations. It’s easy to fall into the trap of “Woe is me” and “Why can’t my life be like…?” thoughts.It’s ok to be ambitious, push yourself to achieve more extraordinary things, and want more out of your life and career. But, it becomes a problem if you focus too much on your frustrations and end up whining and complaining (even internally). It’s not healthy to dwell on what you don’t have and lose sight of how much you do have and how lucky you really are.Things could always be worse. Always. And, many, many people have it way worse than you or I do. We sometimes lose sight of that. Invincible Career® is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.The Power of Gratitude“A good life happens when you stop and are grateful for the ordinary moments that so many of us just steamroll over to try to find those extraordinary moments.”— Brené BrownThere is power in the expression of gratitude. Research has shown that feeling grateful is associated with: * Greater happiness, joy, and optimism* Better coping skills to defer stress* Improved progress toward personal goals* Enhanced self-esteem* Increased generosity and empathy* Building and maintaining stronger social relationships* Better physical health, fewer aches and pains, and deeper sleep* Higher levels of alertness, enthusiasm, attentiveness, determination, and energyThere are plenty of articles and books (my Amazon affiliate link) on the topic of personal gratitude. For example, this article has several excellent suggestions for expressing gratitude, being more mindful, and even a gratitude challenge. I don’t think I need to tell you how to show your friends and loved ones that you’re grateful. But, I think we sometimes forget to extend this to the people we work with every day and those we encounter in our professional lives. How to express gratitude professionally You might be thinking, “Gratitude is gratitude. I already see a lot of expressions of it in the workplace.” But is it really the type of genuine gratitude that leads to the many benefits I listed above? In my decades of professional experience, I haven’t seen that much of it. Sure, people will give a cursory “Thank you” when you help them or complete a task. Leaders send an email blast to the entire company — right around this time of the year — to tell everyone they appreciate all of their hard work (but also remind y’all that there’s even more hard work ahead). Your boss might even say, “Well done!” when you complete a project ahead of schedule. I'm not talking about the lazy leader approach or the knee-jerk “Thanks” from a coworker. I’m talking about a meaningful and personal expression of gratitude for someone that shows you really know them and how they’ve positively impacted your life. You can begin by making a list of people you would like to acknowledge. For example, you can export your Linkedin connections to capture your professional contacts. Create a spreadsheet using that list as the starting point to have a simple relationship management tool. Then:* Add more names (i.e., people you aren’t connected to on LinkedIn).* Add columns for other relevant info (e.g., who they are, how you met, what they do, what influence they had on your life, etc.). * Add columns to track when you last contacted them and the method of communication (e.g., an email to say, “Thanks”).Below are the 9 types of people you may want to reconnect with to express your professional gratitude. Doing this will also boost the power of your network and professional relationships. But, more importantly, this act of appreciation is good for both of you! 1. Past educatorsDo you have a teacher or professor who made a difference in your life? Have you told them how much they helped you or influenced your career path? I’m sure they’d love to hear from you! I know it’s probably been quite a few years since you last saw them, but it’s never too late to express gratitude. For example, I left a “Thank You” note on one professor’s office door a few years ago. He was a terrific educator and guided me in my decision to pursue graduate school. I hadn’t seen him in about 27 years! But, it felt good to acknowledge him and let him know how much it meant to me.2. Past bosses Think back to your bosses and managers who played a part in your achievements and professional growth. Take a moment to write down some thoughts about how they helped you and how much you appreciate that.Then, let them know. You could tell them in person (e.g., if you still see them around), send an email, or mail a physical thank-you note. I can count on one hand the leaders I’ve worked for who really made a positive difference in my life. I sent a message to one person to let them know how much I appreciated what they did for me, even though it had been ~20 years ago. Guess what? They were happy to hear from me, and it made their day. 3. Past colleaguesSimilarly, I’m sure there are some fantastic colleagues and coworkers from your past too. You probably enjoyed working with a few people and remember them fondly. Well, it’s time to let them know. I know we sometimes feel too shy to express gratitude in person. It becomes more comfortable with time and distance. But, take the time to do it. People always appreciate the gesture.4. Past employeesEven if someone no longer works for you, you can still tell them that you appreciate what they did for you and the team. Expressing gratitude to an employee doesn’t stop when their employment with you ends. Most of us work in small industries, and our paths cross again. If you enjoyed working with someone, let them know. It’s even easier when they’re no longer on your team since you can be completely open about it (e.g., no worries about playing favorites with your current employees). 5. Current leadersIt is undoubtedly a bit more challenging to express genuine gratitude to your current manager or more senior leaders in your organization. You do not want to look like you’re “kissing up” and trying to curry favor. You should only do this if you genuinely mean it and have specific examples of what you appreciate about them. In some ways, you can look at this as “coaching” your boss. You’re providing positive feedback and letting them know that something they’ve done is noticed and valued. As a leader, I can tell you that it’s rare for an employee to sincerely thank you for the role you play. Insincere flattery happens all too often, and it gets old. Genuine gratitude is always appreciated when it comes with positive feedback that can help guide you in your leadership development. We already get enough negative feedback. 🤣6. Current employees Again, it’s more challenging to express genuine gratitude to your current employees. But, you can think of this almost like a performance review with only the positive feedback element. Do not take this time to add “areas for improvement”! Save that for the official performance review.Be very specific about why you are grateful for each employee in a 1-on-1 conversation or message. Don’t do the lazy email blast to the entire team (e.g., “Thank you all for your amazing effort this quarter!”). Share examples of things the employee has done that make you glad that they are on your team. 7. Current colleaguesIt’s a little easier to express gratitude to your current colleagues than to your boss and employees. It’s not as tricky to navigate. Think about the coworkers you enjoy working with and value. It can be people in your same organization, of course, but don’t forget people in other orgs who have supported you. For example, I’ve been lucky to work with some amazing people in HR, recruiting, PR, marketing, legal, community, sales, etc. Work is stressful and demanding! People love hearing that they’ve made a difference and that you appreciate them. 8. Advisors, mentors, and coachesIt may seem obvious that you should also take time to thank any advisors, mentors, and coaches who have guided you during your career. But, you’d be surprised by the number of mentees that never bother to express gratitude. Some people forget that advisors and mentors are often taking time out of their busy schedules to help others for free. They are doing you a huge favor! So, if you’ve been fortunate enough to have someone play this role for you, it makes sense to let them know how much you appreciate them. Just send a quick message along the lines of, “Hi, I don’t know if I’ve ever fully expressed how grateful I am for your mentoring. Thank you for taking the time to give me feedback and help guide me in my career decisions. I appreciate your help!”9. Friends in your professional communityFinally, I hope you have friends you appreciate in your professional life. I have what I would call my “inner circle” of trusted people who are my confidants. Everyone needs people they can turn to for advice, feedback, and even a little sympathy.Work can be rough at times. So, it’s helpful to have friends in your profession and industry who “get it” and can commiserate from time to time. Let them know that you are grateful for their friendship and appreciate them. Hopefully, they already kind of know this, but everyone enjoys being appreciated. Expressing my gratitude“I don't have to chase extraordinary moments to find happiness - it's right in front of me if I'm paying attention and practicing gratitude.”— Brené BrownWriting this article allowed me to reflect on what I’m grateful for in my life. I needed this exercise just as much as anyone else. I’ve been feeling down more than usual lately. More frustrated, irritated, and stressed. So, I took a few minutes and captured my thoughts on gratitude and the good things in my life. Here is what came to mind:* I’m grateful to you. Thank you for making time in your schedule to read my newsletter and listen to my podcast. I know you have a busy life, so I want you to know that I appreciate you giving me some of your valuable attention.* I’m grateful to my premium subscribers and clients. You are why I created this business, and I hope to keep serving you for many more years to come. Your patronage makes it possible for me to write, record the podcast, and build my coaching practice. * I’m grateful to my loving wife.* I’m grateful for my amazing children.* I’m grateful for my health.* I’m grateful that I’m able to work and provide for my family.* I’m grateful that I created a business I love that allows me to work remotely.* I’m grateful to my loving parents, who raised me to be independent. They also showed me how to be a good father through their actions. * I’m grateful for the friends who have stuck by my side as my life and career have changed over the years. Thank you, again, for reading my newsletter and articles. I appreciate you. I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving celebration and can take some time to relax with your friends and family. Enjoy!⬆️ Scroll to the top if you want to listen to my more detailed discussion of this article. 🎧Do you have a friend or family member who could benefit from expressing gratitude a little more often? They might enjoy this article and podcast episode. Feel free to share it with them!Ready to join my private community?Subscribe now, and I’ll send you an invitation to join my private community of ambitious professionals who help each other become more successful and fulfilled in their working lives. Once you’re in, you’ll be able to participate in our exclusive office hours every week and chat with the other members and me every day!Are you ready to turn a $15/month investment into thousands of dollars of increased income every year? That’s precisely what has happened for many people in my community.However, I do know that not everyone is ready to become a paid subscriber yet. But, there is a great way you can support my work without spending any money:📣 Recommending my newsletter on social media 📣 It only takes a few seconds, and it helps grow my business so I can continue making time to write it.I’ll even provide some copy and paste text to make it easy to share on Twitter, Reddit, LinkedIn, Facebook, etc. Thanks in advance!I've really been enjoying the Invincible Career newsletter by Larry Cornett (@cornett). If you want to get ahead at work and be happier in your job, but you aren’t subscribed yet, you’re missing out.https://newsletter.invinciblecareer.comThis week’s office hours topic⭐ How to Grow Your Video AudienceLarry Cornett is a leadership coach and business advisor who hosts a private mastermind community for ambitious professionals with weekly challenges, office hours, and 24x7 support. If you’re interested in starting your own business or side hustle someday (or accelerating an existing one), check out his “Employee to Solopreneur” course (launching in 2022). Larry lives in Northern California near Lake Tahoe with his wife and children, and a gigantic Great Dane. He does his best to share advice to help others take complete control of their work and life. He’s also on Twitter @cornett. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit newsletter.invinciblecareer.com/subscribe

Welcome to Invincible Career — a newsletter by Larry Cornett that helps ambitious professionals live better lives. If you find this article helpful or interesting, consider sharing it with a friend or two. If you’ve been reading and enjoying my newsletter for a while, consider a premium membership that gives you access to my private community, weekly office hours, and exclusive professional development prompts and challenges!My guest for this episode is Joan Kennedy. She is a multi-award-winning international artist, illustrator, and published children’s author. Everything she creates is inspired by a deep desire to acknowledge and admire the beauty of our animal kingdom, which she believes should be protected at all costs.Her unique style reflects the movement and energy of the animals she enjoys to paint. Mixing watercolour and vibrant inks she tries to capture the essence of the animal with each brush stroke.She was selected as only one of six businesses in the U.K. to curate a body of work and go on various funded exhibitions to China — winning best exhibit award. She has also exhibited at the British Embassy in Prague.Her work features in exclusive galleries throughout China and she has collectors throughout the globe.You can find Joan and her work here:* Joan Kennedy Artist website* Joan Kennedy on Instagram* Her FacebookWe talk about:* Her initial job that wasn’t fully utilizing her creative talent. * Her first business teaching children through music.* Why she finally decided to follow her artistic dreams after putting them off for many years. * The incredible success she’s had with her creative business!* The advice she shared with her daughter. Key points from our conversationI want to call out a few points from my conversation with Joan to consider if you feel like you’re not living up to your potential or leveraging your true talents in your job. She also talked about the importance of following your dreams.Don’t settleJoan didn’t begin her working career as an artist. She started working for P&O Transport in Dublin, Ireland. She got married and moved to England. There, she taught children through music for 19 years (her first business). Her painting was more of a hobby when she lived in Dublin (although she sold over 50 paintings then). But, she stopped when she moved to the UK because she was extremely homesick. Her creative spirit was blocked. However, she finally decided that she would always regret not trying to make a go of it as a full-time artist, and it was too much to keep running two businesses (music and art). So, she focused on what she loved the most and put all of her energy into it. It was really difficult, she almost gave up, and it took years for her to make it work — but it’s now a successful business.Leverage your talentIt’s frustrating to have a valuable talent you’re not fully utilizing. I know musicians, writers, artists, etc. wish they could spend their days doing what they love, and find a way to make living with that talent. Unfortunately, most creative folks have a completely different day job that pays the bills. They spend 8 hours at work and try to squeeze in time for their creative explorations in the evening and on weekends. There’s no better feeling than being able to fully express your talent, invest time every day in getting better at it, and being able to make a living with those skills. It may take years to plan a path to that goal, but, as Joan said, it’s worth it.Be proactiveWhen you listen to this episode, you’ll hear how proactive Joan was about promoting her work. She didn’t just produce her art and hope that someone would take notice. She’s applied multiple times to have her work featured and exhibited around the world (e.g., China, the Czech Republic). She was selected as one of only six creative businesses to have her work curated in the U.K. and featured in the British Embassy in Prague. None of this would have happened if she hadn’t stepped up to submit her art.Waiting and hoping isn’t a very powerful career strategy. If you want things to happen in your life, you have to be proactive and take action to pursue your goals and dreams. ⬆️ Scroll to the top if you want to listen to our entire conversation, and hear more of Joan’s story! 🎧Do you have a creative friend or family member who wants to make a living doing more of what they love? They might enjoy this article and podcast episode. Feel free to share it with them!Ready to join my private community?Subscribe now, and I’ll send you an invitation to join my private community of ambitious professionals who help each other become more successful and fulfilled in their working lives. Once you’re in, you’ll be able to participate in our exclusive office hours every week and chat with the other members and me every day!Are you ready to turn a $15/month investment into thousands of dollars of increased income every year? That’s precisely what has happened for many people in my community.However, I do know that not everyone is ready to become a paid subscriber yet. But, there is a great way you can support my work without spending any money:📣 Recommending my newsletter on social media 📣 It only takes a few seconds, and it helps grow my business so I can continue making time to write it.I’ll even provide some copy and paste text to make it easy to share on Twitter, Reddit, LinkedIn, Facebook, etc. Thanks in advance! I've really been enjoying the Invincible Career newsletter by Larry Cornett (@cornett). If you want to get ahead at work and be happier in your job, but you aren’t subscribed yet, you’re missing out.https://newsletter.invinciblecareer.com This week’s office hours topic⭐ Record, Edit, and Publish a VideoLarry Cornett is a leadership coach and business advisor who hosts a private mastermind community for ambitious professionals with weekly challenges, office hours, and 24x7 support. If you’re interested in starting your own business someday (or accelerating an existing one), check out his “Employee to Solopreneur” course (launching in 2022).Larry lives in Northern California near Lake Tahoe with his wife and children, and a gigantic Great Dane. He does his best to share advice to help others take complete control of their work and life. He’s also on Twitter @cornett. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit newsletter.invinciblecareer.com/subscribe

Welcome to Invincible Career — a newsletter by Larry Cornett that helps ambitious professionals live better lives. If you find this article helpful or interesting, consider sharing it with a friend or two. If you’ve been reading and enjoying my newsletter for a while, consider a premium membership that gives you access to my private community, weekly office hours, and exclusive professional development prompts and challenges!Several years ago, I made a mistake. I declined an early-morning meeting, and the person scheduling it asked me why I couldn’t make it. I shared the details of my existing commitment with him. He said, “Oh! Well, this meeting is much more important than that. Cancel your other commitment.” I will never let that happen again. How I choose to prioritize my time is my decision. Only I understand the reasoning and the tradeoffs I want to make. After that day, I forever changed how I manage my time and communicate with people who want a slice of it. I know that my time is a finite precious resource, and I’ll never have enough of it to do the things that matter most unless I fiercely protect it.Does anyone ever feel like that they just have extra time lying around? I doubt it. Pretty much every person I know says there aren’t enough hours in the day. How about you? Does any of this ring true?* I feel like I can never catch up at work.* 41% of people spend time on tasks they don’t enjoy that don't really get work done.* I will never complete my growing to-do list.* Only 2.5% of people can multitask effectively (i.e., they’re supertaskers).* I’m so tired! I never get enough sleep.* Over a third of U.S. adults don’t get enough sleep. * I’d like to spend more time with my family and friends, but I have too much to do.* 56% of employed parents say it’s difficult to balance the responsibilities of job and family.* I’d like to exercise and eat healthier, but I’m too busy. * 67% of Americans say they don’t have time to exercise as much as they’d like.* I want to take more time off to enjoy life, but I can’t. * 60% of U.S. adults say they sometimes feel too busy to enjoy life.Saying Yes can be a problemThere are only 24 hours in a day. You cannot create more time. You can’t keep robbing yourself of sleep, either. That’s not sustainable or healthy. You can try to work faster and be more efficient. There are tons of books on productivity tricks and hacks. But that will only help a little. The real solution is to do less. You have to say no to things that eat up your time to make room for more important things. I know this isn’t a revolutionary concept. You know that you should be saying “No” more often. However, if you’re like most of us, that’s easier said than done. You’re thinking it, but you’re not really doing it. Why? Well, we often bite our tongues and say “Yes” because:* We want to be kind and helpful. * We don’t want to appear selfish or rude. * We’re afraid to upset our bosses. * We don’t like conflict. * We don’t want to disappoint others. * We hope that saying “Yes” now will benefit us later. In some cases, there are valid reasons to take on more work, tasks, and activities even when we wish we could decline. There are times that doing more is necessary to push through and get things done, get ahead at work, or take care of your loved ones. However, your time isn’t infinite, and you still need to consider what you’re taking on and who you’re helping. You have to ruthlessly prioritize and rank the demands. Also, I would bet you’re still saying “Yes” to requests that aren’t worth it. There are dozens of things that you should start declining to reinvest your time in better ways. I’m just as guilty as most people. I like to help others. I don’t enjoy conflict. I feel guilty about saying “No” when someone wants a little of my time. But I’ve lived long enough to see how it all plays out, over and over again. I’ve experienced how prioritizing the needs of others leaves less time for my loved ones and me. I’ve also learned that it’s a bottomless pit. You could spend every minute of every day giving away your time, and it would never be enough. Keep doing that, and you’ll burn out. You must take care of yourself too! Have you heard that cheesy metaphor of putting on your oxygen mask first before helping others? It’s a little goofy, but it’s true. You can’t help other people if you let yourself crash and burn. So, below is my list of things you should stop doing to reinvest that time in yourself and more important activities. Invincible Career® is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Say No to These 20 Things The hard part is saying “No” and sticking to that decision. But, it’s even harder to do that and not feel guilty about it. However, let me tell you something. The most successful people in the world say “No” to hundreds or even thousands of requests every week. It doesn’t hurt them. In fact, it’s one of the primary reasons that they are successful. “The difference between successful people and really successful people is that really successful people say no to almost everything.”— Warren Buffett 1. Accepting pointless meetingsI worked in Tech for decades, and one of the most common complaints is that there are way too many meetings. As an exec, I used to spend my entire day in conference rooms. As an individual contributor, it’s hard to get your work done if you spend your whole day on Zoom. It’s ok to decline meetings when you know that your presence isn’t essential. 2. Traditional networking eventsAs I’ve mentioned before, I’ve never enjoyed — or gotten much value out of — traditional networking events. They are a considerable time-waster since you could easily spend several hours at one and walk away with nothing. There are smarter ways to build a powerful network. 3. Unnecessary business tripsTravel can certainly be enjoyable. I cherish many of the business trips I’ve taken around the world. But, too much travel can be grueling and a waste of time. I remember a few trips that didn’t accomplish much beyond what could have been handled with a few conference calls or Zoom meetings. Learn how to say “No” to unnecessary and unpleasant travel.4. Excessive social events As an introvert, it doesn’t take much for me to exceed my limit of social events. But, even if you’re extroverted and enjoy them, there can be too much of a good thing, and it will quickly eat up your time. Say “No” when you know that you could spend that time doing something more important. 5. Long partiesThis is the time of year for holiday lunches, dinners, and parties. Yes, you sometimes need to make an appearance (e.g., at your company’s holiday party). But, you don’t have to stay until the bitter end. Plan your party strategy for attending for a little while, talking with the right people (e.g., your boss), and making a gracious exit.6. Endless school functionsWhat’s up with all of the school activities and events? I can tell you that my parents didn’t spend a fraction of the time at my school that parents are expected to spend today. Yes, you absolutely should attend your children’s games, plays, etc. But, I know there are other events that they would be happy to skip — and you should too.7. Making time for a quick chatIt seems like everyone on LinkedIn just wants a “quick chat” lately. Someone connects with me, sends an introductory message, and then drops the “Hey, I would love to hop on a quick call with you to talk more about what I do.” I used to make time for a few of these. I also used to be super polite with the banter back and forth about how I didn’t need whatever they were selling. Now, I make it clear that I have no time for it and occasionally block people. My time is too valuable. 8. Letting people “pick your brain”I wouldn’t be a business advisor and leadership coach if I didn’t like helping people. I spent many years giving people advice, meeting for lunch to help someone with a tough decision, and saying yes to requests to “pick my brain.” But, it became too much and left me very little time for my own work. Put a limit on how often you let people pick your brain, and seriously consider setting up paid calls to access your precious time and wisdom. 9. Getting pulled into dramaI used to get pulled into so much drama when I worked in an office. It happens less often now that I primarily work at home, but you’d be surprised. Virtual drama over messaging and Zoom is still a significant time sink. It’s good to help people and support them, but there’s a line beyond which you end up wasting too much time listening to someone mope, moan, and complain without them taking action to solve anything. 10. Keeping up appearances When you catch yourself saying, “I have to do this because everyone else does,” take a hard look at why you feel that way. All too often, we waste time on activities because we want to be perceived a certain way by friends and neighbors. 11. Tasks you should delegateI would bet there are several tasks you’re still doing every week that could easily be handled by someone else. I’m a bit of a control freak, so I get it. One of my challenges as a leader was letting go of work that I knew I should delegate to my team. But, once you finally do, you’ll be amazed at how much time you recover. 12. Being guilted into eventsWe’re sometimes guilted into events by our family (e.g., a family reunion), but it can occur with friends too. You should only attend events when you really want to vs. when you feel forced to do so. Don’t let guilt steal precious time from your life. 13. Saying “Yes” out of fear How often do you say “Yes” to a request from your boss because you’re afraid of potential negative repercussions if you say “No”? I know that I’ve done that. It can be a fear of being fired, not getting promoted later, or your manager’s disappointment. But, that’s no way to live. If you’re overloaded and overworked because of fear, you have to overcome that to manage your time. Or, it might be time for a change (e.g., find a better job where you don’t have to live in fear). 14. Working for exposure The game of “working for exposure” is one that consultants, designers, and writers will often be asked to play. Someone is too cheap to pay you what you’re worth, so they promise that the exposure will be fantastic. It never is. Say “No” to this trap. 15. Busy work Some work will help you grow and advance, but some projects are below your skill level and simply keep you busy. Busy work is a waste of time. It won’t help you shine and get promoted. Have a strategy for taking on work that matters and alternative solutions for low-ROI projects and tasks (e.g., delegating to a more junior colleague).16. Volunteering too much Some people want to be good citizens and raise their hands to volunteer way too much at work (e.g., planning parties, scheduling events, designing a team t-shirt). Yes, it’s good to step up occasionally and help with tasks that fall outside your job description. But, do it too often, and you’ll find yourself drowning and falling behind in your expected work.17. Responding immediately Communication via email, texting, and online messaging has exploded over the past decades. There’s an “always-on” expectation, and it’s easier than ever for people to reach you 24x7 and fragment your attention. Resist the urge to respond immediately to every single message. Instead, batch the activity and reply when you want to dedicate time to it.18. Excessive multitasking I know that the modern job requires quite a bit of multitasking. But, we often take it to extremes. We feel like we can do it all and still be effective. The truth is, we cannot (remember the stat that only 2.5% of people are supertaskers?). If you want to reduce your stress, feel less tired, and get more quality work done, focus on one or a few things at a time. 19. Commuting for a jobThis may no longer be an issue for you if you’re working from home forever or have a short commute. But, I used to spend over 625 hours a year on the freeway before I finally left my corporate job behind. The world has changed significantly in the past two years. If you’re tired of wasting time on your daily commute to the office, there are better options now. 20. Apologizing for saying noFinally, you need to say “No” to apologizing for saying No. It’s human nature, I guess. I still catch myself doing it. “Sorry, I don’t have the time to do that.” But, you don’t need to be sorry for making yourself a priority. You don’t need to apologize for treating your time like the precious resource that it is. How to say NoHow you say “No” to a request for your time depends on the request and who the requestor is. It’s easier to decline a meeting request from a stranger on LinkedIn than tell your boss that you don’t want to take on a new project. You will need to be more thoughtful about your response to your manager, which may require a deeper explanation and offering alternatives. But, saying “No” falls into these major categories. I don’t do thatIn some cases, a request will be at odds with your values, beliefs, and priorities. You could potentially fulfill the request, but you don’t want to. Not now and not ever. For example:* “No, thank you. I don’t do that kind of work.” * “No, thank you. I’m no longer accepting this type of meeting.” You can decide if you want to explain why or leave it at that.I can’t do thatIn other cases, you can’t fulfill the request because it is beyond your capabilities, not within your power, or otherwise impossible. It’s not a choice of doing it or not, you simply cannot, and it will be a waste of your time to try. For example:* “No, I’m not the right person for that task.” * “No, I don’t have the power to make that decision. You’ll need to talk with Susan.” * “No, I can’t attend that meeting in person since it would be a 4-hour drive.”I have other commitmentsThere will be times when you decide to prioritize existing commitments over something new that demands more of your time. You can’t keep putting new things on your plate.For example:* “No, my time is already fully allocated to other priorities, and I can’t take on any additional work.” * “No, I already have a commitment at that time… What is it? It’s personal.” * “No, my schedule is full, and I’m not accepting any new meetings.” Not now, but laterFinally, there will be times that you would like to accept a request but simply don’t have the time right now. In those cases, you can negotiate.For example:* “I’d be happy to accept this project, but it will have to wait until next Friday when I finish my commitment to this current project.”* “My schedule is full this week, but I’d be happy to talk with you next Wed.”I think you get the idea. The big takeaway is that you should be the one owning your time and deciding how you allocate it. You get to prioritize your activities and how you schedule things. Take control, stop saying “Yes” to everything, say “No” when necessary, and negotiate when appropriate. When you eliminate the wrong things, it makes more time for the right things. ⬆️ Scroll to the top if you want to listen to my expanded discussion of this article. 🎧Ready to join my private community?Subscribe now, and I’ll send you an invitation to join my private community of ambitious professionals who help each other become more successful and fulfilled in their working lives. Once you’re in, you’ll be able to participate in our exclusive office hours every week and chat with the other members and me every day!Are you ready to turn a $15/month investment into thousands of dollars of increased income every year? That’s precisely what has happened for many people in my community.However, I do know that not everyone is ready to become a paid subscriber yet. But, there is a great way you can support my work without spending any money:📣 Recommending my newsletter on social media 📣 It only takes a few seconds, and it helps grow my business so I can continue making time to write it.I’ll even provide some copy and paste text to make it easy to share on Twitter, Reddit, LinkedIn, Facebook, etc. Thanks in advance!I've really been enjoying the Invincible Career newsletter by Larry Cornett (@cornett). If you want to get ahead at work and be happier in your job, but you aren’t subscribed yet, you’re missing out.https://newsletter.invinciblecareer.com This week’s office hours topic⭐ Identify Your Video ThemeLarry Cornett is a leadership coach and business advisor who hosts a private mastermind community for ambitious professionals with weekly challenges, office hours, and 24x7 support. If you’re interested in starting your own business someday (or accelerating an existing one), check out his “Employee to Solopreneur” course (launching in 2022).Larry lives in Northern California near Lake Tahoe with his wife and children, and a gigantic Great Dane. He does his best to share advice to help others take complete control of their work and life. He’s also on Twitter @cornett. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit newsletter.invinciblecareer.com/subscribe

Welcome to Invincible Career — a newsletter by Larry Cornett that helps ambitious professionals live better lives. If you find this article helpful or interesting, consider sharing it with a friend or two. If you’ve been reading and enjoying my newsletter for a while, consider a premium membership that gives you access to my private community, weekly office hours, and exclusive professional development prompts and challenges! Take advantage of my Halloween Special! Subscribe now and get a 1-year subscription for half the price. Limited time treat!My guest for this episode is Sherri Edwards. Sherri started her own consulting business, Resource Maximizer, nearly 25 years ago. Her career in sales, operations, and HR management included 37 jobs across half as many years. This winding path led her into the staffing industry, where the lightbulb finally went off. She found she could help others improve their performance and find easier paths to rewarding careers and that she could do it within a context she defined. Resource Maximizer was born.Over the years, Sherri has provided outplacement services and corporate training on topics such as effective communication, goal setting, time management, and customer service — while also offering 1:1 coaching for individuals. Her business focus is now centered on coaching services and workshops for individuals pursuing a career change or those needing guidance in moving their careers to the next level. She facilitates a structured networking group that is moving into its 20th year.You can also find Sherri on Twitter (where we met) and LinkedIn. We talk about:* Her career journey and why she had so many jobs.* Why and how she launched her own business.* How she didn’t wait for permission to pursue her goals.* How she overcame her impostor syndrome.* The incredible value of community and networking.Key points from our conversationI want to call out a few points from my conversation with Sherri to help you if you feel blocked and are waiting to do what you know you should be doing. She also shared more advice that is helpful for every job seeker.Don’t wait for permissionSherri decided that she had learned enough about recruiting, staffing, searching for jobs, and interviewing to break free and do it on her own. It’s impressive! Remember, she started her business 25 years ago before LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, etc., even existed. Perhaps you’ve already encountered this in your life, but someone asked her why she thought she was in the position to help people find a job when it seemed like she changed jobs frequently. I’m always amazed when people try to make us feel small and shut down our dreams. Maybe the right word is “angry” instead of amazed. Side note: What in the heck is wrong with people? Why would you try to discourage someone from being ambitious and taking a swing at doing their own thing? Don’t ever be that person! Please support your entrepreneurial friends. It’s hard enough to run a business without your friends tearing you down.Anyway… Sherri just went for it. She started her business, experimented frequently, and wasn’t afraid to pivot as the economic conditions changed. She didn’t wait for someone to give her permission to do it.Overcome impostor syndromeSherri described how she initially felt intimidated when coaching clients with advanced experience, Ph.D. degrees, etc. But, then she realized something… Yes, they had deep experience in their domains. But, they did not have expertise in successfully finding a job, interviewing well, and landing a great offer. They didn’t need her help with their profession. They needed help finding new jobs. I tell my clients the same thing. They’re the expert at what they do for a living. I’m not here to help an engineer write better code, a designer create better designs, or a doctor perform surgery better. I’m here to help with the issues that are holding people back in their careers (e.g., why aren’t they getting promoted?) and find ways for them to get ahead and be more successful.Build relationships and communitySherri and I agree that success in your career is all about relationships. If you want to struggle in your job search, try the “spray and pray” approach of blasting your resume to hundreds of online job listings. If you’d rather succeed more quickly in finding a great job, build relationships and nurture your network. My connections have been the secret to landing pretty much every great job I had.Sherri also built a community to help people with the challenges of their careers and searching for jobs as they grow older. Rather than mope and complain, she encourages people to do something about their situation. Take action! Now, her community is growing by adding younger people who are children of the clients she’s worked with for several years. How cool is that?⬆️ Scroll to the top if you want to listen to our entire conversation, and hear more of Sherri’s valuable advice! 🎧Ready to join my private community?Subscribe now, and I’ll send you an invitation to join my private community of ambitious professionals who help each other become more successful and fulfilled in their working lives. Once you’re in, you’ll be able to participate in our exclusive office hours every week and chat with the other members and me every day!Are you ready to turn a $15/month investment into thousands of dollars of increased income every year? That’s precisely what has happened for many people in my community.However, I do know that not everyone is ready to become a paid subscriber yet. But, there is a great way you can support my work without spending any money:📣 Recommending my newsletter on social media 📣 It only takes a few seconds, and it helps grow my business so I can continue making time to write it.I’ll even provide some copy and paste text to make it easy to share on Twitter, Reddit, LinkedIn, Facebook, etc. Thanks in advance!I've really been enjoying the Invincible Career newsletter by Larry Cornett (@cornett). If you want to get ahead at work and be happier in your job, but you aren’t subscribed yet, you’re missing out.https://newsletter.invinciblecareer.com This week’s office hours topic⭐ Choosing a Video PlatformLarry Cornett is a leadership coach and business advisor who hosts a private mastermind community for ambitious professionals with weekly challenges, office hours, and 24x7 support. If you’re interested in starting your own business someday (or accelerating an existing one), check out his “Employee to Solopreneur” course (launching in 2022).Larry lives in Northern California near Lake Tahoe with his wife and children, and a gigantic Great Dane. He does his best to share advice to help others take complete control of their work and life. He’s also on Twitter @cornett. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit newsletter.invinciblecareer.com/subscribe

Read an updated version of this article: Larry Cornett is a leadership coach and business advisor who hosts a private mastermind community for ambitious professionals with weekly challenges, office hours, and 24x7 support. If you’re interested in starting your own business someday (or accelerating an existing one), check out his “Employee to Solopreneur” course (launching in 2022).Larry lives in Northern California near Lake Tahoe with his wife and children, and a gigantic Great Dane. He does his best to share advice to help others take complete control of their work and life. He’s also on Twitter @cornett. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit newsletter.invinciblecareer.com/subscribe

📚 If you’ve ever thought about starting your own business at some point in your career, check out my Solopreneur workshop. I see too many people stuck in a “holding pattern” in their lives and careers. If you push, you find out that they already know what they should do. They just refuse to accept it.In some cases, it seems like they’re waiting for a “hero” to come along and rescue them. The problems they’re facing feel insurmountable. Taking action feels too scary. They don’t feel capable for one reason or another.Well, I have some bad news:* Politicians aren’t going to save you (or the planet).* Leaders aren’t going to rescue you (or look after your career). * A talent agent isn’t going to miraculously discover you at your day job.* An editor isn’t going to pull a draft off your laptop and run screaming to a publisher, “Look at this masterpiece! We must publish this!”* No one cares more about you than you do (except maybe your Mom).“No one is coming to save you; no one is coming to make life right for you; no one is coming to solve your problems. If you don’t do something, nothing is going to get better. The dream of a rescuer who will deliver us may offer a kind of comfort, but it leaves us passive and powerless. We may feel if only I suffer long enough, if only I yearn desperately enough, somehow a miracle will happen, but this is the kind of self-deception one pays for with one’s life as it drains away into the abyss of unredeemable possibilities and irretrievable days, months, decades.”― Nathaniel Branden, Six Pillars of Self-Esteem (My affiliate link. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.)Repeat after me:No one is coming to save me.No one cares about my future more than I do. I have to step up and become the hero in my own story.I’m sure there is something that you want to do, but you haven’t made it happen yet. There’s a change you want to make in your life, but you’ve been holding back and haven’t taken the first step. You want something more out of your career, but you keep waiting and waiting. Answer these questions truthfully. Be honest; even it hurts to say it out loud:* What excuses am I making?* Why am I not taking action? * What am I waiting for?* What am I afraid of?* Do I want to live with the regret of not trying for the rest of my life?* What’s the worst that could happen if I do take action?* What’s the best that could happen?It isn’t that you don’t know what to do. Ok, maybe there are some things that you need to learn, practice, and master (BTW someone like me is here to help). But, I would guess that you really do know what you should be doing. There isn’t some secret to success that only a few people at the top have discovered. Heck, are there any secrets to success anymore? We have millions of books and websites at our fingertips, loaded with stories of success, advice, and recommendations. There are more than enough examples to follow.We all have the knowledge. If that knowledge is so evident that it seems like common sense, why doesn’t it become standard practice? Why isn’t everyone doing what it takes?* It isn’t that people don’t know what it takes to achieve success.* It’s that most people aren’t willing to do what it takes to achieve success. They never overcome the inertia even to get started. They don’t sustain the effort required. Or, they bail as soon as things become uncomfortable or painful.Taking consistent action despite the uncertainty, fear, and discomfort sets the winners apart from the masses. Successful people make things happen.If there is any secret to adopting the successful habits that generate successful results, I think it comes down to three things:* Accountability* Commitment* IntegrityWinners take the knowledge that is available to all of us, and they take action. They actually do something with it. These three forces drive them to succeed in building their new habits.AccountabilityAccountability is a potent psychological tool. When I’ve witnessed people fail to make a positive change in their life, it can often be traced to a lack of accountability. No one is watching, so who cares?On the flip side, I also know people who were able to turn around a failed habit plan by adding accountability. Once they knew that others were aware of their success or failure, they renewed their efforts.Why? Because they were finally accountable to someone. They didn’t want to disappoint that person. They made a promise, and they were reluctant to let that person down.I observed this firsthand with my journey back to fitness. The most significant change in my exercise habits came from the four years I spent doing CrossFit. I had dabbled in exercise for over a decade, but I knew no one was watching. I wanted to sleep in when I felt tired, and it was all too easy to pull the blankets back up and skip my morning workout.Love it or hate it, CrossFit changed that for me.Yes, there certainly was a decent amount of knowledge and skill acquisition thanks to the coach, which did help set me on a better path. But, knowing that my CrossFit group was waiting every morning helped me get out of bed on the coldest days. Picturing the disappointment of my lifting partner kept me showing up, even when I desperately wanted to skip that day.I was accountable to them, and I knew it. They would hold me to that promise, and I experienced their disappointment if I did happen to miss a session. There was always someone who would say, “Nice of you to show up today. Where in the hell were you yesterday?”I recently interviewed Brigitte Granger, founder of Supporti, for my podcast. Her startup is all about helping people find accountability partners. She shared a similar story about her running buddy. She showed up to run on the coldest Boston mornings because her friend was waiting. As human beings, we want to belong. We seek approval and acceptance. We avoid the disapproval of the group. Find the right people who will support and encourage your new habit, make yourself accountable to them, and you’ll significantly increase your odds of sustained success.I’ve shared this data before, but I’ll include it again because it still blows my mind. The Association for Talent Development (ATD) performed a study on accountability and found the following probabilities of accomplishing a goal:* 10% if you simply have a goal in mind* 25% if you consciously decide that you will achieve it* 40% if you set a date by which you will achieve it* 50% if you create a plan for how you will do it* 65% if you make a promise to someone else that you will do it* 95% when you make specific accountability appointments with that person (this is probably why 1-on-1 career coaching works so well)At some point, once your habits are established, you may be able to create a plan to be accountable to yourself.I transitioned to this after my time at CrossFit. I knew what I needed to do. I had a clear training program and schedule. I am pretty hard on myself. When I tell myself that I will work out for an hour and do this many sets and reps, I will refuse to stop until I do it. I don’t want to disappoint my future self.CommitmentI read an interesting article by Mark Manson related to success, happiness, and struggles in life. He said:“What determines your success isn’t ‘What do you want to enjoy?’ The question is, ‘What pain do you want to sustain?’ The quality of your life is not determined by the quality of your positive experiences but the quality of your negative experiences. And to get good at dealing with negative experiences is to get good at dealing with life.”— Mark MansonCommitment is your plan to see things through and persist through the discomfort and pain. It is the promise you make to your accountability partners. It means that you will commit to fulfilling that promise, even when it would be easier to give up. You commit to a long-term goal over short-term pleasure.When you commit to the people who will hold you accountable, breaking that commitment must have consequences. Sometimes those consequences come from the person or the group (e.g., disappointment, shunning, or even expulsion). Lifelong change comes when you internalize the consequences of abandoning your integrity (more on this next).Winners also commit to a process. A daily practice often trumps goal setting, which can seem intangible at times. The luster of that goal can lose its shine in the face of adversity. Therefore, successful people tend to structure their lives to optimize their chances of continuous progress.“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.” — Will DurantIntegrityWhen people with deep integrity give their word, they keep their word. If they say they are going to do something, they will do it. They have aligned their behavior with their internal values.No if, ands, or buts.No excuses. No hedging. No complaints.It is this integrity that makes accountability work even better. Sadly, I have known people who were accountable to others and aware of that accountability, yet they still let those people down. When questioned, they would make excuses about why they couldn’t follow through on their commitment.Accountability occurs when you make a promise to others — or even yourself — that you will do something. Possessing integrity means that you will honor that promise because doing so is in alignment with the values you hold dear.One of my favorite books is Conscious Business: How to Build Value Through Values (my affiliate link) by Fred Kofman. He talks about the importance of “essential integrity.” He even goes so far as to claim that happiness is tied to integrity, not necessarily achieving success.“Most people believe that happiness is an outcome, a result that accrues to the winner. This is just not true… Happiness comes from integrity rather than success, from behavior in alignment with essential values rather than winning or losing.” — Fred KofmanSo, not only will integrity help you remain accountable to achieve your goals, it may lead to greater happiness. We all have experienced how bad it feels to behave in ways that aren’t aligned with our values and beliefs. Maintaining your integrity ensures that it won’t occur.Optimize for your own successMaking a change is hard. Giving up bad habits feels impossible at times. Establishing new positive habits seems insurmountable.Commit to a consistent daily process. Start small, but simply keep going and do not stop. Actions create progress. Progress fuels accomplishments.Some examples:* Journal every day as you enjoy your morning coffee or tea. It doesn’t take long. * Set a timer and write for at least 15 minutes every day. If the words are flowing, keep going when the timer stops. But, worst case, it’s only 15 minutes!* Commit to working out every day. Do 15 minutes of a warmup, stretches, and start to exercise, even on days when you don’t feel like it. You’ll be surprised to discover that you’ll often want to keep going when the 15 minutes is up.* Every week, spend one hour reading a book that contributes to your professional development or personal growth (steal the time from Netflix). * Spend 30 minutes networking online every week.* Spend one hour working on the future of your career or your dream business plan every weekend. Make a promise that you will make the change you want most in your life. Make a promise to honor your commitment. Maintain your integrity to deliver on that promise.Finally, use accountability as the most powerful tool to keep yourself honest. Find someone you trust to keep you on track. Ask that person to hold you accountable and schedule regular check-ins to track your progress.If you’re the kind of person who can hold yourself accountable, that’s great. But, if you need to be accountable to someone else to ensure that you follow through, find that accountability partner.I play that role for my clients. I do have a process, and I often have unique insights because I can see things from a different perspective. But, many of my clients know what they should be doing to invest in themselves and their careers.I will share some advice with them, and they will literally say, “I know, I know. I really should be doing that. Thank you for the reminder and for giving me a kick in the butt.”Sometimes all we need is that kick in the butt. Someone to believe in us, encourage us, and remind us why we started this journey in the first place.We usually know what we need to do. We just need a gentle push to keep us doing it.⬆️ Scroll to the top if you want to listen to my more detailed reading of this article🎧Ready to join my private community?Subscribe now, and I’ll send you an invitation to join my private community of ambitious professionals who help each other become more successful and fulfilled in their working lives. Once you’re in, you’ll be able to participate in our exclusive office hours every week and chat with the other members and me every day!Are you ready to turn a $15/month investment into thousands of dollars of increased income every year? That’s precisely what has happened for many people in my community.However, I do know that not everyone is ready to become a paid subscriber yet. But, there is a great way you can support my work without spending any money:📣 Recommending my newsletter on social media 📣 It only takes a few seconds, and it helps grow my business so I can continue making time to write it.I’ll even provide some copy and paste text to make it easy to share on Twitter, Reddit, LinkedIn, Facebook, etc. Thanks in advance!I've really been enjoying the Invincible Career newsletter by Larry Cornett (@cornett). If you want to get ahead at work and be happier in your job, but you aren’t subscribed yet, you’re missing out.https://newsletter.invinciblecareer.com This week’s office hours topic⭐ Office Hours - How to Choose Podcasting SolutionsLarry Cornett is a leadership coach and business advisor who hosts a private mastermind community for ambitious professionals with weekly challenges, office hours, and 24x7 support. If you’re interested in starting your own business someday (or accelerating an existing one), check out his “Employee to Solopreneur” course. Larry lives in Northern California near Lake Tahoe with his wife and children, and a gigantic Great Dane. He does his best to share advice to help others take complete control of their work and life. He’s also on Twitter @cornett. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit newsletter.invinciblecareer.com/subscribe

“Success is like a lightning bolt. It'll strike you when you least expect it, and you just have to keep the momentum going. You have to strike when the iron is hot. So for me, I just kept striking and striking to polish out the sword that I was making.”— Michelle PhanI’m vacationing in Maui this week (and sneaking a little work in). Therefore, it seems appropriate to use a surfing metaphor to explain a phenomenon I’ve observed in people’s professions and careers. But first, are you ready for something a little upsetting? Business Insider published an illustration of the ages at which you peak at several things in your life. For example:* Your brain processing power peaks at 18. Great… * Muscle strength peaks at 25. Oh, joy…* Women’s salaries peak at 39.* Men’s salaries peak at 48. * Good news! Your vocabulary doesn’t peak until 69. Likewise, you probably know that careers have peaks, too. Some professions have very short time windows for top performance (e.g., athletes). Others can last longer, but they do eventually come to an end (e.g., surgeons). For example:* Olympic sprinters peak in their early 20s.* The average NFL career for a quarterback is three years.* Commercial airline pilots must retire at 65.* Surgeons over 60 fall under greater scrutiny.* Some countries have mandatory retirement ages starting in your 60s.You’re probably not surprised that blue-collar jobs and other physically demanding professions may have career peaks at younger ages. You might think it’s different for white-collar professionals and they can keep growing in their careers until the end, but that’s not true. Every profession has a season. Every career has peaks and a lifespan. Ageism is undoubtedly an issue. I experienced that in Silicon Valley. But I’m talking about something that seems to happen to most people, regardless of their age and independent of their professions. I’ll call it “The Wave” because it reminds me of the experience of surfing. I lived pretty close to Santa Cruz, CA, for about 13 years. We spent a lot of time on the beaches, and my children and our friends surfed often. My good friend (who worked with me at our startup) was an avid surfer too. I don’t surf, but I spent time observing them. If you pay attention to surfers, they spend a lot of time sitting on their boards, floating, watching, and waiting for a decent wave. Some waves are too small to even bother riding. Most are average and provide a solid ride, but they end soon, and the surfer quickly paddles back to try again. However, if they’re lucky, along comes “The Wave.” The one they’ve been dreaming about. To get the most out of the experience, they must be bold, aggressive, decisive, and committed. If they’re fearful or hesitate, the moment is lost. “Being an aggressive surfer, in the positive sense of aggression, means paddling towards peaks, hunting for waves, and staying engaged and active in the ocean.” (source)When a wave is fantastic, the ride is better and longer. Surfers hope it will never end, but we all know it will eventually. All good things come to an end. Your career has waves, too. It’s those moments when you experience accelerated professional momentum. * The stars feel aligned.* You’re crushing it at work.* Your talent is finally recognized.* You’re receiving promotion after promotion. * You land great new jobs with ease.* Your confidence soars. * Everyone seems to want more of you and what you can do. * You feel you’re on top of the world.You may be lucky to catch some decent waves in your long-term career. A few people may enjoy an early wave, then flounder and struggle, but make a comeback (or change careers/professions) and have the good fortune to catch a second wave (e.g., Robert Downey Jr.). But, most people will get one incredible ride that will determine their future and influence the rest of their lives. Sadly, some people don’t even recognize when it’s happening. They fail to catch that big wave, so, instead, they ride one safe wave slowly until the end. Others perk up when they realize they are on a wave. But they don’t capitalize on it and ride it as hard as they should. Fear, impostor syndrome, and misplaced loyalty make them put on the brakes. This is tragic because once momentum fades, the wave dies down, and careers stagnate. You often never get a second chance. So, I’m here to tell you, do not make that mistake. If you’re lucky enough to catch a great wave, you’d better ride it as hard as you can for as long as possible. But what do I mean by “riding your wave”? How do you keep the momentum going?Here are ten steps that can help you make the most of your wave when it happens. I threw in a bonus step at the end, too. 1. Lean into the momentum When you feel the positive momentum of your wave — your moment in time — enjoy being a hot commodity. Lean into it and accelerate hard. Success can become a virtuous cycle. I’m sure you’ve observed this. You may have even heard people refer to someone as “the golden girl” or “the golden boy.”They can do no wrong. Flaws are overlooked. Everything they do is “amazing.” Everything they touch turns to gold.When your time comes, and you know you’re riding a good wave, take advantage of it. Push hard on your goals and take bigger chances to achieve even greater things — while it lasts and while you can.2. Don’t be afraid"Fear causes hesitation, and hesitation will cause your worst fears to come true."— Patrick SwayzeI get it. Velocity can be frightening. Fear of the unknown is real.When you’re moving up and up on a fast wave, things happen more quickly. * Your role changes.* Responsibilities increase.* Expectations increase.* You receive more attention.* People want more of your time. * Fear of failure grows.It can be overwhelming. But, you have to overcome the fear and create strategies to manage your stress and anxiety. Get help if you need it. You must conquer your fear to make the most of your wave because it will end all too soon, and you’ll wish you’d been brave enough to take advantage of it. Regret sucks. 3. Don’t put on the brakes Some people aren’t necessarily afraid, but they do let up. All too often, I watch people succeed and immediately take their foot off the gas. * They land a new job and stop networking and planning their next move. * They publish a book but don’t promote it, do a speaking tour, or host workshops. * They get promoted and say, “Whew! I made it. Now, I can take a break.”They let up, relax a little, and coast. I understand the desire to rest and recover a little. They’ve earned it, and you do need a breather after pushing hard to make something happen. But we live in a world of friction. That momentum eventually slows if you don’t keep driving forward while the wind is at your back. Believe me, it will stop soon, and eventually, you’ll be facing it. You’d better have enough momentum and drive to push through and keep going. 4. Kill your impostor syndrome Almost all of us suffer from impostor syndrome at some point. I’ve had to deal with it, too, so I wrote about how to overcome it. When things are going well, and we’re making good progress, we question ourselves. The higher we climb, the more doubt and uncertainty creep in:* Maybe I just got lucky.* I’m not as talented as they think I am.* I’m not as bright as the people around me.* Everyone is going to find out that I’m in over my head.* This is too much. I’m going to fail soon!I’ve watched people lose momentum because of fear and impostor syndrome. They rode successively bigger waves with each promotion and job. They were on track for even better things but began to doubt themselves and missed that next big wave. Instead, they fell back and took smaller and more minor roles. Each wave faded more and more until their ride was over. Don’t let impostor syndrome rob you of a chance to maximize your potential. 5. Eliminate friction What’s holding you back? What’s slowing you down? We all have something creating professional friction and risking our career progress.Get rid of those bad habits. Acquire the skills you need. Do whatever you can to reduce friction and keep the momentum of your wave going as long as possible.For example, I often share how my fear of public speaking created a lot of friction in my career progress. So, I killed that fear. My career took off after that. I was promoted five times over five years from a Lead Designer to Manager to Senior Manager to Director to Sr. Director to VP. That was my wave, and I had to ride it hard while it lasted. 6. Seize opportunities “Fortune does favor the bold and you'll never know what you're capable of if you don't try.” ― Sheryl Sandberg, Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to LeadWhen you’re riding up to the peak of your career wave, you’ll notice that more opportunities start flowing your way. That’s what I mean by becoming an “opportunity magnet.”One of my friends was struggling in their career for several years. No matter how hard they worked, they just couldn’t get a promotion. So, they took control and looked for opportunities outside of the company. It took a few months and several interviews, but they finally landed an executive role with a startup. That was the tipping point. Now, more opportunities have surfaced. Recruiters ping them almost every day, and an even larger opportunity presented itself. It was a little scary and risky, but they decided to seize the chance to take on more responsibility than ever before. They landed a new job, which was the most significant role in their life.7. Take bigger risks As my friend did, you have to take bigger risks when you can before it’s too late. This is similar to Retirement Planning 101. The earlier you can put more money into your retirement fund — and invest in higher risk/higher reward opportunities — the bigger the return will be in the end.And, much like retirement, you don’t want to take your biggest risks in the end when you could lose everything. It’s easier to bounce back from mistakes when younger and riding high on your wave. It’s pretty hard to recover when the wave is over, and you don’t have much wiggle room.8. Be careful with your loyaltyWhen an employer treats you well, you should treat them well in return. Work hard and do your best at your job. But, for most people, staying in a job for too long has diminishing returns. On average, being employed at the same company for over two years will make you earn less over your lifetime — by about 50% or more.However, you should obviously stick around when things are going well. For example:* Your career is clearly growing within the company.* You’re regularly receiving promotions.* You’re receiving big raises (i.e., way above a cost-of-living increase).* You’re still acquiring valuable new skills, knowledge, and experience.But if your progress slows down, don’t wait too long. At one of my employers, we were hiring new employees at a higher base salary than existing employees at the same level. How messed up is that? Don’t let that happen to you. Take advantage of your career momentum to maximize your growth and earning potential. If your employer isn’t supporting that, a new one will.9. Build your professional brandThe best time to build your professional brand is when you’re winning. Take advantage of your momentum and push hard to create a visible presence in your industry and online. Grow your audience while you can. Build a strong professional network when you’re riding high on your wave. For example, I wish I had pushed harder to build my following on Twitter when I joined in 2007 and was doing a lot of public speaking worldwide. I also wish that I had started this newsletter back then!If you’re clever, you already know what your next industry might be too (i.e., your 2nd act career). So, now is the time to dial up your visibility, showcase your work and how you think, and start building your new professional brand. For example, I worked with some people who had a day job in one profession but were writing and building up their next profession a little every week. For example, they were developing a reputation as an author while still riding the wave of their first career. Then, when the time was right, they caught an even bigger wave to transition to their second career. One person I know is still riding to the crest of this second wave. They haven’t even peaked yet, but it is much, much larger than where their first wave was taking them. 10. Capitalize on your success“Success begets success. I've been offered a lot of movies now that '30 Rock' has been successful.”— Alec Baldwin When you’re in the middle of riding your big wave, take advantage of your good fortune. Find ways to extend your success in one arena into opportunities in others. * Grow your network and connect with more powerful people. * Become an advisor to startups and small businesses.* Join the board of a company or two.* Spin up a consulting business on the side (while people know your name).* Found your own startup and raise funding. * Start your own business and leverage your hot professional brand to grow more quickly (while you can).However, smart people know that what goes up must come down. Good weather doesn’t last forever, and winter will eventually come. Need another metaphor? 🤣When your success pays off, resist the urge to grow your lifestyle to match. I’ve watched too many people live just within their means (or beyond) because they thought their career wave would keep rising up and up and up. When it slowed or even reversed, they found themselves in financial trouble. Finally, be careful and don’t overextend yourself. I know that I’ve been coaching you to push hard and ride your wave while it lasts. But, do so within reason. Don’t burn out!Bonus step: Create a transition planAll waves end eventually. All of them.What will you do next? What can you create that will sustain you for the rest of your career? Use your remaining momentum to create a transition plan that will let you coast to the “finish line.” Find something meaningful to do with your remaining days. Full retirement sucks anyway. People say that they look forward to leaving work and doing nothing but fishing or golfing every day for the rest of their life. But that’s a bad idea. People who retire earlier die earlier. We all need purpose in our lives. Frittering away your time with nothing but recreation isn’t a purpose. “You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.” — C. S. LewisReach back and help others. This recommendation is less about momentum — and climbing higher — and more about giving back and feeling fulfillment. * Successful actors become directors before it’s too late (e.g., Ron Howard, Penny Marshall, Jodie Foster). * Hot music artists start their own record label (e.g., Jay Z, The Beatles, Dave Grohl. * World-class athletes know when to hang it up and transition into coaching (e.g., Bill Russell, Martina Navratilova, Mike Ditka). * People like me leave the corporate world and advise the next generation of leaders. When you choose the right wave and ride it well, it sets you up for the rest of your career journey. When you reach the end of that wave, you can intentionally create your own wave that will take you the rest of the way. That’s what I’m doing, and I’m happy to help you plan how to do it too. ⬆️ Scroll to the top if you want to listen to my more detailed reading of this article🎧Ready to join my private community?Subscribe now, and I’ll send you an invitation to join my private community of ambitious professionals who help each other become more successful and fulfilled in their working lives. Once you’re in, you’ll be able to participate in our exclusive office hours every week and chat with the other members and me every day!Are you ready to turn a $15/month investment into thousands of dollars of increased income every year? That’s precisely what has happened for many people in my community.However, I do know that not everyone is ready to become a paid subscriber yet. But, there is a great way you can support my work without spending any money:📣 Recommending my newsletter on social media 📣 It only takes a few seconds, and it helps grow my business so I can continue making time to write it.I’ll even provide some copy and paste text to make it easy to share on Twitter, Reddit, LinkedIn, Facebook, etc. Thanks in advance!I've really been enjoying the Invincible Career newsletter by Larry Cornett (@cornett). If you want to get ahead at work and be happier in your job, but you aren’t subscribed yet, you’re missing out.https://newsletter.invinciblecareer.com This week’s office hours topic⭐ Office Hours - Explore Your Own PodcastI’m Larry Cornett, a Freedom Coach who works with you to optimize your career, business, and life. My mission is to help you become a more "Invincible You" so you can live your life on your terms instead of being controlled by someone else's rules. I live in Northern California near Lake Tahoe with my wife and our Great Dane. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit newsletter.invinciblecareer.com/subscribe

Note: I’m creating a series of courses, live coaching, and a peer community to help guide people on a journey from Employee to Solopreneur. The launch date will be in 2022. If you’ve ever thought about starting your own business at some point in your career, sign up to be notified. See you there!My guest for this episode is Andrew Shearer. Andrew is a former product management and user experience design leader at eBay, PayPal, HomeAway, and Expedia. He has 24+ years of experience creating and leading high-performance teams. He now helps founders and technology leaders build and optimize Product teams as founder and principal at BravePath. They provide a range of services, including:* Recruiting (Executive search, direct hire, contract, and contract-to-hire)* Consulting (Product strategy, talent assessment, process optimization)* Coaching (leadership coaching, career change, sounding board)We talk about:* His UX and Product Management career journey in Silicon Valley. * Why he left that world to start his own business. * Why he founded BravePath.* How they are very different from typical recruiters and agencies. * Advice for candidates to help them nail their interviews. Key points from our conversationI want to call out a few points from my conversation with Andrew to help you if you’re considering working with a recruiter (or even starting your own business!). He also shared more advice that is helpful for managers, employees, and candidates. An “Employees First” philosophyAndrew was quick to give credit to Richard Branson for this quote:“Clients do not come first. Employees come first. If you take care of your employees, they will take care of the clients.”― Richard BransonHe’s been fortunate to learn from some really smart leaders to hone the craft of his profession and the art of shipping great tech products. But, they weren’t quite as strong at being good people leaders (e.g., understanding human beings, motivating them, getting the most out of them, etc.).The reason many companies aren’t achieving their objectives is that the people are miserable. Life is too short to suffer at work. Happy employees are better at what they do and produce better business results in the long run.A Better Recruiting ModelRecruiting feels broken. I think we’ve all experienced that frustration with the ones who constantly message us on LinkedIn and don’t seem to have a clue about what we really do (e.g., “Why would you think this job is a fit for me???”). It’s challenging to work with recruiters who haven’t done our jobs before. They don’t understand our world, our roles, and what a successful career path is in our profession and industry.Andrew and his colleagues come from the operational world of building and running strong Product teams of engineers, product managers, designers, etc. They always cared about the people side, so this transition into creating a recruiting and coaching agency uniquely positions them in the market. They aren’t your average recruiters, and they don’t work with companies and candidates in the same old ways that other agencies do. They understand product and technology, care about the candidate experience, treat people with respect, and build long-term relationships (e.g., coaching, giving feedback, no ghosting). Building good relationships is an investment. A candidate today could become one of their clients looking for more talent tomorrow.Perception is RealityAs a past Product and Design leader, Andrew put a lot of thought into his performance reviews over the years. He has an interesting model for reviewing feedback that an employee receives. He puts the feedback into a 2x2 matrix to classify it. You obviously need to work on valid, important feedback. But, you still need to work on important feedback that you feel isn’t true about you. Perception is reality. Whether it is true or not, it will cause problems if you don’t address it. For example, someone could block your promotion if there is a perception that you’re not a good team player and will struggle to manage a team.⬆️ Scroll to the top if you want to listen to our entire conversation, and hear more of Andrew’s advice for job candidates in the tech world! 🎧Ready to join my private community?Subscribe now, and I’ll send you an invitation to join my private community of ambitious professionals who help each other become more successful and fulfilled in their working lives. Once you’re in, you’ll be able to participate in our exclusive office hours every week and chat with the other members and me every day!Are you ready to turn a $15/month investment into thousands of dollars of increased income every year? That’s precisely what has happened for many people in my community.However, I do know that not everyone is ready to become a paid subscriber yet. But, there is a great way you can support my work without spending any money:📣 Recommending my newsletter on social media 📣 It only takes a few seconds, and it helps grow my business so I can continue making time to write it.I’ll even provide some copy and paste text to make it easy to share on Twitter, Reddit, LinkedIn, Facebook, etc. Thanks in advance!I've really been enjoying the Invincible Career newsletter by Larry Cornett (@cornett). If you want to get ahead at work and be happier in your job, but you aren’t subscribed yet, you’re missing out.https://newsletter.invinciblecareer.comThis week’s office hours topic⭐ Office Hours - How to Be a Guest on a PodcastLarry Cornett is a leadership coach and business advisor who hosts a private mastermind community for ambitious professionals with weekly challenges, office hours, and 24x7 support. If you’re interested in starting your own business someday (or accelerating an existing one), check out his “Employee to Solopreneur” course (launching in 2022).Larry lives in Northern California near Lake Tahoe with his wife and children, and a gigantic Great Dane. He does his best to share advice to help others take complete control of their work and life. He’s also on Twitter @cornett. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit newsletter.invinciblecareer.com/subscribe

Note: I’m creating a series of courses and building a community to help guide people on a journey from employee to solopreneur. The launch date will be in 2022. If you’re interested in learning more, sign up to be notified here. Thanks! I was catching up with an old friend recently. We’ve supported each other through the many twists and turns of our careers. During the call, she said to me, “It’s time. I’m ready to take a break and move on to my next adventure!”After decades of hard work and success, she was finally prepared for a significant change. She’d been talking about it for years, but this time she actually quit her job and was ready for something new and very different. I remember reaching that point too. For some people, it’s a feeling that gradually builds. A growing sense of frustration, disappointment, and boredom. An itch to make a change. For other people, it can happen suddenly. An adverse event at work can trigger a rapid decision to quit and walk away. The proverbial straw breaking the camel’s back. No matter how it happens, the feeling is quite normal. It doesn’t mean something is wrong with you. It also doesn’t mean that something is necessarily wrong with your job or employer. We are ever-evolving, and phases of life are natural. It’s ok to outgrow a job, employer, or even your profession. In fact, it’s more than “ok.” Sometimes it’s necessary for continued health and fulfillment. We’re living longer, and the active years of our professional lives are lasting longer too. If you’re going to be in your career — however you define it — for four or more decades, why should you expect to be doing the same thing that entire time?You shouldn’t, and you don’t have to.People sometimes think that I’m opposed to regular 9-5 jobs and that you should avoid corporate employers. But, I think they play a valuable role in your career growth, professional development, and financial security. However, I am opposed to staying in a 9-5 job, with a specific employer, or even in a profession, if it no longer meets your needs. For many of us, every experience has an “ideal season” in our lives, and we need to recognize when the time has come to move to bigger and better things. I value my corporate experience a great deal. I don’t regret it at all. It prepared me for what I wanted to do next.Did I love every minute of it? Of course not. I had wonderful experiences, but I also experienced some terrible things that I don’t care to repeat and I now help others avoid. But, how do you know when it’s time to move on? Where do you want to go next? What do you want to do? What is your ideal overall career journey? Have you created your map to intentionally plan your path to get from where you are today to where you want to end up eventually?Start your journey with educationIs college necessary for everyone? Of course not. Many successful people never graduated from college. However, even if you decide that an advanced degree isn’t right for you, continuing your education in some way is always a wise career investment. With all of its online resources, the modern world makes it easier than ever to educate yourself. Books, courses, and mentors are readily available. Indeed, the value of a traditional college education is increasingly being questioned. Many top employers no longer require a degree. Now, for some professions, you can’t get away from a formal degree and other types of certifications and exams to do what you do. For example, my brother is a surgeon who needed a formal degree, intense training, specialization, residency program, etc. I don’t think you’d want a self-taught surgeon operating on you. 😳If it’s a viable option for you, I still recommend that you pursue an education that takes you out of your hometown. For example, all of my children have college degrees or are currently pursuing them. Why? Because I think a college experience changes you in several valuable ways. Some of the benefits are clear (e.g., specific training, earning potential), while others are intangible but incredibly valuable. For example:* A network that can help you later in life (e.g., jobs, business deals, investment).* Learning how to learn. * Getting outside of your geographic and cultural “bubble.”* Broadening your horizons. * Expanding your worldview. * Developing a greater diversity of friendships and relationships.* An easier and safer step into independence. The experience of going away to university changes you for the better. Are there exceptions to the rule? Absolutely. I’m talking about data in aggregate across millions of people. It doesn’t look at individuals. There are college-educated individuals who are selfish, racist, sexist failures. We all know a few, don’t we?And, there are individuals who never attended college who are amazing, caring, open-minded, and greatly successful. I know many people like that too. However, even with the benefits I listed, a university education will never give you everything you need to succeed in the world. That’s why I think everyone should have a good ol’ traditional job to learn how things actually work. Employment shows you the ropesAs I’ve said before, work is your post-graduate education. I value my college experience, but it didn’t even come close to teaching me everything I would need to succeed in the working world. People will sometimes ask me if they should jump straight from graduation to starting their own business. It’s quite challenging to take that path, but some people have succeeded quite well without playing the traditional 9-5 game. My friend, Anna, is one example. She’s built multiple businesses and consulted for almost all of her entire professional life. I think she had one “regular job” for about a year when she was 15 years old.However, I know I’m glad that I worked for someone else for many years during my career journey. I learned so much, made mistakes on someone else’s time and dime, and developed lifelong friendships with numerous coworkers. Some benefits of corporate experience:* Learning how to work in the real world. * Working on massive products and/or services at scale. * Operating with larger budgets than you’d ever experience on your own.* Learning about other professions and how to collaborate with them.* Expensive global travel covered by your employer. * Meeting a more diverse group of people than you might ever meet in your life outside of work. * Ongoing professional development (e.g., public speaking). * Management and leadership training and experience.* Working with your potential future business partners.My father’s generation had one career and usually one employer for their working life. You chose a profession, found a steady job, and stayed with the company until you retired. That’s exactly what he did.My generation — Gen X — thought we would have one career. That’s what we were told when we entered college. Choosing your major would define your profession, and that would be your career path for life. We found out the hard way that wouldn’t be true.Jobs have smaller, tighter arcs and life cycles. We’ve all come to see that. Get hired, move up, or move out for a better opportunity to repeat the process. I now recognize that professions have a life cycle as well, although it’s a bigger arc and harder to see at first.At some point, you need to move up out of a comfortable individual contributor role into a more senior role, and often management and leadership. Otherwise, you are seen as “too old” and relegated to less desirable projects and roles. Career growth or bustPeople will ask me how they can tell when it’s time to move on. My answer? It depends on your career growth with your employer, profession, and relevant industry. Managers will often make excuses and tell you that it’s too early to promote you. Or, they’ll tell you that you need to wait your turn or wait years between promotions. Even if that’s the company’s policy, they will make exceptions for certain employees and in certain circumstances. I’ve seen it all. In my case, with one employer, I was promoted every year that I was there. I’ve seen other people promoted to Vice President with no team. I’ve watched my clients receive promotions outside of the regular cycle. I’m not saying that you should expect or demand a promotion every single year. But, if you are clearly performing at the level above you, it had better happen soon. Don’t wait too long. If your employer won’t promote you, someone else will when they hire you. It makes sense to stay in a job as long as you are still growing and things move up and to the right. Also, you should still be feeling satisfied and fulfilled in your work. Some people can be happy if things level off and stay the same. They define themselves outside of work and their career. It’s a paycheck. That’s all, and that’s ok. But, if that’s not you and you expect more, you may eventually hit a plateau in your career growth with an employer. You will have either “made it” as a senior executive or missed your window of opportunity (if that’s what you wanted). This “expiration date” varies by industry, but I think we all know it exists.A few months ago, someone was talking about being turned away by a mentor who told her that she was too old and it was too late for her to pursue the career she had chosen. Yes, it is illegal to discriminate based on age, but good luck proving that.I think most of us reach a tipping point where we know it’s time to move to a bigger and better opportunity. A tipping point in your journeyVisualize a scale balancing the good things about your employment weighed against the negative things about working for someone else. Yes, there are always good and bad things in the mix when you’re an employee. As long as the scale keeps balancing heavily towards the positive, keep enjoying your profession and working for an employer! But, if that scale starts to tip to the negative side, it’s time to take a hard look at what’s happening. Is it only slightly less positive? Can it be rebalanced in your favor?Is it a 50-50 balance that ends up feeling miserable the longer it goes on? Or, is it tipping more and more to the negative side as your frustration, disappointment, and boredom grow?There are several factors to consider:* Compensation - Are you making as much as you should be? (e.g., employees who stay in companies longer than two years get paid 50% less over their lifetimes).* Promotions - Are you receiving the promotions you deserve? * Job satisfaction - Do you enjoy your work and feel like your job fully leverages your talents?* Stress - How much stress and anxiety does your work create for you?* Politics - Does the workplace have negative politics that create even more stress? * Coworker relationships - Do you have healthy, productive relationships with your coworkers?* Your boss - Do you have a good relationship with your manager (e.g., 50% of us have quit a job to escape a bad boss). * Company culture - Does the company culture align with who you are? * Values and ethics - Do you agree with the company values? Is the company ethical in its treatment of employees and customers?* Ageism, sexism, racism, etc. - Is your workplace free of “isms”?* Professional growth - Do you have opportunities to learn, grow, and advance your career inside the company? * Skills and knowledge - Are you still acquiring new skills and knowledge?* Industry relevance - Does your work feel relevant in the broader industry? Are the products and services still relevant? Is the company respected? * Future of the company - What does the future hold? Will the company survive and thrive, or is it struggling? * Professional brand - Is working at the company good for your professional brand?* Positioning for next move - How well does your job position you for where you want to go next?If you evaluate all of these positive and negative factors and discover that you’re no longer satisfied with the balance, it might be time to move on to a better job. Or, it might be time to shake things up entirely if you’ve reached the “end of the season” for your profession. It wasn’t that long ago that I felt like I was reckless giving up my 23-year tech career to build something new and different for my next career move. Looking back, I realize that it was time. It was time for something that was a better fit for my stage of life, dreams, long-term goals, and desired lifestyle.I have a few clients going through a similar process. At first, they say, “I can’t imagine leaving my current profession. It’s what I’ve always done!” But, once they realize that they can now choose to do something entirely new with their career, they light up like they’ve been given a gift. They stop defining themselves by their old profession, job, and employer. They redefine themselves by uncovering their core truths. They chart a new course for their career journey that gives them more of what they want in their lives.You’ve earned your independenceI’m obviously biased, but I think entrepreneurship and solopreneurship are part of the natural evolution of your career. Many of us reach a point where being an employee has diminishing returns as we ease closer to retirement. Research has found that having a sense of purpose is essential. Completely retiring and leaving the working world isn’t healthy. But you probably don’t want to keep cranking away at a 9-5 job after you’ve already worked so hard for decades climbing the ladder. You deserve more freedom. You’ve earned the right to have more independence, and that’s where solopreneurship comes in.When I was preparing to leave my last corporate job over 11 years ago, I met with a colleague for coffee. He asked what I was doing next, and I said I was exploring a few options such as a head of Product at a smaller company or a CPO at a startup. He looked at me funny and said, “Why? At this point in your career and with your connections, you should do your own startup. You could easily raise funding.”Well, I did start consulting again and kept my eyes open for a few roles with employers. But, I soon decided that I would never return to being an employee. So, here I am today, running this business as a leadership & career coach and business advisor for several years now and loving it. I just can’t give up the independence and freedom it provides me. Of course, not everyone wants this. But, for those of us who value our time and freedom more than money, we can’t imagine living our lives any other way. As I said earlier, I cherish my experiences in the corporate world. It taught me a lot. I see it as an investment, much like my time acquiring my college degree and Ph.D.However, at some point, it became a series of diminishing returns. I knew that my time in the corporate world was coming to an end. Rather than riding my job all the way to the bitter end, I chose to exit at a high point. My ideal career journey has now enabled me to leverage everything I’ve learned and experienced to build my own business and define how I chose to work. I know that entrepreneurship may not be suitable for everyone. But, as my recent surveys have revealed:* 60-83% of you are certain that you want to start your own business at some point in your career.* 17-40% of you aren’t sure yet, but you’re considering it. * So far, only a tiny number of people have said “No way” when asked if entrepreneurship was in their future. I think it’s time to redefine what entrepreneurship means so that it’s more approachable for more people. It doesn’t have to be some overwhelmingly scary career move. I view it as a natural step on our overall professional path and life journey, and I know that it can be very fulfilling and rewarding. I’m here to help! I’m currently creating a series of courses and a peer community to help guide people on a journey from employee to solopreneur. The launch date will be in 2022. If you’re interested in learning more, sign up to be notified here. Thanks! ⬆️ Scroll to the top if you want to listen to my more detailed reading of this article 🎧Ready to join my private community?Subscribe now, and I’ll send you an invitation to join my private community of ambitious professionals who help each other become more successful and fulfilled in their working lives. Once you’re in, you’ll be able to participate in our exclusive office hours every week and chat with the other members and me every day!Are you ready to turn a $15/month investment into thousands of dollars of increased income every year? That’s precisely what has happened for many people in my community.However, I do know that not everyone is ready to become a paid subscriber yet. But, there is a great way you can support my work without spending any money:📣 Recommending my newsletter on social media 📣 It only takes a few seconds, and it helps grow my business so I can continue making time to write it.I'll even provide some copy and paste text to make it easy to share on Twitter, Reddit, LinkedIn, Facebook, etc. Thanks in advance!I've really been enjoying the Invincible Career newsletter by Larry Cornett (@cornett). If you want to get ahead in your job and you aren’t subscribed yet, you’re missing out.https://newsletter.invinciblecareer.comThis week’s office hours topic⭐ Office Hours - Networking to Practice Your Communication SkillsLarry Cornett is a leadership coach and business advisor who hosts a private mastermind community for solopreneurs and entrepreneurs who want more accountability and support. If you’re not interested in starting your own business someday (or accelerating an existing one), that community probably isn’t for you.Larry lives in Northern California near Lake Tahoe with his wife and children, and a gigantic Great Dane. He does his best to share advice to help others take complete control of their work and life. He’s also on Twitter @cornett. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit newsletter.invinciblecareer.com/subscribe

Welcome to Invincible Career — a newsletter by Larry Cornett that helps ambitious professionals live better lives. You can read what it’s all about here. If you find this article helpful or interesting, consider sharing it with a friend or two. If you’ve been reading and enjoying my newsletter for a while, consider a premium membership that gives you access to my private community, weekly office hours, and exclusive professional development prompts and challenges! About 13 years ago, I was overweight, in poor health, and on the fast path to an early grave. The very first thing I did to save my life was starting a habit of evening walks with my wife. After dinner, we would walk up the steep hills in our neighborhood to the summit and back down. It took about an hour, which felt like a luxury of time that I couldn’t afford with my busy work schedule (I was an exec at Yahoo at that time).However, the truth was it was a time investment that I had to “afford” or I would pay an unacceptable price later. I already had friends and acquaintances who had died from heart disease, sudden strokes, and cancer.Did I want to see my children grow up? Did I want to meet my grandchildren someday? Well, I had to make a tough decision. * Do I make time for physical activity to improve my health but take time away from work, which I suspected would harm me a little professionally?* Or, do I spend that time working every evening to aggressively advance my career, knowing that I was risking my health and would die an earlier death?Luckily, I chose to invest in myself, my health, and my future. I’m doubly glad that I did because I made a fantastic discovery along the way:Taking a break from work for exercise, walking, and thinking made me more creative, helped me solve stubborn problems, and boosted my energy and productivity later!That investment of time more than paid for itself, in so many ways. * I had more energy and enthusiasm.* I no longer felt sleepy and burned out early in the evening. * It helped me visualize creative solutions when I faced an intractable problem. * I was more productive when I returned to work.* People at work noticed the “new me” and how positive and energetic I was.* I began envisioning a more exciting professional future. * I made plans to turn my dreams into reality (e.g., starting my own business, moving closer to the mountains and national forests).* My future suddenly seemed bright again.* I began a health and fitness journey that has lasted more than 13 years and is a part of my daily life. I lift weights every morning, walk two miles every day, and run 2+ miles with my wife every night (and 6+ miles on the weekends).* I’m more innovative and creative, and I often write articles in my head while walking and running.I’m not saying any of this to brag or show off. I’m sharing this — as someone in his 50s — to demonstrate that it’s never too late to improve your health and fitness. More importantly, I’m sharing this to talk about how the simple act of daily walking can have a profoundly positive impact on your physical health, cognitive capabilities, and professional success!Famous walkersSome people who use walking (or used to when they were alive) to improve their thinking, working, and productivity:* Aristotle gave his lectures while walking the grounds of his school in Athens.* Nassim Taleb talked about why he enjoys a mixture of slow, leisurely, conversational walks and intense brisk walks. * Susan Froetschel said, “As I walk along familiar streets in my neighborhood, I think about my writing and observe my surroundings, gathering descriptions of trees and sky and weather.”* Charles Dickens wrote in the morning, walked in the afternoon, and said, “If I could not walk far and fast, I think I should just explode and perish.”* Steve Jobs walked to clear his head and solve problems. He would often hold walking meetings to keep everyone focused and productive and to keep ideas flowing.* Walking played a significant role in Virginia Woolf’s creative writing process. * Søren Kierkegaard used walking to think through ideas and write in his head (I do this all time too).* “Above all, do not lose your desire to walk. Every day, I walk myself into a state of well-being & walk away from every illness. I have walked myself into my best thoughts, and I know of no thought so burdensome that one cannot walk away from it. But by sitting still, & the more one sits still, the closer one comes to feeling ill. Thus if one just keeps on walking, everything will be all right.” — Søren Kierkegaard* Ludwig Van Beethoven took long, solitary walks to think, be creative, and capture new musical ideas. * Charles Darwin walked every morning before breakfast and twice again in the afternoon.While researching this newsletter, I found hundreds of more examples of intelligent and talented people who make — or made — a walk part of their daily lives. I think you get the point. They might be onto something…Benefits of Daily WalksI simply enjoy my daily walks. Even if there were no tangible benefits — other than the enjoyment — I’d still make time for them. However, there’s plenty of scientific evidence that walking is good for you in many, many ways. Here are some examples. Physical* Walking briskly for about an hour a day cut the effects of weight-promoting genes in half for study participants.* Walking can reduce cravings and the intake of a variety of sugary snacks.* An American Cancer Society study found that women who walked seven or more hours a week had a 14% lower risk of breast cancer than those who walked three hours or fewer per week.* Walking reduces arthritis pain, and walking 5-6 miles a week can prevent arthritis from forming in the first place.* A study of over 1,000 men and women found that those who walked at least 20 minutes a day, at least five days a week, had 43% fewer sick days than those who exercised once a week or less.Longevity * People in the “Blue Zones” of the world (i.e., with the highest proportions of people who reach age 100) walk everywhere and every single day. * Adults who take 8,000 or more steps a day have a reduced risk of death over the following decade than those who only walk 4,000 steps a day.* Cardiorespiratory fitness is inversely associated with long-term mortality with no upper limit of benefit (supporting research). * The sweet spot for physical activity and longevity seems to be about 35 minutes a day of brisk walking or other moderate activities.Cognitive * Walking outdoors improves cognitive performance and induces a more meditative state than indoor exercise. * Prolonged uninterrupted sitting at a desk reduces cerebral blood flow (which is associated with lower cognitive functioning and increased risk of neurodegenerative diseases); however, this is offset when frequent short-duration walking breaks are incorporated into the day. Emotional* Employees who used their lunch break to take a walk in a park experienced higher levels of well-being at the end of a working day.* Walking promotes positive affect and can override the effects of other negative feelings such as boredom and dread.* Three short, brisk walks (e.g.,10 min) during the day can reduce cardiovascular risk and improve aspects of mood in previously sedentary individuals.Professional* Walking opens up the free flow of ideas and boosts creativity.* Walking can help you break free of mental blocks and solve problems. * Employees who walked in a park at lunchtime enjoyed better concentration later and less fatigue in the afternoon. Personal observationsWith my own experiences with walking outdoors, I’ve found that it:* Becomes a form of physical meditation* Improves my mood and calms me* Reduces my stress and anxiety* Boost my creativity* Helps me solve problems more easily* Helps me keep things in perspective* Increases my energy levels* Improves my relationship with my wife (e.g., we talk about our day)* Helps me sleep betterDepending on the time of year and weather, my wife and I walk about two miles (and run another two miles) either before or after dinner in the evening. We usually do longer hikes and trail runs on the weekend. Even though our daily walks and runs only take about an hour, I can see where carving out more time for it might be challenging for some people with already packed schedules. So, here are some ideas for creatively working walking into your day. Walking meetingsA coworker introduced me to walking meetings several years ago (Thanks, Mike!). They’re great for physical meetings in the real world when weather permits. However, now we have most of our meetings virtually over Zoom, Google Meet, Skype, Teams, etc. While it’s possible to use these apps on your phone while walking, they aren’t designed for that experience. Are you sick of video meetings? If so, you should check out Spot. Their mobile app is a collaboration tool built to support walking meetings. You jot down agenda items to discuss, share your personal room link, join the meeting, and enjoy the walk!Walking callsRemember making phone calls? Remember having conference calls before Zoom? During the quarantines that started in 2020, a friend of mine started doing most of her work calls while walking. No video. Just a Bluetooth headset and her phone. She got some serious miles in!Wild, huh? Imagine that. A regular old phone call! I know that many people are complaining about Zoom fatigue. So, see if you can change some of your video meetings into simple phone calls. Calls are also safer when you’re walking, although I highly recommend a Bluetooth headset (e.g., AirPods). You don’t want to be staring at a screen when you should be paying attention to your surroundings (e.g., avoiding traffic in crosswalks).Walking lunchesYou need to eat, right? Well, instead of eating at your desk or wolfing down a meal during a meeting at your desk, take a walking lunch. I used to do that when I was still working with people in Silicon Valley. We’d grab a meal that was easy to eat while walking (e.g., sandwich, burrito, smoothie). Then, we’d walk, talk, and eat. I know that’s not a very intense walking session when you’re also eating. But, we’d walk very briskly to the cafe and also walk briskly back to the office when we finished eating. If you’re crazy, you could even try a lunch walk like my friend Anke took me on when we were in The Hague. We were there for a conference, and she said she knew a great place for lunch nearby. She said we could easily walk there (no taxi required). Well, that “short walk” was actually over two hours! We walked two hours to the restaurant, had lunch, and walked two hours back to the conference. No wonder she’s so fit if that’s her idea of a short walk. Just do itDon't worry about intensity or distance if you’re just getting started with making walking part of your daily life. Just make time for some walking every day. Just do it!The best physical activity is the one you won’t give up. So, take your time and ease into it. Do you know how many times I started and stopped running in my lifetime? I lost track. I can’t even remember how many times I started and then gave up lifting weights for the first 40+ years of my life. I tried to begin with way too much intensity.My journey to where I am today with my fitness and activity levels started with a simple and easy evening walk. Now, I can’t imagine a day without it. I know that you want a long, healthy, and happy life. We all do! I know that you want to achieve success in your professional life too. You wouldn’t be reading this newsletter or listening to my podcast if you didn’t.Initially, it may have seemed strange that I chose the topic of walking for this article. But, now I hope you can see why. Let me know how your daily walking goes!⬆️ Scroll to the top if you want to listen to my more detailed reading of this article 🎧Ready to join my private community?Subscribe now, and I’ll send you an invitation to join my private community of ambitious professionals who help each other become more successful and fulfilled in their working lives. Once you’re in, you’ll be able to participate in our exclusive office hours every week and chat with the other members and me every day!Are you ready to turn a $15/month investment into thousands of dollars of increased income every year? That’s precisely what has happened for many people in my community.However, I do know that not everyone is ready to become a paid subscriber yet. But, there is a great way you can support my work without spending any money:📣 Recommending my newsletter on social media 📣 It only takes a few seconds, and it helps grow my business so I can continue making time to write it.I'll even provide some copy and paste text to make it easy to share on Twitter, Reddit, LinkedIn, Facebook, etc. Thanks in advance!I've really been enjoying the Invincible Career newsletter by Larry Cornett (@cornett). If you want to get ahead in your job and you aren’t subscribed yet, you’re missing out.https://newsletter.invinciblecareer.comThis week’s office hours topic⭐ Office Hours - How to Be on a PanelLarry Cornett is a leadership coach and business advisor who hosts a private mastermind community for solopreneurs and entrepreneurs who want more accountability and support. If you’re not interested in starting your own business someday (or accelerating an existing one), that community probably isn’t for you.Larry lives in Northern California near Lake Tahoe with his wife and children, and a gigantic Great Dane. He does his best to share advice to help others take complete control of their work and life. He’s also on Twitter @cornett. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit newsletter.invinciblecareer.com/subscribe

Welcome to Invincible Career — a newsletter by Larry Cornett that helps ambitious professionals live better lives. You can read what it’s all about here. If you find this article helpful or interesting, consider sharing it with a friend or two. If you’ve been reading and enjoying my newsletter for a while, consider a premium membership that gives you access to my private community, weekly office hours, and exclusive professional development prompts and challenges! I see so many quitters. They start something new and quickly stop if they don't have wildly successful results. If they aren’t immediately great at something, they walk away. Or, they give up once they encounter the hard work that exists when you get past the initial, exciting rush of a new hobby, project, or endeavor. It’s no longer fun.Real-life success isn’t like winning some effortless lottery. Even if you do see early promise, taking something all the way requires consistent effort, grit, and determination. Yes, you do have to know when to fold ’em. It’s easy to succumb to the sunk cost fallacy and want to keep going when you’ve already invested so much. But, sometimes, an initiative just isn’t going to work out, no matter how much time and effort you sink into it.But, you also have to know when to hold ‘em. Just because something isn’t easy doesn’t mean that you should give up. * Steve Carell played smaller parts on television for almost 10 years before landing his big role in The Office.* Jack Canfield was rejected 144 times before finding a publisher for his book, Chicken Soup for the Soul (my affiliate link). It’s now sold more than 500 million copies worldwide.* It took 5 years and 5,126 failed prototypes for James Dyson to develop the world’s first bagless vacuum cleaner.* When J.K. Rowling wrote the first Harry Potter book, she was divorced, bankrupt, and on welfare. A dozen publishers rejected her before one finally agreed to publish the book.* Amazon was founded in 1994 and didn’t show a profit until the fourth quarter of 2001.We look around, see successful people, and forget that it took them a long, long time to get to where they are today. Where would they be if they had given up and quit in the first few months or years?“There's a reason this 10-years-to-overnight-success pattern shows up over and over. And it's not just about working hard over a long period of time. I know from personal experience. In 2004, I started a personal-finance blog while I was a college student. Today, that "hobby" is a multimillion-dollar business. For the first three years, we made no money (literally). In 2014, 10 years later, we had our first $5 million week.”— Ramit Sethi, Why Successful People Take 10 Years to 'Succeed Overnight'But how can you quit being a quitter when you have a history of that behavior? How can you push through and commit to doing something for the long haul when you know it’s good for you? How can you stop giving up when the going gets rough?I want to share some advice that has worked for me and others:* Done is better than perfect* Be OK with being bad* Scratch your own itch* Do it for you* Keep showing upDone is better than perfectThe curse of perfectionism is one reason people turn into quitters. When they fear that something isn’t going to turn out well or that they won’t be great at a new activity, they give up before failure occurs. If it won’t be perfect, then forget it. I’ve lived with this curse, as well. Believe me; I’m not saying that I’ve always been full of amazing grit and determination. I’ve given up on plenty of things. I’ve quit more times than I care to admit. I screwed up my first year of college and quit in the middle of the second year. I was disappointed in my performance. Unfortunately, school had always been easy for me, so I never learned to dig in and really study. College required more hard work than I expected, and I wasn’t doing well, so I tapped out. However, I did return, and I did finish. I finally had to set aside my notion of being a perfect student and getting perfect grades. I didn’t have to graduate with a 4.0, but I did want to finish what I had started. “Done is better than perfect.”― Sheryl SandbergMaking peace with flawed completion can help you overcome perfectionism. Rather than giving up when things get hard and messy, focus on just getting the damn thing done. Think about how good it will feel to finish that thing you’ve been putting off (or keep quitting). It’s also OK to reward yourself when you succeed at pushing through your discomfort to complete an unpleasant task or project. Be OK with being badMany quitters don’t want to do anything they aren’t good at doing. It’s upsetting to accept mediocrity, so they give up. If they can’t be the best, what’s the point?The other day, my wife reminded me of a saying; if something is worth doing, it's worth doing poorly. You have to give up an “all or nothing” mindset. The example we discussed was exercise. A 10-minute walk may not seem like a worthwhile workout. But, you know what? It's a helluva lot better than sitting on your butt all day and never walking at all. Even on my worst days (like today), I'm still going to work out for a few minutes. I have a terrible headache that won't quit. But I'll lift for at least 15 minutes instead of doing nothing today. Perhaps — like most days this happens — I'll feel better by the end of that 15 minutes and keep going. Some things are worth doing, even if you’re bad at doing them. Even when you can’t give it your all, they’re good for you, give you pleasure, help you relax, or are just fun! So, rather than give up, make peace with being “bad” at them and keep going. What you’ll probably discover in the end is that chipping away at something every day eventually transforms your bad into ok, good, or even great. Scratch your own itchAs a business owner, writer, and podcaster, I thrive on sharing my thoughts, knowledge, and advice with others. I love helping people. However, it can be tempting to give up and quit it all when you feel like your words are being sent into the void. I know many business owners who doubt themselves and wonder if it’s worth continuing when they feel like no one is listening, engaging, or buying. One way to break through the temptation to quit is to scratch your own itch. Create something that you need too. Build things that you want. Then, if other people want it too, great! But, your drive to continue and make progress isn’t dependent on how others react. You keep making it for you.I know, I know. You’re supposed to find real potential customers, talk with them, and listen to uncover their needs and wants. Solve their problems. Build for them!Yes, that's an amazing way to build a new business. When you get it right — just right — it works like magic. However, it's damn hard to build a new business that you personally don't care about. If you don't have skin in the game, you feel passionless about the problem and the solution. I’ve watched many new businesses fail because they tried to create something they thought would make money, but they had no personal interest in the space at all. Their heart wasn’t in it, and it showed. On the other hand, there have been many successful businesses built by founders who wanted to scratch their own itch:* Joel Gascoigne created Buffer to solve a problem he was dealing with when trying to schedule out his social media strategy ("In reality, all I wanted to do was to tweet five times per day." — Joel Gascoigne).* Joe Gebbia and Brian Chesky wanted to make some extra money renting space in their apartment during a conference, and thus the idea for AirBnB was born. * Chad Hurley and Steve Chen created YouTube because they wanted an easier way to share videos. * Joshua Schachter built Del.icio.us as a better way to keep track of his links/bookmarks. * Rashmi Sinha and Jonathan Boutelle built SlideShare to solve a problem they and their friends were dealing with after speaking at conferences (i.e., how to share the presentation files easily). These companies (and more) were created by founders who wanted to scratch their own itch. Then, they built an audience of more people like themselves who had the same itch. One way to ensure you won’t quit a project is to build something you need. Then, it doesn’t matter what other people think. You want it, so you keep going. Do it for youMy advice isn’t only for people who want to build a business. Some things are worth doing — and not quitting — simply because they are good for you.I'm talking about everyday life. I'm talking about things that can enrich your life and make you happier, healthier, and more fulfilled. For example:* I write for myself. * I create art for myself. * I make music for myself. I don't have to be great at any of those things. I don't need amazing results. I just commit to doing them consistently — for me. If my followers want to come along for the ride, I love to have company. If no one else likes it, it doesn't matter. I'm doing it for me. You should do it — whatever IT is — for you too. Is there something you enjoy doing, even though you’re not great at doing it? Is there something you know you should keep doing because it’s good for you?I’m sure there is. So, whatever it is, don’t worry about being good at it. Don’t worry about what others think. Just keep doing it for you.Keep showing upA big part of success is showing up and not giving up (e.g., don’t break the chain). Most people quit. Most people start and never finish. Very few people stay the course and keep chipping away at whatever it is they want to accomplish. When you keep showing up, it sets you apart. You’ll be one of the few — the very few — who refuses to be a quitter. I may not be the best in the world at anything, but at least I keep showing up. The one thing I can be proud of is my stubborn consistency. 😂* I've been writing on Medium for the past 6 years. * I've been publishing a newsletter twice a week, every week, for more than 2 years. * I've been working out almost every day for the past 12 years. I tried doing it for someone else. I tried doing it for an audience. I tried doing it for you instead of me. But, there's not enough signal or feedback to reinforce my behavior. The vast majority of my followers and readers are absolutely silent. I have no idea if you're reading this, enjoying my words, or hating my message. I do hear from a few people, which I always love. That does help, and I appreciate you! But it's not enough to keep me going. I read, research, write, and record videos and podcasts for hours and hours every day. It's a serious commitment of my time, energy, and passion. If a creator ever tells you that they haven't considered giving up, they're lying. So, how do I keep doing it? How do I consistently crank out content and publish stuff every day all over the place?I realized that I had to switch gears and rewire my feedback and reward system. It took years, but I do find the act of creation is pleasurable and cathartic now. But, more than anything, I tell myself to keep showing up and that I have no choice. Not doing it is unacceptable. It doesn’t have to be perfect, but I do have to keep showing up and creating.So, whatever you want to be doing and know that you should be doing, find a way to keep showing up. Create a habit and a schedule that ensures you make progress — even the smallest amount of progress — every day. * Invest in your professional development for yourself, not for some fickle employer. * Write to put your thoughts out into the world because you want them to exist, not for some imaginary reader. * Create your art because you want to make the images in your mind become tangible and real, not for some potential buyer. * Make music because it heals your soul, not because you hope it will make you famous someday. The world is already full of consumers, sellouts, and quitters. We don’t need more. Be a creator and a doer. Be different. Be true to yourself. Do it for you.⬆️ Scroll to the top if you want to listen to my more detailed reading of this article 🎧Ready to join my private community?Subscribe now, and I’ll send you an invitation to join my private community of ambitious professionals who help each other become more successful and fulfilled in their working lives. Once you’re in, you’ll be able to participate in our exclusive office hours every week and chat with the other members and me every day!Are you ready to turn a $15/month investment into thousands of dollars of increased income every year? That’s exactly what has happened for many people in my community.However, I do know that not everyone is ready to become a paid subscriber yet. But, there is a great way you can support my work without spending any money:📣 Recommending my newsletter on social media 📣 It only takes a few seconds, and it helps grow my business so I can continue making time to write it.I'll even provide some copy and paste text to make it easy to share on Twitter, Reddit, LinkedIn, Facebook, etc. Thanks in advance!I've really been enjoying the Invincible Career newsletter by Larry Cornett (@cornett). If you want to get ahead in your job and you aren’t subscribed yet, you’re missing out.https://newsletter.invinciblecareer.comThis week’s office hours topic⭐ Office Hours - How to Host a WorkshopLarry Cornett is a leadership coach and business advisor who hosts a private mastermind community for solopreneurs and entrepreneurs who want more accountability and support. If you’re not interested in starting your own business someday (or accelerating an existing one), that community probably isn’t for you.Larry lives in Northern California near Lake Tahoe with his wife and children, and a gigantic Great Dane. He does his best to share advice to help others take full control of their work and life. He’s also on Twitter @cornett. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit newsletter.invinciblecareer.com/subscribe

Welcome to Invincible Career — a newsletter by Larry Cornett that helps ambitious professionals live better lives. You can read what it’s all about here. If you find this article helpful or interesting, consider sharing it with a friend or two. If you’ve been reading and enjoying my newsletter for a while, consider a premium membership that gives you access to my private community, weekly office hours, and exclusive professional development prompts and challenges. “While today’s wunderkind culture favors early bloomers and seems to create needless barriers for late bloomers, in fact, we late bloomers have our own amazing strengths that lead to success and fulfillment. And these qualities — curiosity, compassion, resilience, equanimity, insight, and wisdom — are conferred only with time.” — Rich Karlgaard, Late Bloomers: The Hidden Strengths of Learning and Succeeding at Your Own Pace (my affiliate link)I’ve always been a late bloomer. It’s not my imagination or an exaggeration. I definitely progressed on a slower and more deliberate timeline than most others. * I was small for my age and didn’t physically mature until my 20s.* I didn’t have a serious relationship until I was 18 and out of high school.* I screwed up my first year of college, dropped out, came back, and graduated much later than my peers.* When I applied to graduate school at 25 years old, I was considered so “old” that my advisor recommended I address the issue head-on in my application letters.* I married later than my friends, and we had our first child later than them as well. * I was over 30 when I started my first solo business, and I was in my late 40s when I founded my first tech startup.* I didn’t start seriously working out and lifting weights until I was in my 40s.* It feels like I’ve only truly started feeling calm and confident now in my 50s.Yeah, no one would ever describe me as an “early bloomer.” 🤣Do you think of yourself as a late bloomer too? During your lifetime, have you ever felt like you were one step behind your peers in physical development, maturity, professional achievements, finding success, or those magical markers of adulthood (e.g., getting married, having children, buying a home)? Unfortunately, many of us have experienced a great deal of stress and anxiety due to cultural pressure to hurry up, figure out our lives, and chase society’s definition of success. When you always feel like you’re trying to “catch up” with other people, it does a number on your self-esteem and self-confidence. * You feel like you’re behind your friends and peers. * You may feel like you’re never good enough.* You find yourself sprinting for some mythical “finish line” that was established by someone else (and actually may not be right for you anyway). * In your darkest moments, you feel like a failure as you watch your peers passing you by. * You become frustrated and discouraged when you watch your friends achieve success that you haven’t yet. * You wonder if you should just give up.A Flawed Definition of SuccessThe idea that success has a schedule or an expiration date is deeply flawed. You aren’t a failure if you haven’t achieved society’s definition of success in your 20s or 30s. We all develop on a different timeline. Also, the supposed “race” we’re running is a one-person event. Yes, it’s great to be ambitious and push yourself. But, much of this peer-to-peer competition is disastrous for our emotional well-being. The only comparison you should be making is to your past self:* Are you doing better than you were before? * Are you a better person than you were yesterday? * Are you still learning and growing? * Are you figuring out what you really want, what makes you happy, and what fulfillment means for you?Our culture’s fascination with young early bloomers is so wrong because it is so fatalistic. It makes us think that — beyond a certain age — we are what we are and will never be something more. We start to believe that things are set in stone as we grow older. You’re either a success by 30, or it’s now clear that you never will be a success. If you haven’t achieved your dreams by now, just give up and settle for less. Head to the local bar after work and drink away your sorrows. That’s bullsh*t.We don’t have to accept that fate. I’m in my 50s now, and I’m still changing all the time. If anything, I am even more aware of what makes me feel happy and fulfilled. So I’m continuously improving, adjusting my career, and changing my life. I mean, what’s the alternative? To settle for being miserable? No thanks.Five Ways to Make Peace with ItIf you’re a little bit older, you’ve probably watched a few “early achievers” stagnate or burn out. Despite our society’s fascination with it, early success is no guarantee of lasting success. There are plenty of examples of young superstars who flamed out and faded away.It’s a cliché, but it is true; life is a marathon, not a sprint. However, that metaphor isn’t entirely applicable here either because there is no finish line.How you feel while you’re running matters more. If you’re stressed, anxious, and miserable every day, what’s the point? What do you think you’re going to “win” at the end of this mythical race?Where you're running — and where you're trying to go — matter too. What’s the point of sprinting to that mythical finish line if you hate where you’re running every day? And, are you really on the right path to end up where you want to be anyway? I sure as hell wasn’t. But, I was so busy sprinting and chasing some meaningless dream of wealth that I hadn’t stopped to think about where the rat race was taking me.I used to be so stressed about being a late bloomer. But, not anymore. I’ve finally hit my stride, and I’m enjoying the journey.I stopped putting off enjoying life until some imaginary retirement date in the future. I focused on building a business and a life that I can enjoy now. My health is better than ever. My self-confidence is stronger than ever. I know what I want (and don’t want), and I don’t give a damn about what other people think about my choices anymore. If you're a late bloomer like me, it’s time for you to embrace it too. Here’s how you can start doing that now.1. Realize that it’s never too late Don’t ever feel like it’s too late to have what you want in life. Don’t give in to a feeling of hopelessness. History shows us that talented people are capable of having amazing success for the rest of their lives. For example, this year, at age 70, Richard Branson became one of the first people to ride in his own spacecraft out of the Earth’s atmosphere and into space. Grit and determination matter. I know people who are still pursuing their big dreams in their 70s and 80s. Don’t give up!2. Stop the comparison contestStop comparing yourself to other people in all the wrong ways. I know you've heard this advice before. We all have. And, yet, we keep doing it. Sometimes it is a conscious comparison (e.g., “My friend just took his company public and became a billionaire. What have I accomplished?”). Sometimes it is a subconscious comparison in the back of your mind as you mindlessly scroll Instagram and see your friends doing exciting things on an amazing vacation. But, you’ll never be happy if you keep doing it. You also have no idea what is really going on in these people’s lives. I know some folks that I thought had it all when I viewed their public posts. But, I discovered later that their personal lives were a disaster. Use yourself as your progress indicator. Only compare yourself to your past self. Once you start doing that, the whole game changes for the better. 3. Keep dreaming bigAlways be dreaming. I talked about this in my story, “Why dreaming big isn’t a waste of time.” Dreaming gives you a clarity of purpose that will light up every opportunity that comes your way. It allows you to seize the moment instead of letting things slip by. And, it never has to stop.I don’t know who decided to put an expiration date on dreams, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Learning and growing keep you young. Chasing new and exciting goals keeps you going!4. Keep making plansAlways be planning. Dreams are inspiring, and they can help you recognize opportunities. But, they aren’t enough. You will need a plan to put ideas into motion and take meaningful action. Plan and be ready. And, I’m not talking about the plans you make for your job. Yeah, I’m sure you have to do a lot of that. But, you should be making plans for your personal life and goals that are independent of your work. If you’re a late bloomer, you have a lifelong curiosity that serves you well. Use it to keep exploring and planning your next adventure. 5. Build those habitsFinally, discipline, persistence, and progress matter more than you would imagine. James Clear talks about this in his book, “Atomic Habits” (my affiliate link). Consistently making small changes and improvements in your life will accumulate amazing results over time.I’ve always been a late bloomer, and that used to bother me so much. But, I’ve increasingly learned to appreciate it over my lifetime. I may be slower to find my path forward, but it feels better and better all the time. It helps me avoid crazy fits and starts and massive failures. It feels like I’ve been slowly sculpting my life out of a block of marble, revealing more of what it is meant to be. But, more than anything, I’ve focused on making my happiness, success, and fulfillment about me and what is right for me vs. comparing myself to others. I finally learned that I don’t want what they have. I also don’t want to live the life they are forced to live to have what they have. It’s never too late to commit to your own path of personal success and fulfillment! The alternative is unacceptable. You don’t have to play the same game that early bloomers play.⬆️ Scroll to the top if you want to listen to my more detailed reading of this article 🎧Ready to join my private community?Subscribe now, and I’ll send you an invitation to join my private community of ambitious professionals who help each other become more successful and fulfilled in their working lives. Once you’re in, you’ll be able to participate in our exclusive office hours every week and chat with the other members and me every day!Are you ready to turn a $15/month investment into thousands of dollars of increased income every year? That’s exactly what has happened for many people in my community.However, I do know that not everyone is ready to become a paid subscriber yet. But, there is a great way you can support my work without spending any money:📣 Recommending my newsletter on social media 📣 It only takes a few seconds, and it helps grow my business so I can continue making time to write it.I'll even provide some copy and paste text to make it easy to share on Twitter, Reddit, LinkedIn, Facebook, etc. Thanks in advance! I've really been enjoying the Invincible Career newsletter by Larry Cornett (@cornett). If you want to get ahead in your job and you aren’t subscribed yet, you’re missing out.https://newsletter.invinciblecareer.com/This week’s office hours topic⭐ Office Hours - How to Find Speaking EventsLarry Cornett is a leadership coach and business advisor who hosts a private mastermind community for solopreneurs and entrepreneurs who want more accountability and support. If you’re not interested in starting your own business someday (or accelerating an existing one), that community probably isn’t for you.Larry lives in Northern California near Lake Tahoe with his wife and children, and a gigantic Great Dane. He does his best to share advice to help others take full control of their work and life. He’s also on Twitter @cornett. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit newsletter.invinciblecareer.com/subscribe

Welcome to Invincible Career — a newsletter by Larry Cornett with advice for ambitious professionals. You can read what this is all about here. If you find this article helpful or interesting, consider sharing it with a friend or two. If you’ve been reading and enjoying my newsletter for a while, consider a premium membership that gives you access to my private community, weekly office hours, and exclusive professional development prompts and challenges.My guest for this episode is Brigitte Granger. She is committed to making happier, healthier living easier and more fun through the power of human connection. She’s the CEO and founder of Supporti, a service that helps people put in consistent work towards their big goals with the help of a mutual accountability partner. Having a master’s degree in social and behavioral sciences from Harvard and a bachelor's in human science from Georgetown, Brigitte approaches problems with an experimental mindset — a key entrepreneurial skill.We talk about: * What inspired her to found the startup* Why she’s bootstrapping vs. raising funding* The power of accountability and the difference between groups and 1-on-1 partners* What she’s learned by observing her community* The rise of “AuthenTech”* Her advice for other foundersYou can find the Supporti app here:* The App Store* Google PlayKey points from our conversationI want to call out a few points from my conversation with Brigitte to help you if you’re considering the startup path. She also shared some interesting insights about accountability that could help you pursue your most important goals.The Power of AccountabilityEducating people and simply telling them to do things isn’t enough. People need social support to help them make better decisions, change behaviors, and establish daily habits. When she lived in Boston, she had a personal goal of waking up every morning for a run. She found an accountability partner who went jogging with her every week. Rain or shine, she got up in those dark, cold mornings to meet her friend for their runs. She felt accountable to her friend, so she couldn’t sleep in and skip their workout. However, when she moved away, she no longer had that 1-on-1 partner. She joined some running clubs but found that it wasn’t quite as motivating as having one person counting on her. With a group, you know that other people will show up, so it’s — unfortunately — easier to skip a workout. This experience inspired her to create Supporti to help other people find those essential 1-on-1 accountability partners. Bootstrapping vs. Raising FundingIt takes years to build a new business. There is no “overnight success.” Acquiring customers is hard work, and it takes a long time to grow a sustainable business. There is so much pressure to take the path of raising funding for your startup. But, the venture capital model of “growth at all costs” does not work for Brigitte or her Supporti community. She is following the AuthenTech approach of organically building a company that prioritizes community, connection, and authenticity. AuthenTech companies prioritize community over audience, intention over attention, and value over profit. So, she is consulting and coaching to bring in more consistent income to bootstrap Supporti and keep growing it. More entrepreneurs would succeed if they created multiple income streams vs. hoping the single revenue stream from their business will be sufficient. Overcome PerfectionismBrigitte has a bias for action. She doesn’t struggle with perfectionism, but many of her clients and friends do. For example, it keeps so many people from launching the businesses they dream about building. She recommends that you take small steps and just get something out. You lose time when you wait to make something “perfect” and aren’t capturing data on what’s working or not. Quickly launch, get feedback, learn, and iterate to improve your product and business. ⬆️ Scroll to the top if you want to listen to our full conversation, and hear more of Brigitte’s advice that can help you achieve your goals! 🎧Ready to join my private community?Subscribe now, and I’ll send you an invitation to join my private community of ambitious professionals who help each other become more successful and fulfilled in their working lives. Once you’re in, you’ll be able to participate in our exclusive office hours every week and chat with the other members and me every day!Are you ready to turn a $15/month investment into thousands of dollars of increased income every year? That’s exactly what has happened for many people in my community.However, I do know that not everyone is ready to become a paid subscriber yet. But, there is a great way you can support my work without spending any money:📣 Recommending my newsletter on social media 📣 It only takes a few seconds, and it helps grow my business so I can continue making time to write it.I'll even provide some copy and paste text to make it easy to share on Twitter, Reddit, LinkedIn, Facebook, etc. Thanks in advance!I've really been enjoying the Invincible Career newsletter by Larry Cornett (@cornett). If you want to get ahead in your job and you aren’t subscribed yet, you’re missing out.https://newsletter.invinciblecareer.com/This week’s office hours topic⭐ Office Hours - Invest in Your Public Speaking SkillsLarry Cornett is a leadership coach and business advisor who hosts a private mastermind community for solopreneurs and entrepreneurs who want more accountability and support. If you’re not interested in starting your own business someday (or accelerating an existing one), that community probably isn’t for you.Larry lives in Northern California near Lake Tahoe with his wife and children, and a gigantic Great Dane. He does his best to share advice to help others take full control of their work and life. He’s also on Twitter @cornett. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit newsletter.invinciblecareer.com/subscribe

Did you know that a bad boss and toxic work environment might be worse for your health than smoking? People often joke around about how much they hate their jobs and managers. But, the stress is apparently no laughing matter. Researchers from Harvard and Stanford conducted a meta-analysis of more than 200 studies to understand the effects of stress in the workplace. Some of their findings:* Worrying about losing your job makes you 50% more likely to experience poor health.* Having an overly demanding job makes you 35% more likely to have a physician-diagnosed illness.People sometimes get caught up with pursuing prestigious employers. I’ve worked with clients who absolutely wanted to land a job at one of the FAANG companies. Why? Just because they are a FAANG company and they think it will look great on their resumes. People also get hung up on job titles. They think they are willing to put up with a ton of stress and unhappiness as long as they land that big promotion. Finally, people do chase money. They’re willing to sacrifice their personal lives, relationships, and health for significant compensation. I say “people,” but I used to be one of those people too. I wanted a job at one of the big companies. So, I did work at Apple, and I interviewed and received a job offer from Google. I aggressively climbed the career ladder and pursued an executive job title. I did think that more money would make my life better. But, no job title and no amount of money can make you feel better about working for a bad manager in a toxic work environment. Eventually, the stress and anxiety catch up with you. It’s not worth it. From research by Clarine M. Jacobs, Ph.D., published in Ineffective-Leader-Induced Occupational Stress:* Nearly 70% of employees rated work as a significant source of stress.* Almost 75% of workers rated their leader as the most significant source of stress.* Roughly 80% of workers experienced stress-related physical symptoms, including fatigue and exhaustion; irritability or anger; lack of interest, motivation, or energy; headaches; and dyspepsia.* 51% of workers reported decreased productivity at work because of stress.* More than 75% of employees believe they are under more occupational stress than the previous generation was.Ok, that’s enough scary statistics. I think you get the picture, and I’m sure you’ve experienced some of this in at least one of your jobs or with one of your past bosses. Some stress is inevitable. Heck, even some level of stress helps you adapt and grow. However, high levels of sustained stress are awful for you. If you’re already dealing with other issues (e.g., experiencing poor health, struggling with personal relationships), the added stress at work will push you beyond the limit of what you can manage.So, how can you ensure that you’ll be working for a good boss when you make your next career move?Choosing the right bossPeople focus so much on choosing their next employer and job. “I want to be a senior designer either at Google or Facebook!”However, they often accept that their manager will be who it will be. Not good. You should spend just as much time seeking and selecting your next manager as you spend researching companies and jobs. I’ve learned that a great manager at a mediocre company will do more for your career than a terrible boss at a great company. Who your boss is will significantly impact your work satisfaction, success, and career progress. It doesn’t matter how great a company is if your manager is terrible. Your self-confidence, health, and career growth can be ruined by a boss who tears you down, doesn’t support you, and blackballs you for the rest of your career. One of the riskiest moves you can make is to accept a job offer with a company where you have no idea who your manager will be. Even riskier is to accept a job offer when you already know that your manager will be a problem.Sometimes, everyone will agree that someone is a bad boss. However, some bosses are fine for some people, but their leadership and communication styles don't work for you. That’s why it’s so important to ask the right questions, do your research, and uncover red flags before you join.I cannot emphasize enough how important it is to talk with past employees who have experience with your potential manager. That will often be your best source for reliable information and honest answers. Current employees may be afraid to tell you bad things about their boss. Some questions to ask past employees:* Does the manager have a good reputation and healthy relationships within the company?* What kind of people work best with this manager?* Who doesn’t seem to be a good fit for this manager?* Does this manager invest in their team?* How do they make decisions?* What happens when this manager gets upset? How do they behave?* Would you work for them again? Why or why not?* Would you recommend that a friend work for this manager? Why or why not?Some questions to ask current employees:* What do you enjoy about working here?* How do you feel about the workload and expectations?* What’s it like working for this manager? What is their management style? Communication style?* How often do you meet with the manager?* How are decisions made here?* How is conflict resolved?* What happens if you disagree with the manager?* Do you feel like they invest in you and the team? Do you feel supported?* How is success measured?* What kind of people are rewarded here? Who tends to get promoted?* How have you grown here? What does your future look like with the company?* What kind of person doesn't do well here?* Does the manager shield you from other leaders and the higher-ups?* What are the biggest issues you’re dealing with?* Would you want to follow your manager to another company? Why or why not?Some questions to ask your potential manager:* Why is this position open?* Why did the last employee in this role leave the company?* How do you make decisions?* What do you do if an employee disagrees with you?* What would your past employees say about you?* How do you invest in your employees?* What are your expectations for me in this role?* What does success look like, and how will you measure it?* How do you prefer to communicate and share information?* How often do you like to get updates?* How often would we meet?Red flags:* They seem to enjoy putting people in “their place.”* They don’t praise and only give negative feedback (which they may call “constructive criticism”).* They talk negatively about current employees on the team (e.g., “They’re a little lazy, so you’ll need to whip them into shape”).* They speak negatively about their peers or higher-ups. * They brag about their ruthlessness and how it helped them get ahead in their career (Believe it or not, I’ve experienced more than one leader talking like this). * They talk negatively about past employees (e.g., “The previous manager was kind of weak.”). * They cut you off when you’re speaking.* They’re very controlling of the interview flow (e.g., they don’t let you ask questions until the end).* They seem evasive when answering your questions or use defensive body language.* They don’t behave respectfully during the interview (e.g., barely listening to you while reading emails on their phones).* They make negative comments about your past experience, employers, degrees, or schools (e.g., “Literature degree? That seems kind of useless in this market.”).* They have unreasonable expectations for the role and what you can reasonably accomplish (e.g., “I want you to redesign the entire product in 5 weeks.”).* They don’t have a clear definition of success or how it will be measured.* They tell you that you should feel “lucky” if you get the chance to work there.* Strangely enough, they act way too friendly and are trying to convince you that the job and workplace are “perfect.”* Current employees act nervous or artificially “happy” (e.g., “Oh boy, I sure do love working here!!! It’s all good.”).* Past employees directly warn you about the manager or say they wouldn’t work for them again. * Employees tell you that the manager tends to use fear, threats, and intimidation to get things done. * Past employees seem afraid to answer your questions and want to make sure their name isn’t mentioned. Choosing the right work environmentDifferent people thrive in different environments. There isn’t a one-size-fits-all company or employer that is best for everyone. What type of company is the best fit for your next career move? Do you work better in a smaller company where you know everyone or a larger company with more perks? Do you want more potential upside with the associated risks, or do you prefer a more stable company with minimal risk?Do you care how the company makes money (e.g., advertising vs. software subscriptions)?Your answers to these questions can guide you to a clearer definition of your ideal employer. For example, the size of company and maturity you prefer:* Early-stage startups* Mid-stage startups* Late-stage startups* Small companies* Mid-sized companies* Larger companies* Massive corporations* Institutions (e.g., nonprofits, universities)But, you will also need to consider the following as part of defining this ideal employer too:* Organizational structures (e.g., flatter organizations or more hierarchical)* Organizational cultures (e.g., informal vs. formal, open communication vs. more secretive, diverse vs. monoculture)* Industries (e.g., consumer hardware, enterprise software, education, construction, consumer services, fintech, pharmaceutical)* Business models (how does the employer make money?)Red flags:* The environment is described as being fast-paced, high-pressure, competitive, or “we work hard and play hard” (i.e., prepare for cutthroat coworkers, poor work-life balance, and lots of stress). * They tell you that you’re joining a “rocket ship.”* Everyone wears “multiple hats” (i.e., you’ll have four jobs and only paid for one).* They overly emphasize the perks (e.g., lots of free food!).* They lowball your compensation, talk about “earning potential,” and promise you that you’re going to get rich from the equity.* Employees are supposed to feel like “family.”* The culture is a monoculture (e.g., mostly MBAs from Stanford).* The business model doesn’t seem viable or sustainable. * You don’t like how the company makes money (e.g., ads).Be intentionalFinding your next job goes way beyond choosing a role and employer. Unfortunately, great compensation, a fancy job title, and a prestigious company aren’t enough to ensure your success and happiness. You can thrive in a great company culture or feel miserable every day in a toxic one. Likewise, you can watch your career success and personal fulfillment soar under a great leader or have your hopes dashed working for a terrible manager.Be very intentional when you choose your next boss. Your success, health, and well-being depend on it! Would you like more helpful advice and support as you are researching your next career move?We’re only a click away when you subscribe, and I add you to my premium community and private office hours channel. Hope to see you there!⬆️ Scroll to the top if you want to listen to my expanded discussion of this topic! 🎧Want to join my career community?If you’d like to be a part of my private community of ambitious professionals who want to be more successful in their careers, simply subscribe now, and I’ll send you an invitation. After four years, it’s no longer open to the general public. Once you’re in, you’ll be able to participate in our exclusive office hours every week!Are you ready to turn a $15/month investment into thousands of dollars of increased income every year? That’s exactly what has happened for many members of my community.However, I do know that not everyone is ready to become a paid subscriber yet. But, there is a great way you can support my work without spending any money:📣 Recommending my newsletter on social media 📣 It only takes a few seconds, and it helps grow my business so I can continue making time to write it.I'll even provide some copy and paste text to make it easy to share on Twitter, Reddit, LinkedIn, Facebook, etc. Thanks in advance!I've really been enjoying the Invincible Career newsletter by Larry Cornett (@cornett). If you want to get ahead in your job and you aren’t subscribed yet, you’re missing out.https://newsletter.invinciblecareer.com/This week’s office hours topic⭐ Find Your CommunitiesLarry Cornett is a leadership coach and business advisor who also hosts a private mastermind community for solopreneurs and entrepreneurs who want more accountability and support. If you’re not interested in starting your own business someday (or accelerating an existing one), this community isn’t for you.Larry lives in Northern California near Lake Tahoe with his wife and children, and a gigantic Great Dane. He does his best to share advice to help others take full control of their work and life. He’s also on Twitter @cornett. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit newsletter.invinciblecareer.com/subscribe

I remember it feeling like the end of the world. I thought I'd never be happy again. I experienced numerous failures at a young age. I bombed out my first year of college and lost my scholarship. I broke up with my girlfriend. My car broke down, I didn’t have a good job, and I had no idea how I was going to pay my rent. When I was younger, failures like these were such an enormous setback. If something didn't work out, I just knew that I'd never find something that good ever again. However, with age comes perspective. I've now been able to watch what has happened in my life over and over again. And in the lives of others. I did go back to the university, got my degree, and went on to get a Ph.D. and land a great job in Silicon Valley with Apple. I met an amazing young woman, got married, and we’ve raised three wonderful children together (married for over 30 years now). I left the corporate world over 11 years ago, gave up my first career, and started my own business about 5 years ago as a leadership and career coach and business advisor. We moved away from Silicon Valley to be closer to the mountains and forests near Lake Tahoe. I’ve never been happier (update: the nearby forest fires aren’t the greatest, though)!What I've witnessed and experienced is that things always work out in the end. “Everything works out in the end. if it hasn't worked out yet, then it's not the end.”― Tracy McMillanIn fact, you often end up in a better situation. * A better relationship. * A better job. * A better place to live. Why is that? Is it destiny? Is it faith? Was something better waiting for you? I think it happens for very different reasons because:* You’re forced out of your comfort zone.* You know what you want now.* You know what you don’t want any longer. * You’re willing to listen.* You’re willing to learn.* You have renewed confidence and conviction.* You raise the bar on what you’ll accept.* You start taking a longer-term view of life.No more comfort zoneNot getting what you wanted, losing something, and failing all force you out of your comfort zone. It shakes you up and makes you reexamine your life.I think we often settle. I know I did. We put up with less-than-optimal situations because it's familiar and comfortable. When you’re pushed out of your comfortable “nest,” you have no choice but to plan your next move.Knowing what you wantWhen you lose something, it forces you to re-examine your life. Your goals. What you want next time. As a career coach, I often work with people who have experienced failure and loss. They’ve been laid off. They were fired. A situation at work is no longer tolerable. As we work together, many will say, “This is the first time that I’ve thought about what I really want for my career — even my life. Up until now, it all has just happened.”Knowing what you don't wantWhen you leave a job, relationship, or even an old life behind, it’s an opportunity to also think about what you absolutely do not want in your life moving forward. Knowing what you will no longer tolerate or allow is just as important as knowing what you do want. This thought exercise is one big reason that we often end up in a better situation than before. A better job. A better relationship. We get comfortable and often put up with too much crap because it becomes the death of a thousand cuts. It wasn’t terrible in the beginning. However, slowly but surely, bad things crept into the job (or relationship). Well, now is the chance to never let that happen again!A willingness to listen There's nothing like failure to help open your ears. I’m sure you’ve experienced this with a close friend. You watched them in a bad relationship or a bad work situation, and you probably offered advice. What happened? I’m guessing that they didn’t listen. They stayed in the bad situation until it fell apart.However, now that they’ve emerged from the other side, they are suddenly able to hear you. We’re the same way with our own issues. When you’re neck-deep in it, it’s hard to be objective and really listen to what others are seeing and saying. Once you’re out of the situation, you are more willing to hear and learn.A willingness to learnFailure teaches you that you didn't have all the answers. It humbles you. It has certainly humbled me.Now, you're willing to admit that you don't know everything and want to learn. No one wants to repeat their same failures over and over again. So, we become willing to learn and make better decisions the next time.Every relationship failure made me a better partner the next time. Every work failure educated me. My startup failure forced me to learn more about marketing, sales, and growth so that my new business would succeed. Renewed confidence and conviction Nothing fuels me more than failure, loss, and frustration. When things go wrong, it gives me an even stronger conviction to pursue my goals with a vengeance. “Failure is a greater teacher than success”― Clarissa Pinkola EstésFailure teaches me lessons. I learn what not to do next time. I create a better strategy and plan. I bounce back with renewed confidence. Use your loss, failure, and pain as fuel. Leverage it to give you greater conviction and confidence to succeed with your new venture. Raising the barSometimes losing something can be the best thing that ever happens to you. I know that’s hard to see in the moment. And, of course, it’s not true for all losses (e.g., the death of a loved one). However, in retrospect, I see that many of my losses ended up being a good thing for me (as strange as that might sound). If you examine your past losses, you might see that pattern too. For example:* You dodged a bullet (e.g., you almost worked for a terrible company or a horrible boss). * You almost married someone wrong for you.* You almost bought a house right before the market crashed.In other cases, it forces you to raise the bar and find something even better for you. For example, I've watched people go through painful breakups and then end up with a much better partner. Why? Because they now know what they want and what they won't put up with. The pain gave them more confidence and conviction to partner with someone better for them. You know that you deserve better. You won't settle, as you may have done in the past. I've experienced this with jobs and my own startup. Being forced out of my comfort zone by a bad re-org made me smarter and more intentional about what came next. I turned it into an opportunity for a better job and promotion somewhere else. Being knocked out of my “Plan A” by the failure of my startup made me pause my life for a few months. I went through a dark period of questioning everything and rediscovering what really matters to me. Then, I planned exactly what I wanted for my career and life moving forward.Every loss is an opportunity to aim higher for something better next time.Taking a longer-term viewAs my wife could tell you, I'm not the most positive person in the world. But, this is one area where I do have a positive outlook. I’ve slowly learned to take a longer-term view of life events. Or, I should say that I’ve learned that even the most painful situation fades with time and slowly gets better. What feels like a disaster right now may even turn out to be a good thing later. It’s not easy, but try not to get caught up in the short-term chaos and let the bad emotions overwhelm you. Try to be patient, wait for the dust to settle, and then start making new plans. Loss hurts, but things will get better. Things always work out in the end. You will find something (or someone) better for you.Would you like helpful advice and support working through a challenging issue or problem?We’re only a click away when you subscribe, and I add you to my premium community and private office hours channel. Hope to see you there!⬆️ Scroll to the top if you want to listen to my expanded discussion of this topic! 🎧Want to join my career community?If you’d like to be a part of my private community of ambitious professionals who want to be more successful in their careers, simply subscribe now, and I’ll send you an invitation. After four years, it’s no longer open to the general public. Once you’re in, you’ll be able to participate in our exclusive office hours every week!Are you ready to turn a $15/month investment into thousands of dollars of increased income every year? That’s exactly what has happened for many members of my community.However, I do know that not everyone is ready to become a paid subscriber yet. But, there is a great way you can support my work without spending any money:📣 Recommending my newsletter on social media 📣 It only takes a few seconds, and it helps grow my business so I can continue making time to write it.I'll even provide some copy and paste text to make it easy to share on Twitter, Reddit, LinkedIn, Facebook, etc. Thanks in advance!I've really been enjoying the Invincible Career newsletter by Larry Cornett (@cornett). If you want to get ahead in your job and you aren’t subscribed yet, you’re missing out.https://newsletter.invinciblecareer.comThis week’s office hours topic⭐ Connect with New People Larry Cornett is a leadership coach and business advisor who also hosts a private mastermind community for solopreneurs and entrepreneurs who want more accountability and support. If you’re not interested in starting your own business someday (or accelerating an existing one), this community isn’t for you.Larry lives in Northern California near Lake Tahoe with his wife and children, and a gigantic Great Dane. He does his best to share advice to help others take full control of their work and life. He’s also on Twitter @cornett. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit newsletter.invinciblecareer.com/subscribe

Looking for a new job? Your weak ties may be more helpful than your close friends. Want to start a new business or grow your customer base? You’re probably better off building new connections with acquaintances than tapping into your colleagues.What is a weak tie? Well, it’s someone you know, but not very well. Or, you were close a long time ago but haven’t been in contact for years or decades. These weak ties in your network have faded with time and distance. They could be:* A classmate from high school.* Your college roommate.* One of your favorite professors.* A coworker or boss from one of your early jobs.* An old neighbor.* Someone you met at a conference years ago.* People you bump into at your local coffee shop or gym.Contrast these types of relationships with the ones where you have strong ties. You have a much stronger and fresher connection with your current coworkers and manager. You are obviously very close to your family. Your good friends talk with you often and probably travel in similar social circles. They know you very well. Perhaps too well. That’s the complexity of strong ties. So many more factors come into play when friends and close colleagues make introductions, recommend each other for jobs, and provide testimonials. They don’t want to risk their reputations, but they also don’t want you to get burned. It’s a tricky balance. Yes, these tight relationships are valuable for many, many reasons. Your close friends, family, and partners will help you, perform favors, make introductions, advise you, and maybe even hire you. However, since you overlap so much, you will rarely be exposed to entirely new information or people. To learn and grow, you have to expose yourself to thoughts and ideas outside your bubble. To expand your network and increase its diversity and value, you have to stretch yourself to seek out entirely new networks that are far away from your friends, family, and colleagues. Seven ways that weak ties are valuable:* Discovering new opportunities.* Sharing new information.* Exposure to new points of view.* Improved cultural understanding.* Increasing the diversity of your network.* Increasing the power of your network.* You are viewed as unique.1. Discovering new opportunities“Mark Granovetter surveyed people in professional, technical and managerial professions who recently changed jobs. Nearly 17% heard about the job from a strong tie…. But surprisingly, people were significantly more likely to benefit from weak ties. Almost 28% heard about the job from a weak tie. Strong ties provide bonds, but weak ties served as bridges: they provide more efficient access to new information.”— Adam Grant, Give and Take: Why Helping Others Drives Our Success (my affiliate link)Within your stronger and closer networks, many of the people have already heard about the same opportunities. I remember this phenomenon when I was a young designer starting my first solopreneur agency. When I talked with the designers in my Silicon Valley network, they often shared the same connections and potential gigs. They knew the same people at the same companies. However, when I reached out to my friends in engineering, marketing, program management, etc., they were aware of completely different opportunities. They would bring me into companies to work on projects that my design peers didn’t know existed.2. Sharing new informationWhen you want to learn new things continually, you’ll often discover that your weak ties in your broader network are a better source than your strong ties. How often does a friend or colleague share something with you, and you say, “Oh, yeah. I read that article this morning.” It frequently happens to me. It’s perhaps not surprising. My close friends and colleagues all tend to read the same news sources and publications. We all work in the same general industry. However, my weaker ties often share new information that I would never encounter in my daily life. Likewise, when I want to share information and reach a broader audience, I’m better off sharing it with acquaintances and even strangers. Why? Because when my close friends and colleagues share my information with their networks, the overlap is significant. It reaches the same people again and never bridges across entirely new networks. People tune out when they keep seeing it and you. Research published by Mark S. Granovetter supports this experience:“…this means that whatever is to be diffused can reach a larger number of people, and traverse greater social distance (i.e., path length), when passed through weak ties rather than strong.”3. Exposure to new points of viewIt happens to the best of us. We live in our little worlds, seeing the same people every day, having the same conversations, and are too busy to explore beyond those boundaries. Our familiar social and professional networks become echo chambers. We spend our days reading posts and articles that reinforce our point of view. We begin to falsely believe that everyone shares our political viewpoints, moral code, and life philosophy. Then — as one example — we are horribly surprised during an election year. Just ask my liberal friends in California who couldn’t believe that people voted for Trump.Well, I still have weak ties to the Midwest (where I grew up). So, I wasn’t surprised. I already knew that millions of people held very different viewpoints than my friends in Silicon Valley. I’m not saying that you’ll always enjoy being exposed to different points of view. But, you shouldn’t place your head in the sand and dream that the world is 100% aligned with what you believe. Awareness is powerful. 4. Improved cultural understandingBy “culture,” I’m referring to it in every sense of the word. It’s a system of collectively held values unique to countries, geographies, cities, professions, religions, politics, online communities, and more. You are a product of your culture. It influences you in ways you probably know, but also in ways you aren’t aware of. The attitude of “us” vs. “them” is rarely healthy. Embracing the weak ties in your network allows you to become more culturally aware and sensitive. You can appreciate where someone is coming from, even if you don’t fully understand it or want to adopt it yourself. For example, I’m still connected to old colleagues from my time living and working in Shanghai. Living there certainly improved my cultural understanding of my friends in China. Time and distance have made these ties weak, of course. But, maintaining a degree of connection to my friends and coworkers ensures that I never forget what their lives are like. 5. Increasing the diversity of your networkThanks to my time working in tech and all of my international travel, I have a fairly diverse network that spans the globe. But, I also have a diverse network that spans professions and socioeconomic classes too. I’ve spent time with billionaires, and I hang out with people who are barely getting by. Diversity in your network is essential for a variety of reasons. Unfortunately, we tend to befriend and connect with people who are similar to us. Believe it or not, we also tend to have genetically similar friends (how freaky is that?).However, research has proven that more diverse teams generate the best outcomes. This diversity includes backgrounds, education, socioeconomic status, profession, industry, gender, race, and age.If your network is homogeneous, it’s time to shake things up.“A 2015 McKinsey report on 366 public companies found that those in the top quartile for ethnic and racial diversity in management were 35% more likely to have financial returns above their industry mean, and those in the top quartile for gender diversity were 15% more likely to have returns above the industry mean.”Your weak ties are weak because they are outside of your social and professional bubble. And that’s exactly what makes them so valuable. Diversify your network to become more creative, collaborative, empathetic, and successful.6. Increasing the power of your networkYou’re limiting the power of your network when it only consists of the familiar people who are already in your network. They may introduce you to a few new people from their unique networks. But like attracts like, which isn’t always good. I see this happen all the time. People in a specific profession make friends with other people in their profession and have a network mostly filled with individuals near their experience level. * College students have a network full of other students. * Junior designers have a network full of other designers. * Real estate agents are connected to a bunch of other agents. However, your weak ties will help you build a more powerful network that spans professions and industries and includes people at higher levels of influence. My weak ties, for example, introduced me to CEOs, VC partners, and angel investors. Now, they are in my extended network as new weak ties (no, we aren’t buddies who golf every weekend). 7. You are viewed as uniqueThis benefit is a funny one that I discovered over the years of my career. It’s related to the old saying that “familiarity breeds contempt.”“Though familiarity may not breed contempt, it takes off the edge of admiration.”— William HazlittYour friends, family, and colleagues are all too familiar with your stories. They are so accustomed to you that they may even take you for granted at times. Many years ago, I did many speaking tours when I was the VP of Consumer Products for Yahoo Search. I would present to organizations inside the company on the main campus in California. I also traveled internationally to present to our offices in London, Barcelona, Bangalore, etc. Recently, I’ve given talks and workshops to tech teams in the U.S., but also at conferences in other countries. Looking back on 15 years of doing this, I noticed an interesting pattern:The less familiar the audience was with me, the more valuable they thought my talk was. They viewed me as unique, and that somehow made me more interesting to them. It’s nice to feel appreciated. Everyone should have the experience of being treated as special, interesting, and entertaining. It’s a nice confidence boost!The strong ties in your network may not think that interacting with you every day is all that special. But, the people who are weak ties will value time with you and make you feel appreciated. Light up those weak ties!It doesn’t matter what you want to accomplish professionally; activating the weak ties in your network will help you more than you think. Reaching out to your acquaintances — old and new — will increase the diversity, power, freshness, value, and uniqueness in your professional social graph. However, this doesn’t mean that you need to transform your weak ties into strong ties. That’s impossible. It’s too hard to maintain strong ties with a large group of people.It’s really more about creating a stronger, broader network of weak ties and not letting those relationships completely fade away. If that happens, they become absent ties. It disconnects those other networks entirely from you, and potential opportunities vanish.Reactivating old relationships was a lot harder a few years ago. You may have only bumped into these people thanks to business trips, conferences, industry events, or a chance encounter (e.g., seeing someone at a local cafe).For example, I spoke at a conference in Melbourne, Australia, about two years ago. I met some wonderful people, and we connected on LinkedIn, Twitter, etc. But, when would I ever see them again under ordinary circumstances?However, now I can just set up a Zoom appointment and catch up with someone halfway around the world. Some of these new acquaintances joined my career community, and now I can chat with them there. Are you ready to reconnect with old friends and colleagues? Are you ready to meet some new acquaintances to add to your professional network? We’re only a click away when you subscribe, and I add you to my premium community and private office hours channel. Hope to see you there!⬆️ Scroll to the top if you want to listen to my expanded discussion of this topic! 🎧Want to join my career community?If you’d like to be a part of my private community of ambitious professionals who want to be more successful in their careers, simply subscribe now, and I’ll send you an invitation. After four years, it’s no longer open to the general public. Once you’re in, you’ll be able to participate in our exclusive office hours every week!Are you ready to turn a $15/month investment into thousands of dollars of increased income every year? That’s exactly what has happened for many members of my community.However, I do know that not everyone is ready to become a paid subscriber yet. But, there is a great way you can support my work without spending any money:📣 Recommending my newsletter on social media 📣 It only takes a few seconds, and it helps grow my business so I can continue making time to write it.I'll even provide some copy and paste text to make it easy to share on Twitter, Reddit, LinkedIn, Facebook, etc. Thanks in advance!I've really been enjoying the Invincible Career newsletter by Larry Cornett (@cornett). If you want to get ahead in your job and you aren’t subscribed yet, you’re missing out.https://newsletter.invinciblecareer.comThis week’s office hours topic⭐ Office Hours - Nurture and Reignite Your Network Larry Cornett is a leadership coach and business advisor who also hosts a private mastermind community for solopreneurs and entrepreneurs who want more accountability and support. If you’re not interested in starting your own business someday (or accelerating an existing one), this community isn’t for you.Larry lives in Northern California near Lake Tahoe with his wife and children, and a gigantic Great Dane. He does his best to share advice to help others take full control of their work and life. He’s also on Twitter @cornett. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit newsletter.invinciblecareer.com/subscribe

My guest for this episode is Fiona Pagett. She is a 52-year old single mother of two young people, now in their twenties.She has enjoyed a colorful career in broadcast journalism (check her out on BBC Scotland!), corporate communications, video production, personal training, and — most recently — real estate.  Proactive, and not afraid to make different life choices, Fiona has changed careers on several occasions, two of which have involved starting new businesses from scratch.  A “glass half full” type of person, she enjoys encouraging others to live life to the fullest. Fiona and I met several years ago in an entrepreneurial community, and we’ve been friends ever since. I’ve always been impressed with how she’s taken control of her career path to adapt to changing circumstances quickly. So many people get set in their ways as they mature, but she’s never stood still. She isn’t afraid to dive in and start a new business or pursue an entirely new profession. The most amazing thing? She always succeeds. You can find Fiona on Linkedin. Key points from our conversationI want to call out a few points from my conversation with Fiona to help you if you’ve ever felt like it was too late to make a change in your career or life. She also shared some of her experiences with the lockdowns and quarantines in Scotland from the perspective of a real estate agent.External circumstancesYou can’t control external circumstances. The Great Recession in 2008 impacted her business that provided multimedia services for corporations. Her clients dried up almost overnight. The only thing you can do is quickly adapt and survive. Fiona has done that by diving into new employment (e.g., becoming a real estate agent) and starting her own businesses multiple times (e.g., video production, personal fitness training). I know that you might feel hopeless and helpless when an external factor changes the world so dramatically. The negative impact and chaos create a great deal of anxiety and stress. However, no amount of wishing or complaining will make it go away. It’s our reality, and we can’t force it to stop. All we can control is our personal reaction and mindset, and then make plans for adapting and moving forward. What other choice do we have?It’s never too lateAt age 41, Fiona made a huge career change from being a partner at a video production company to becoming a certified personal trainer. She shut down one business, built the next successfully, and provided for her family while her children were in school.Several years later, she pivoted again into real estate when she had more free time (i.e., her children were grown and moved out). People will tell you that you can’t make a significant career change after 50, yet she did (I did too). Your soft skills are essential and play an increasingly larger role in your success as you move up the career ladder. Those skills are so transferable. Communicating well, collaborating effectively, persuading others, educating others, etc., can all apply to thousands of jobs and businesses. It’s always possible to change. When you’re in your 50s, 60s, and even your 70s, you still have many years ahead of you. We’re all living longer — much longer. Those of you reading this right now may live past 100!It’s so sad to talk with someone who has regrets. They waited and waited but never pursued a dream or passion. Don’t get set in your ways in your 40s and 50s. Keep growing and chasing what you want out of life!The impact of the pandemicShe feels privileged that she never lost her job, despite the economic impact in Scotland. They had a 3-month lockdown, which resulted in furloughs for many. Because of her real estate role, she met with people who had felt so isolated during that time. Sometimes, she was the first person who had been inside their home in six months! They were desperate for human interaction and conversation. However, other people thrived. They adapted their home office spaces, enjoyed having time back (e.g., no commute), and made time for exercise again. Much like in the U.S., this new world does seem to have a polarizing impact. Some people are lucky to have jobs that were easily transitioned to remote work and working from home. Some people made use of their recovered personal time for exercise, hobbies, and making new friends. Other people lost their jobs and businesses. They didn’t have a good solution for working at home. The stress and anxiety have been so detrimental to their health. However, Fiona believes in staying positive, doing our best to adapt, and finding a way forward. She always has, and always will. We’d all do well to follow her example. ⬆️ Scroll to the top if you want to listen to our full conversation, and hear more of Fiona’s advice and experiences! 🎧Want to join my career community?If you’d like to be a part of my private community of ambitious professionals who want to be more successful in their careers, simply subscribe now, and I’ll send you an invitation. After four years, it’s no longer open to the general public. Once you’re in, you’ll be able to participate in our exclusive office hours every week!Are you ready to turn a $15/month investment into thousands of dollars of increased income every year? That’s exactly what has happened for many members of my community.However, I do know that not everyone is ready to become a paid subscriber yet. But, there is a great way you can support my work without spending any money:📣 Recommending my newsletter on social media 📣 It only takes a few seconds, and it helps grow my business so I can continue making time to write it.I'll even provide some copy and paste text to make it easy to share on Twitter, Reddit, LinkedIn, Facebook, etc. Thanks in advance!I've really been enjoying the Invincible Career newsletter by Larry Cornett (@cornett). If you want to get ahead in your job and you aren’t subscribed yet, you’re missing out.https://newsletter.invinciblecareer.com This week’s office hours topic⭐ Office Hours - How to Build a Powerful NetworkLarry Cornett is a leadership coach and business advisor who also hosts a private mastermind community for solopreneurs and entrepreneurs who want more accountability and support. If you’re not interested in starting your own business someday (or accelerating an existing one), this community isn’t for you.Larry lives in Northern California near Lake Tahoe with his wife and children, and a gigantic Great Dane. He does his best to share advice to help others take full control of their work and life. He’s also on Twitter @cornett. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit newsletter.invinciblecareer.com/subscribe

I was standing at a whiteboard in a large conference room with Prabhakar Raghavan. If you’re not familiar with who he is, he’s currently a Senior Vice President at Google, where he is responsible for Google Search, Assistant, Geo, Ads, Commerce, and Payments products. However, when I worked with him, he was the Chief Scientist running Yahoo! Labs and one of the smartest people I’d ever met. I was the Head of Consumer Products for Search and spending more time with the media and board than ever before. So, I was lucky enough to spend some time learning from him. Here’s an excerpt from his Google Research page.Prabhakar is one of the foremost authorities on Search and is the co-author of two widely-used graduate texts on algorithms and on search: Randomized Algorithms and Introduction to Information Retrieval. He has over 20 years of research spanning algorithms, web search and databases, published over 100 papers in various fields, and holds 20 issued patents, including several on link analysis for web search.So, yeah, he’s a smart guy. We were preparing for a board meeting, and I was also going to be meeting with a new member to talk about our latest strategy for Yahoo! Search. His advice for me? Keep it simple. Really, really simple. Then, he quickly sketched a barebones wireframe of the Search Results page on the whiteboard with basic blocks to identify the algorithmic search results and the sponsored results (i.e., advertising). Actually, that doesn’t really capture the essence of what he meant. He described how critical it was to avoid technical jargon, insider vernacular, and anything that would confuse the listener. We lived in the Silicon Valley corporate world and spent our days discussing Search technology. The board members did not. Their world was very different than ours. To earn a seat in the board meeting and a chance to present to them, you had to be a bridge between the complexity of our technical world and their business and operational world. You had to explain things so that they could easily understand what we were doing and why it mattered. It was critical to bridge the gap between our expertise and their domain experience so that they could provide valuable insights, give us relevant feedback, and help all of us make better decisions. If you could not explain things in a way that they could understand, or if you made someone feel stupid, you’d never be back in that room again. It was a career-limiting move. The board loved Prabhakar. Tech journalists loved him too. He was smart, eloquent, and he could cut right to the heart of the matter with simple explanations that made people feel like they walked away with a better understanding than they had before. Whenever I think of someone who could be the bridge between two worlds, I remember Prabhakar. If you look at his career journey, you can see that this ability is one of the things that helped him rise to the top. Check out this article if you don’t believe me:Prabhakar Raghavan Isn’t CEO of Google—He Just Runs the Place:THOUGH PRABHAKAR RAGHAVAN recoils at hearing himself described as “the CEO of Google,” the 60-year-old engineer turned executive is as close to being that person as one could be. He runs search, ads, commerce, maps, payments, and Google Assistant, businesses that bring in the lion’s share of the company’s revenue. And he’s paid like a CEO—last year the company paid him $55 million in salary and stock.On the flip side, I can also think of people who stalled out in their careers. They climbed the ladder to a fairly senior point in their profession but couldn’t quite break through to the highest leadership or executive levels. Now, I know that some people aren’t even interested in the management track. But, some of these individuals also weren’t able to get promoted to the most senior individual contributor levels either. When that happens, your earning potential stagnates. That’s because excellence in your craft will only take you so far. Yes, doing your job well is definitely necessary to climb the early rungs of your career ladder. If you’re not great at what you do, you won’t progress very far at all. However, even the most talented individual contributors hit a ceiling if they cannot communicate well with others. To climb to the highest levels, you have to communicate with people who don’t live in your world. Sadly, too many people think that it makes them look smart to toss around big words, baffle people with the complexity of their craft, show off their intelligence, and try to prove how important they are. But it doesn’t work. In fact, the more someone refuses even to try to bridge a communication gap, the more they reveal their low emotional intelligence. If you are interested in breaking through this career ladder ceiling, you should learn how to bridge the domain expertise gap between you and the people you work with across other organizations, companies, etc. The most successful people that I’ve watched over the course of my 20+ year career are those who do this exceedingly well. But, how do you do that? Well, here are some steps you can take to learn how to become “a bridge.”* Understand their world* Learn enough about their job* Be relevant and connect the dots* Don’t be rigid* Communicate clearlyUnderstand their worldIt begins with curiosity and empathy. Take the time to research who someone is, what they do, and what you think they are trying to accomplish. Care enough to put yourself in their shoes. What is their world like? What matters to them? How might they be feeling? When you talk with someone, show that you understand who they are and what they do. Connect your world to theirs. Use your conversational skills and ask questions to learn more.Learn enoughI used to tell young designers to “learn enough to be dangerous.” I was referring to learning enough about the technology to communicate well with engineers, learning enough about product metrics to have better meetings with product managers, and learning enough about business goals to know how design could help achieve them.But, it’s not really about being “dangerous.” You just want to learn enough to have intelligent conversations with others instead of living in your own world. Learn enough about someone else’s job, domain, and goals  enough about someone else’s job, domain, and goals so that you can bridge the gaps between:* What they want and what you can provide * What you need and what is possible* How they describe their world and how you talk about yours Be relevantHow do you contribute to higher-level goals? Not your goals. I’m talking about the overall goals of the company, organization, and team. Too many people get caught up in their private world and forget where they fit into the big picture. They miss the forest for the trees. I saw this problem all too often in design organizations. People falling in love with their designs. Design for design’s sake isn't relevant in a company that must satisfy customers and remain profitable. And, when you’re not seen as relevant and clearly don’t understand the larger goals, you don’t move up the ladder. Designers aren’t the only guilty parties. I’ve worked with engineers who would get caught up in the beauty of the architecture and purity of their code. They constantly tried to refactor and reduce technical debt while pushing out work that would help the product advance and make the business more money. Unless you’re an independent artist, your work serves a higher purpose when you agree to be an employee. Be aware of what type of company employs you and make yourself relevant to its goals. I’m not saying that you need to be a puppet dancing at the end of leadership’s strings. But, you do need to strike a balance between what you want to be doing and what they need. Be relevant and valuable if you want to keep climbing the ladder. Don't be rigidPeople are too precious about their profession. At work, we used to call that an “Ivory Tower” issue. It’s related to the previous point of being relevant.People with this impractical attitude often acted as if they were better than everyone else in other organizations. They weren’t interested in the mundane matters of other people or the urgent problems the company faced. They couldn’t be bothered to care. Guess how that worked out for them? They enjoyed their little ivory towers for a few years, but they all came crashing down later. Most C-level executives and boards have little patience for spending money on teams that never deliver tangible results for the company. It has to pay off in some way eventually!You should be proud of what you do. Be strong and confident enough to push for excellence. Nobody wants to do mediocre work in their craft just to please a leadership team. But, don't be so inflexible that you think it's more important to win battles while losing the war. In the end, if the company fails, you lose your job, and all of your hard work fades away. I watched that happen at a few of my past employers. We’ve all seen it happen across various industries. The purest and most perfect solutions don’t always win.Communicate clearlyFinally, you have to bring it all together and become a great communicator. I’m sorry, but I don’t know of any way to skip this step. However, if you don’t care about climbing to the very top of your career ladder, then don’t worry about it. But, if you want to expand your influence, be well-known and well-respected, people have to know that you exist, and they have to understand what you do. You must be able to communicate clearly with people who don’t live in your world.This starts with becoming a valuable translation layer between your team and others. I attribute much of my career success to investing in my public speaking skills and learning enough to communicate well with engineers, scientists, product managers, executives, etc. People used to say to me, “You don’t talk like a designer.”Drop the vernacular. It’s so annoying to talk with someone who speaks in acronyms, uses obscure phrases, and acts like they’re a member of some secret society. It’s not impressive. It’s irritating and will hold you back. Too many people use complexity to mask insecurity. They spout big words and the unique language of their profession to feel smart and special. Just stop it. When someone is a great communicator who can make things clear and understandable, people want to spend more time with them. They get invited to increasingly important meetings. They are the ones who get promoted to higher levels of leadership and influence. Be a bridgeHey, if you don’t care about getting promoted and climbing to the upper levels of your professional career ladder, then ignore what I’m saying. Just keep focusing on your craft and be happy where you are. It really is ok. Some people don’t want the stress and lurking impostor syndrome of moving up and up and up. However, if you are interested in pursuing leadership and having greater influence, you must learn how to bridge the gaps between people. Be able to simply connect your world to the worlds of others. The best “bridges” can even help other people in completely different worlds understand each other. It’s awe-inspiring to watch. ⬆️ Scroll to the top if you want to listen to my more complete discussion and examples from my work experiences 🎧Do you have any thoughts on this topic? Any advice to share? Or, do you just want to tell me how wrong I am? That’s ok too. 😉Leave a comment! Want to join my career community?If you’d like to be a part of my private community of ambitious professionals who want to be more successful in their careers, simply subscribe now, and I’ll send you an invitation. After four years, it’s no longer open to the general public. Once you’re in, you’ll be able to participate in our exclusive office hours every week!I do know that not everyone is ready to become a paid subscriber. But, there is a great way you can support my work without spending any money:📣 Recommending my newsletter on social media.It only takes a few seconds, and it helps grow my business so I can continue making time to write it.I'll even provide some copy and paste text to make it easy to share on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, etc. Thanks in advance!I've really been enjoying the Invincible Career newsletter by Larry Cornett (@cornett). If you want to get ahead in your career and you aren’t subscribed yet, you’re missing out.https://newsletter.invinciblecareer.comThis week’s office hours topic⭐ Are you on track to achieve your goals for the year?Larry Cornett is a leadership coach and business advisor who also hosts a mastermind community for solopreneurs and entrepreneurs who want more accountability and support. If you’re not interested in starting your own business someday (or accelerating an existing one), this community isn’t for you. Larry lives in Northern California near Lake Tahoe with his wife and children, and a gigantic Great Dane. He does his best to share advice to help others take full control of their work and life. He’s also on Twitter @cornett. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit newsletter.invinciblecareer.com/subscribe

My guest for this episode is Marvin Liao. He’s an investor-operator, executive coach, and formal advisor to several large family offices. We crossed paths over 10 years ago at Yahoo, and I’ve been following his career pivots and journeys around the world ever since. Marvin is a partner and board member at Game Groove Capital, an international gaming holding company. He was previously a partner at the venture capital fund, 500 Startups, running the SF-based accelerator program and investing in seed-stage startups. He invested in over 414 pre-seed and seed-stage startups during the six years spent there. Marvin also spent more than 10 years at Yahoo as an executive with extensive operating experience expanding businesses across Asia, Europe, Latin America, and the United States in his career at the company. Marvin presently serves on the investment committees and advisory boards of several venture capital funds. He also mentors at numerous accelerator programs around the world. Marvin is a frequent speaker at many digital marketing and tech startup conferences.You can follow Marvin on Twitter, and check out his newsletter, The Hard Fork. Key points from our conversationI want to call out a few points from my conversation with Marvin to help you if you’re considering founding your own startup or becoming an investor. He also shared some advice that applies to everyone moving forward in this crazy new world and chaotic economy. Venture capitalIf you work in tech long enough, you’ll often hear people talk about their long-term goal of becoming a VC partner. I think this career dream stems from a few things:* They see the big money floating around in the VC world and want a piece of that pie.* It looks like a glamorous lifestyle. On social media, we watch VCs and angel investors traveling the world in style, eating at the best restaurants, and living large.* It’s a position of power. People in tech are usually sitting on the other side of the table begging for budget and resources. It sure would be nice to switch sides and be the one who decides who gets funding or not.* Investors get to see an enormous variety of early-stage startups working on cutting-edge tech solutions. It’s exciting!However, there is no single path into the VC world. It’s not on the promotion ladder at work, so how do you get there?If you listened to Marvin’s story in this episode, he didn’t actually plan on becoming an investor. He had been mentoring at several startup accelerator programs for over a year. He got to know the co-founders of 500 Startups, and they asked him to join.Advice for new investorsMarvin said that his first 70-80 deals weren’t that good. He felt like he didn’t know what he was doing. His successful investments started in years 2-3. So, what makes the difference between a successful investor and one who is struggling?First, get better at reading and assessing people. I’ve heard many investors talk about the importance of the team. Does the startup have the right people? Are they building the startup for the right reasons? Do they understand the space?Next, understand the market. It may look like a small market, but can it become a large one? If you can’t do this, it’s a total disaster. However, you can’t predict everything. He remembers some startup teams that didn’t look promising initially but were willing to grind it out and eventually became successful. Timing is important too. I discovered that with my voice-based startup five years ago. We were too early. Now, you can’t swing a stick without hitting a voice startup (e.g., Clubhouse).Advice for foundersMarvin said that founders should really understand what they want and why they’re doing what they’re doing. Once you take VC money, you’re on a narrow path. Be conscious and intentional about the decisions you make. Is this what you really want? Or, is it what everyone around you is telling you to do? Founders think they need to raise money. Everyone is telling them to raise money, and it becomes a marker of success (especially in Silicon Valley). Once you do raise, it becomes growth at all costs. You either have a billion-dollar outcome or the investors hope that you’ll fail quickly. It’s tough to get off that path. He knows founders who regret taking VC money. I know that I regret that we raised a seed round for my startup too soon. I should have waited until we had product-market fit.Self-sufficiencyMarvin doesn’t like how Silicon Valley disparages “lifestyle businesses.” Lifestyle businesses are fine. If a business is supporting you, that’s a good business. There are many paths to building a startup and having a successful life. Raising money and chasing a billion-dollar dream isn’t the only definition of success and happiness. 2020 should have taught us that we need to be self-sufficient. Many big companies failed their employees. Our governments let us down in many ways. Even if you are happily employed, you should have some side hustles to hedge your bets. You should have a portfolio of investments to provide long-term financial stability. Being an employee with one income stream is riskier than becoming an entrepreneur where you control your destiny or being a consultant with multiple customers.⬆️ Scroll to the top if you want to listen to our full conversation, hear more of Marvin’s advice, and the story of how he unintentionally found his way into the VC world! 🎧A way to support my newsletterI know that not everyone is ready to become a paid subscriber. But, there is a great way you can support my work without spending any money:📣 Recommending my newsletter on social media.It only takes a few seconds, and it helps grow my business so I can continue making time to write it.I'll even provide some copy and paste text to make it easy to share on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, etc. Thanks in advance!I've really been enjoying the Invincible Career newsletter by Larry Cornett (@cornett). If you want to get ahead in your career and you aren’t subscribed yet, you’re missing out.https://newsletter.invinciblecareer.comThis week’s professional development challenge⭐ Learn More About Google AnalyticsThis challenge helps you understand your audience better. There are people who are interacting with your content (e.g., your website, portfolio, articles, newsletters). But, do you know what they are doing with it? Do you know who they are?Larry Cornett is a leadership coach and business advisor who also hosts:* A Slack community for ambitious professionals who want to be more successful in their careers. However, if you’re not a knowledge worker or comfortable with tech, it’s probably not for you.* A mastermind community for solopreneurs and entrepreneurs who want more accountability and support. If you’re not interested in starting your own business someday (or accelerating an existing one), this community isn’t for you.* A free community for independent creators who want to make a living doing more of what they love. Note, this community is for creative individuals who actually bring things to life (e.g., art, design, music, movies, photography, writing, pottery, etc.). Sorry, managers and agents, it’s not for you.Larry lives in Northern California near Lake Tahoe with his wife and children, and a gigantic Great Dane. He does his best to share advice that can help others take full control of their work and life. He’s also on Twitter @cornett. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit newsletter.invinciblecareer.com/subscribe

A friend of mine made a significant career pivot years ago. He decided that he wanted more out of work and life, so he invested in himself and went after it. He’s been very successful! However, he discovered that odd experience which sometimes happens when you change, grow, and move in a new direction. His old friends wanted to hold him back. Sadly, he found that he had to create a new circle of friends who were just as ambitious as he is. I've experienced this a few times in my life when I made significant career changes. Many of my old acquaintances faded out of my life. Once we no longer had the bond of a shared office or similar work, we lost touch. Once I could no longer help people with my position, I wasn’t viewed as someone useful who could be leveraged. A few of my friends stayed by my side. They were friends with "me," not my job title. We've stayed in touch for several years and catch up when we can. They are supportive of my new lifestyle and business. Surprisingly, a tiny number of people are directly antagonistic. They mock my new business and seem upset about my lifestyle changes. They’ve said that I was crazy to throw away all of the progress in my previous career. So, like my friend, I had to find a new tribe. I created a new circle of friends and colleagues who were more supportive. I did it because it's so tough to succeed alone. I'm not talking about having business partners or employees. I'm also not talking about your boss or coworkers because:* Work is a competitive environment where only a few people can get promoted. * You can't openly share your fear, uncertainty, or doubt without some sort of repercussions. * Most people have mediocre bosses — or even downright bad ones — who aren't exactly supportive and nurturing. I'm talking about finding your professional support network. Finding your tribe of people who want to see you succeed. Becoming part of a community that wants to help you grow. “A tribe is a group of people connected to one another, connected to a leader, and connected to an idea. For millions of years, human beings have been part of one tribe or another. A group needs only two things to be a tribe: a shared interest and a way to communicate.” ― Seth GodinYour tribe is a small group of people who:* Provide guidance because many of us are at different points in our journeys * Act as a confidential sounding board for your important decisions * Answer your questions, no matter how crazy they might seem* Support each other in their goals because you're all on similar paths* Help you with connections and resources * Have your best interests in mind and lift you up when you're feeling discouraged It can't be too large (e.g., all of your connections on Twitter, LinkedIn, or Facebook won’t work well for this purpose). You need a certain degree of intimacy to ensure that people are really committed to helping each other. I’m guessing that you’ve already experienced the pros and cons of being part of a community at some point in your life. But, our early experiences with them aren’t exactly the same as later experiences with communities you intentionally choose to join. Early community experiencesOur early experiences with communities were not entirely under our control. As children, we lived in the communities where our parents chose to make our homes. Most of us went to schools where we encountered yet another community. Again, we did not have much choice in this. Perhaps your parents intentionally selected your school and, therefore, your community of peers. In my case, our tiny town had one public school. No choice. My “community experience” wasn’t the best. I go into more detail in the audio version (scroll up to play) because it’s easier to explain things verbally instead of trying to capture it all in text. Later in life, you probably selected your college or university for advanced education. Although you couldn’t choose which students attended classes with you, you could form your own circles of friends and study groups.Again, I explain this better in the audio version. I initially made some big mistakes in forming my “tribe” at the university. I finally got it right later, but it took a lot of work to reverse that disaster!When you start working for employers in your given profession, you discover that — once again — you’re not in full control of your community of peers and coworkers. But, you have to make the best of it. Sometimes it works out, but sometimes it can lead you astray if you join a tribe of people with goals that aren’t completely aligned with yours. In the “old days,” it was a bit more challenging to find a great community outside of work. Now, the internet has made that a lot easier. Tightly-focused global communities are discoverable at your fingertips. Perhaps this introduces a new challenge that makes it difficult again. There are thousands and thousands of communities scattered across hundreds of platforms! You may have to explore and try a few before you find one that meets your needs. But, as you may have heard or read in my recent conversation with Sam Sycamore, joining and engaging with the right community can make all the difference in your professional life and career. How community helps youSurveyed community members said that their communities empower them in the following ways (source):* Asking questions (76%)* Providing solutions (68%)* Connecting (65%)* Being heard (61%)* Feeling seen (60%)“You just need a few people — who will look at the rules, realize they make no sense, and realize how much they want to be connected.”— Seth Godin, from his TED talk: The tribes we leadHow can a community make a difference in your life, both professionally and personally? Believe me; it is very different than the group of people you’ve let into your social media circles. Of course, there may be some overlap, but the tighter focus and intentionality of a community/tribe is uniquely valuable.* You share similar goals and are committed to helping each other achieve them.* You often share similar career paths, too, so people who are further along can help you with advice, guidance, feedback, resources, connections, and more. * You have a shared agenda vs. the hidden ones that often exist at work. People in your tribe aren’t competing with you. They want to see you succeed.* You agree to confidentiality. Where else can you share your innermost professional worries, fears, and secrets with people you trust? I know that I could never safely share everything with my boss or colleagues. My team didn’t want to hear when I was worried or nervous (i.e., they needed the sense of stability and calm that I provided). My wife got really tired of hearing about my work drama. Your community is there to listen.* You don’t have to worry about looking stupid and asking “silly questions.” A great community is supportive and understanding.* You can depend on your community to hold you accountable for chasing your dreams and achieving your goals. They will help you stay on track!* Your community will lift you up when you’re feeling down. I run a career community, and this is a consistent theme. Work is hard, and job interviews are stressful. People lose confidence in themselves and get depressed sometimes. We lift people up in our weekly calls and help them believe in themselves again. My first business and entrepreneurial communityWhen I started my first solopreneur business, I was lucky enough to be surrounded by a team of consultants at the time. We were all working together. They encouraged me and talked me through my worries and fears (e.g., I had a family to support). There were so many things that I didn’t know about starting and operating a business. There were so many mistakes that I would have made if it wasn’t for my community. They showed me the ropes and helped me navigate the complexity of working for myself for the first time.That was over 20 years ago, and I’m still friends with many of those people today. The bonds we formed were that strong. We’ve continued to help each other over the years by making introductions, sending work to each other, coaching each other, and more.I also credit my strong entrepreneurial community and tech community with helping me succeed with my second solopreneurial business. My network has made all the difference in the world.My third business and lack of communityYes, we all have skills and experience in our professions. But, if you've never operated your own business, you don’t have all of the knowledge and wisdom you need to succeed yet.When I launched my third business several years ago (a tech startup), it was very different than my first and second ones. I was a solopreneur with those past businesses. This time I had co-founders and employees. We raised money from investors. This time around, I didn’t have the same close community to guide me. I should have connected with other founders who could have helped me avoid mistakes, improve my odds of success, and not feel so damn lonely when I was struggling. The internet is a wonderful thing, and a great deal of the information you need is online. But there’s so much information overload. Plus, there’s a big difference between theory and practice, and knowledge and wisdom. I wish that I had either found or created my community, but I did not, and I eventually failed.It can feel overwhelming. It can be scary. But, it doesn't have to be that way. Creating communities I knew how important it was to find a supportive community this time around with my fourth business. So, I searched and found a few. I joined some, but they didn't quite meet my needs. We had very different backgrounds and were building very different businesses. I was so frustrated that I stopped searching and created my own. I built a career community to give others what I wished I'd had during my corporate life: A supportive group of ambitious, helpful professionals with no hidden agenda. Not my boss. Not paid for by my boss. Not my competitive peers. That's also why I created my mastermind community of entrepreneurs, solopreneurs, and small business owners. I wanted to create that supportive environment for people ready to break free of their 9-5 jobs and start their own businesses, but they aren't sure where to begin and want a community of experienced peers to ensure their success. What I built is an entrepreneurial community of like-minded corporate escapees who can:* Guide you with our decades of experience* Educate you with helpful courses * Give you feedback on your plans* Answer your questions * Support you when you need it most* Help hold you accountable to achieve your goals Starting a new business is never easy, and it can be a little scary. But, we're here to help you and support you every step of the way! Learn more here.Choosing or creating your communitiesIf my communities sound like what you’ve been seeking, I’d love to have you join us!However, if you’re looking for something different, I encourage you to find a community that is right for you. If you can’t find one, don’t give up. Create your own community! It’s easier than ever before to bring like-minded people together from around the world.In a past article, I talked about Slack, Discord, Mighty Networks, and a few other solutions. So, I won’t go into more detail on those again (read that instead). What I want to share with you now is a new community-building service that I discovered a few months ago: Geneva. It is much simpler than the other services I use, and you can quickly spin up a new community using it. Geneva is a free, flexible communication platform designed for groups, clubs, and communities of all shapes and sizes. You can read more about what it is and how to use it in their help center. However, I always find it better to join an existing community to learn a new platform and understand how it works. I like to kick the tires before I even think about creating my own group. As I said in the beginning, your long-term professional success really does depend on finding your community of like-minded people. It’s also personally beneficial. You’ll discover that your emotional wellbeing improves when you know that your friends in the community have your back, are always there for you, and are cheering you on!⬆️ Scroll to the top if you want to listen to my more detailed discussion of communities and my experiences with them 🎧A way to support my newsletterI know that not everyone is ready to become a paid subscriber. But, there is a great way you can support my work without spending any money:📣 Recommending my newsletter on social media.It only takes a few seconds, and it helps grow my business so I can continue making time to write it.I'll even provide some copy and paste text to make it easy to share on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, etc. Thanks in advance!I've really been enjoying the Invincible Career newsletter by Larry Cornett (@cornett). If you want to get ahead in your career and you aren’t subscribed yet, you’re missing out.https://newsletter.invinciblecareer.comThis week’s professional development challenge⭐ Review Your MetricsThis challenge helps you get more quantitative about your online activity. When you use social media and other services to drive more success for your career or business, you have to know what’s working and not working. Reviewing your metrics will yield insights when you look at the big picture.Larry Cornett is a leadership coach and business advisor who also hosts:* A Slack community for ambitious professionals who want to be more successful in their careers. However, if you’re not a knowledge worker or comfortable with tech, it’s probably not for you.* A mastermind community for solopreneurs and entrepreneurs who want more accountability and support. If you’re not interested in starting your own business someday (or accelerating an existing one), this community isn’t for you.Larry lives in Northern California near Lake Tahoe with his wife and children, and a gigantic Great Dane. He does his best to share advice that can help others take full control of their work and life. He’s also on Twitter @cornett. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit newsletter.invinciblecareer.com/subscribe

My guest for this episode is Sam Sycamore. Sam is a writer, web developer, tree hugger, and avowed music junkie. He currently works as Head of Content Strategy & Marketing at Hashnode, a global tech blogging platform that enables bloggers to tap into a fast-growing and supportive community of readers, writers, and tech enthusiasts.Sam began his career online as a music journalist, contributing to various publications as a writer and editor while hosting a radio show, playing in bands, and booking concerts in his hometown of Louisville, KY.In 2016, while working on a farm in rural Kentucky, Sam launched the lifestyle blog and podcast The Good Life Revival, where he created content related to self-reliance, sustainability, and living close to nature. This led to the publishing of two books:* Introduction to Foraging - A Beginner's Guide to Gathering Wild Foods With Confidence (2018)* Foraging North America - The Botany, Taxonomy, and Ecology of Edible Wild Plants (2019)Amid the COVID-19 pandemic and ensuing lockdowns in 2020, Sam pivoted from his job as a landscape carpenter to the tech industry by teaching himself front-end web development and JavaScript. He spent the first half of 2021 freelancing as a web developer and technical writer before signing on to his current role with Hashnode.Sam lives off-grid in the Santa Cruz Mountains of coastal California. His career in tech has been powered entirely by solar energy since day one.His socials: Twitter • Polywork • LinkedIn Key points from our conversationI want to call out a few points from my conversation with Sam to help you if you’re considering a big career change, especially if you feel trapped and think it’s too late. It’s never too lateI’ve written about this before in It's Never Too Late to Be Successful and Happy. It really is never too late to invest in yourself. It’s never too late to make a change in your life, even a big change. What’s the alternative? To feel stuck, unhappy, and unfulfilled for the rest of your life? I don’t care how old you are, you can always take your career and life in a new and exciting direction. Sam is the poster child for taking control of your life and investing in yourself. It wasn’t easy. If you listened to the episode, you heard how he would get up at 4 AM every morning and spent two hours teaching himself web development. Later, he added even more time coding during nights and weekends for about 4-5 months. A chronic injury became the sink or swim moment when he had to quit his day job and go all-in on his freelance work as a web developer. He hustled hard for 2-3 weeks and finally landed his first two clients. In April 2021, he had doubled his monthly income — from his previous job in landscaping — by doing freelance web development and technical writing work!Find your communitySam’s advice for making a career change, “Step 1, find a community. That’s the thing that makes all the difference in everybody that I observed.” You have to find your community for support and advice. When he started, he didn’t know anyone in tech. He was working alone in a dark room every day, learning to code. It is really hard to stay motivated and hold yourself accountable without a like-minded community. Tech Twitter was where he found his people. Seth Godin refers to this as “finding your tribe” and it’s even more important now. Many of us are feeling increasingly isolated with remote work and working from home, even if we prefer it. As a solopreneur, I spend most of my days alone. I tried a few entrepreneurial communities, but they weren’t right for me. So, I decided to create my own community for entrepreneurs and solopreneurs (check us out!), with a focus on people who want to exit the corporate world and make a living doing more of what they love, fully under their control. Put yourself out thereSam is amazingly engaged on Twitter. Check out his profile and you’ll see that he only joined in October 2020, yet he already has almost 9,000 followers! He writes a blog, hosts a podcast, and is very active on Twitter. He has been putting himself out there for years and years. Remember how I say that you will become an opportunity magnet for the best things in life if you share who you are, what you believe, and your expertise online? That’s precisely how Hashnode found Sam and made him a job offer. They customized the role for his strengths. They had noticed his blog and how frequently he posts and tweets. Clearly, he knows his stuff when it comes to content strategy and marketing. The proof is right there. So, they hired him and he loves his new gig!If you’re interested in making a career change, don’t be shy about putting yourself out there and finding your community. It’s one of the best investments you can make in your new future. ⬆️ Scroll to the top if you want to listen to our full conversation, hear more of Sam’s advice, and the story of how he completely reinvented his career! 🎧A way to support my newsletterI know that not everyone is ready to become a paid subscriber. But, there is a great way you can support my work without spending any money:📣 Recommending my newsletter on social media.It only takes a few seconds, and it helps grow my business so I can continue making time to write it.I'll even provide some copy and paste text to make it easy to share on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, etc. Thanks in advance!I've really been enjoying the Invincible Career newsletter by Larry Cornett (@cornett). If you want to get ahead in your career and you aren’t subscribed yet, you’re missing out.https://newsletter.invinciblecareer.comThis week’s professional development challenge⭐ Assess the Progress of Your PlanThis challenge helps you get back on track with the goals that matter the most to you this year. Without assessing your progress at this midyear checkpoint, you can’t know if you’re doing the right things to succeed later. There is a saying, “That which is measured, improves…” Larry Cornett is a leadership coach and business advisor who also hosts:* A free Slack community for ambitious professionals who want to be more successful in their careers. However, if you’re not a knowledge worker or comfortable with tech, it’s probably not for you.* A mastermind community for solopreneurs and entrepreneurs who want more accountability and support. If you’re not interested in starting your own business someday (or accelerating an existing one), this community isn’t for you.* A free community for independent creators who want to make a living doing more of what they love. Note, this community is for creative individuals who actually bring things to life (e.g., art, design, music, movies, photography, writing, pottery, etc.). Sorry, managers and agents, it’s not for you.Larry lives in Northern California near Lake Tahoe with his wife and children, and a gigantic Great Dane. He does his best to share advice that can help others take full control of their work and life. He’s also on Twitter @cornett. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit newsletter.invinciblecareer.com/subscribe

"You can't be successful at everything. We hear a lot of talk about work-life balance. Nonsense. You can't have it all. You can't."— Alain de Botton Fame, fortune, and family. Why can’t we have all of those at once? Why can’t we be amazingly successful at work and wonderful partners to our loved one? Why can’t we rocket up the career ladder and be great parents? Why can’t we be in peak physical health, read all the books we want, listen to music, play music, be a great dancer, work hard, enjoy vacations, appreciate the little things, and become a billionaire?I’m sorry, but you can’t have it all. At one time, I thought that it was possible. Heck, I pursued it for many years. However, you inevitably sacrifice something. I achieved many things that I wanted but lost others that were even more important. I succeeded and failed, and I was miserable in the end. There is a light at the end of the tunnel, though. You may not be able to have it all (whatever that means), but you can have more of what matters most to you if you take the time to understand yourself better and make some tough decisions. But why do we think that we can have it all in the first place? Why do we fall for this false dream?Survivorship bias tricks usOur social media feeds are chock-full of articles about the super successful. Our “heroes” who supposedly have it all are interviewed, quoted, and shared left and right. We are so bombarded with their names and stories that we start to believe that achieving their success is realistic. We can have it all too!"Survivorship bias also flash-freezes your brain into a state of ignorance from which you believe success is more common than it truly is and therefore you leap to the conclusion that it also must be easier to obtain." — David McRaney, Survivorship BiasPrivilege fools usThe people we think “have it all” aren’t like you and me. Chasing in their footsteps will often take you down a path of misery and failure. Why? Because these people had numerous hidden advantages and lucky timing that you will never replicate fully.Malcolm Gladwell's "Outliers: The Story of Success" provides numerous examples across multiple domains (e.g., sports, politics, and business) that "success arises out of the steady accumulation of advantages." These advantages include lucky timing and being given extraordinary opportunities. We can’t have it all just like our heroes because they have privileges that we will never enjoy. But, the reality is they don’t really have it all either, despite what their social media presence shows. It’s fundamentally impossibleI’ve had this conversation with so many people before. People who become surprisingly upset and angry when I say that it’s impossible to have it all.They say that I don’t know what I’m talking about. They are different. They are special. They will be the ones who are wildly successful and able to really have it all. The problem is, I can’t think of a single person who does have it all. Occasionally, someone appears to be that magical unicorn. But, inevitably, the truth comes out, and I discover that some aspect of their life is a complete train wreck. Have you read about the personal lives of Steve Jobs and Elon Musk? Have you witnessed the drama of the failed marriages of Jeff Bezos and Bill Gates? They seem like they must have it all, but their private lives are falling apart behind the scenes. Tony Robbins (speaking of train wrecks) once mentioned in a podcast that he knows plenty of successful, wealthy people who simply aren't happy. "Money makes you more of who you are… it doesn't change people."If all of these billionaires cannot make it work and have it all, what are our chances? It’s almost as if it’s fundamentally impossible to have it all. That’s because the hours in your day are finite (unless you have a secret time machine). Your attention is finite. Your energy is finite. The more you fragment your time, attention, and energy trying to do it all, the less value you deliver to each task and activity. You will start to fail at some things, perhaps even everything. Would you rather lose it all?You cannot — and you should not — try to excel in everything at the same time. * Job* Title* Career* Wealth* Fitness* Health* Relationship with a significant other* Role as a parent* Friendships* Self-improvement If you try, you will be stressed, anxious, and eventually burn out. Worse, you will fail to achieve goals that are more important than the numerous tasks that are nibbling away at your time. For example, I failed at being a good parent when I was trying to be a great employee. I was so focused on my career for years that I wasn’t around as much as I should have been. I feel incredibly sad about those lost years because you can never get them back. Never.If you don’t want to fail, you can intentionally choose what you want to focus on now and what must wait. You can stop kidding yourself that you are capable of simultaneously juggling every single ball in your life. Be honest about the choices you are making. Admit the tradeoffs you are choosing. It’s more empowering to be in control of your decisions about how you want to focus your time and energy. No one can really do it all, all of the time.“But what if the answer isn’t to do more? What if the answer is to want less? What if the solution is simply accepting our bounded potential, our unfortunate tendency as humans to inhabit only one place in space and time. What if we recognize our life’s inevitable limitations and then prioritize what we care about based on those limitations? What if it’s as simple as stating, ‘This is what I choose to value more than everything else,’ and then living with it?”— Mark MansonPlease don’t fall for the BS that people spout about having it all, either. They don’t, and they never will, no matter how much they scream that they are. Watch people’s lives long enough, and you will see the cracks in the veneer.Yes, you will sometimes have to prioritize work over your life (like I did). Especially if you’re trying to climb the ladder aggressively, make as much money as possible, and invest it for your future. However, when you create a long-term plan and intentionally make those choices, you know when it’s time to switch gears too. You know when you want to shuffle your priorities and put more important things on top (like your family and your health).You can have more of what mattersNo, you can’t do it all or have it all. But, you can have more of what matters the most to you. What if I told you that it’s better to ruthlessly prioritize how you spend your days so you can focus more on fewer things? When I did that, I put my family and health at the top of the list. My career was no longer in the number one position. As I mentioned, it had been for years. However, I decided that enough was enough. My family relationships and my health had suffered for too long. I couldn’t keep doing that. With age and experience, there comes a little bit of wisdom. I accepted that I could not have it all. I made peace with that.  I’d had a great 20 years in my first career and accomplished most of what I wanted (e.g., founding a tech startup). But, now it was time for my career to take a back seat to my family and health. However, if we wanted to dial back my work and income, we also had to dial back our lifestyle and expenditures. If I wanted the freedom to create a new definition of “having it all,” I had to leave the Silicon Valley rat race. When you’re deep in a bubble like that, it is all-consuming. You can’t imagine doing anything else or living any other way. It seems more important than it really is.Taking a step away from that crazy world for a few months gave me a new perspective on life. Getting out of the Bay Area tech bubble refreshed my view of the world too. I’m not saying that it happened overnight or that it was easy. It was a painful process of letting go and rebirth. But, the funny thing is that now I’m happier than I ever was before. I have less of what I used to think mattered, but I discovered actually mattered very little (e.g., title, money, possessions). I have more of what matters most to me now (e.g., time with my family, freedom, health), which makes me more than satisfied that I gave up my old ideas of trying to have it all.How to take back controlIf you prioritize everything in your life into a force-ranked list, what would that list look like? Consider all dimensions of your life; love, family, friendships, health, fitness, career, possessions, nest egg, etc. Are you spending your time and energy where you want? If not, what’s your long-term plan for changing that?I was recently talking with a client about this problem of trying to juggle it all, feeling overwhelmed, and burning out. Everything felt urgent and important. Everything wanted their time. What can you do about it? How can you take back control of where you focus your time and energy? Here are a few steps that can help.Define what having it all means for youQuestion each item you put on your “Having it All” list. Use the Five Whys technique to get to the root of each one (e.g., Why do I want this?). Ask yourself why for each answer. Why? Why? Why?For example, I used to think that my job title was an important item on my list of having it all. I had to become an executive. Being a CEO someday was part of that vision. I had a taste of both and found out that it didn’t matter to me. The higher I climbed the career ladder, the less appealing that line item was. I deprioritized it and, eventually, it dropped off my list entirely.Create a prioritized list After you’re done questioning everything, create a prioritized list from the items that make the cut. Don't give things the priority that someone else thinks they deserve (e.g., your employer). Be true to yourself and your needs. Prioritize the list based on how you feel about things and what you want.Explore the Eisenhower Matrix“What is important is seldom urgent and what is urgent is seldom important.” ― Dwight D. EisenhowerPut all of your tasks and activities into an Eisenhower Decision Matrix. Determine how urgent and vital each one is.* Urgent and Important Tasks need your prompt attention (e.g., getting your car repaired)* Not Urgent but Important Tasks deserve your attention, but you tend to put them off (e.g., writing a book that will help your career)* Urgent and Not Important Tasks are the usual firefighting activities that you should learn to avoid or delegate (e.g., your boss tells you to attend a birthday party planning meeting)* Not Urgent and Not Important Tasks are sometimes useful for relaxing (e.g., playing guitar), but often they are wasting your time and providing no value (e.g., scrolling through Instagram)Escape the zero-sum gameSome activities steal time from more important items on your list. Directly trading time for money is one of those traps. It is better to invest an hour in an activity that generates returns forever instead of paying you once. I face this tradeoff in my business all the time. When someone hires me for an hour of consulting time, I get paid once for that hour of work. That hour is gone, and I never make any more income from that moment in time ever again. But, when I spend an hour writing an engaging story for Medium, that activity generates income forever! Read Naval Ravikant's excellent post How to Get Rich. He talks about what true wealth is, its purpose, and finding your leverage. “Wealth is the thing you want. Wealth is assets that earn while you sleep; it’s the factory of robots cranking out things. Wealth is the computer program running at night that’s serving other customers. Wealth is money in the bank that is reinvested into other assets and businesses.”— Naval RavikantOnly give items the time they deserveGive tasks and activities the time you think they deserve, not the time they want or even require. This is a hard step to take, but it will create a fundamental shift in your life and how you spend your time. For example, marketing my business could easily consume eight hours of my day. Will it take all of that time if I let it? Yes, it could easily eat up my entire day. Does it deserve all that time? Nope! I have more important things on my list. Time box activities that you must do but don’t deserve unfettered access to all of your time and attention. It also forces you to be more efficient because work expands to fill the time you give it anyway (i.e., Parkinson’s Law).Evaluate each prioritization decisionFirst, assess the commitment of time, attention, and energy for each time on your list from the top down. Next, decide how to budget your resources to the list. Your time is finite, so choosing to do one thing means you can do less of another thing. For example, if you decide to dedicate six hours per week to item #4, where does that time come from? What will you give up to make that happen? Finally, do a cost-benefit analysis:* Will you be satisfied with this tradeoff in the short term, if it pays off (e.g., less time with your family to get promoted in six months)? * Will you still be happy with this choice in the long run (e.g., the sacrifice was worth landing that executive role, even if your children feel less connected to you years from now)?I can hear some people saying, “Larry, knock it off with the exaggerated scare tactics!” But, I’m not making up a fictional example. It’s from my life. I worked really long hours for over six years (12-14 hour days, nights, weekends, no vacations) to land a series of promotions. Don’t get me wrong; I’m grateful for the support and recognition. The salary boosts helped give my family a nice life. But I paid a heavy price. Years later, one of my young children said to my wife, “I’m a little nervous around Dad because I don’t really know him.” They barely saw me Monday through Friday, and work even interrupted my weekends with them. How do you think it made me feel when I heard that my own child didn’t know me? It broke my damn heart. I can never get that time back, and my relationships with my children will never be as strong as what they have with my wife. Use time blockingTime block your calendar and fiercely protect your scheduled high-priority activities. This is especially useful for those “Not Urgent but Important Tasks” that we tend to put off forever. “Sometimes people ask why I bother with such a detailed level of planning. My answer is simple: it generates a massive amount of productivity. A 40 hour time-blocked work week, I estimate, produces the same amount of output as a 60+ hour work week pursued without structure.”— Cal Newport, author of Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted WorldI use time blocking to ensure that I have dedicated calendar time for the most important activities. Otherwise, all of those urgent little things creep in and steal away my days.For example, I set up recurring time blocks for:* Morning journaling* Daily exercise* Working on my podcast* Writing newsletters and articles* Marketing activities* Time with my community* Strategically working on my business (instead of always in it)* Time with my familyRead more about time blocking, day theming, time boxing, and task batching in this excellent post by Todoist. Protect your scarce resourcesAggressively protect and manage your time, attention, and energy as your most precious resources. * Eliminate energy vampires (e.g., people that drag you down and argue with you online)* Delegate tasks that you do not want to do * Delegate activities that you should not be doing* Don't let other people force themselves into your working moments or life (e.g., set up do not disturb on your phone, let calls go to voicemail, batch respond to messages)I hope you can redefine what “having it all” means for you so that it’s realistic, achievable, and gives you a sense of happiness and fulfillment. I also hope that some of these strategies can help you reclaim your time and freedom to focus on what matters the most to you! ⬆️ Scroll to the top if you want to listen to my expanded discussion of this newsletter article  🎧A way to support my newsletterI know that not everyone is ready to become a paid subscriber. But, there is a great way you can support my work without spending any money:📣 Recommending my newsletter on social media.It only takes a few seconds, and it helps grow my business so I can continue making time to write it.I'll even provide some copy and paste text to make it easy to share on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, etc. Thanks in advance!I've really been enjoying the Invincible Career newsletter by Larry Cornett (@cornett). If you want to get ahead in your career and you aren’t subscribed yet, you’re missing out.https://newsletter.invinciblecareer.comThis week’s professional development challenge⭐ Audit Your Professional Brand This challenge helps you maintain a consistent professional brand everywhere you exist online. The longer you’ve been using the internet, the more profiles you may have. They can quickly get out of synch. Completing this challenge gets your profiles aligned with each other and ensures they clearly support your professional brand. Tracking all of the accounts and information in a spreadsheet makes it easier to update later.Larry Cornett is a leadership coach and business advisor who also hosts:* A free Slack community for ambitious professionals who want to create an invincible career.* A professional mastermind community for solopreneurs and entrepreneurs.* A free community for independent creators who want to make a living doing more of what they love.He lives in Northern California near Lake Tahoe with his wife and children, and a gigantic Great Dane. He does his best to share advice that can help others take full control of their work and life. He’s also on Twitter @cornett. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit newsletter.invinciblecareer.com/subscribe

Would Apple be a $2 trillion company if Steve Wozniak and Steve Jobs had been more alike? I highly doubt it. Thanks to my time working at Apple many years ago, I had the opportunity to experience the personalities of both Steves. I can tell you that they were very, very different people."The day we started Apple he changed. He changed his personality forever because he now was a founder of a company that had money. He wanted so strongly to find the way to be an important person in the world. He became very serious. He would always speak as though he was the one on top of running Apple. That was good with me. I was the shy engineer who wanted to go into the laboratory and keep inventing things and building them. I didn't want to run a company with politics and people pushing each other out." — Steve Wozniak (source) Jobs did seem larger than life. His famous “reality distortion field” was legit. You believed the grand vision he described. But, he was not someone you felt comfortable around, and he could be a terrifying leader (e.g., “Justify your existence!”).On the other hand, Wozniak was a friendly guy who loved to joke around. He enjoyed telling us stories of the pranks he used to play. He loved building stuff and wanted to be left alone. He seemed happy to fade out of the spotlight and focus on his passion for education, gaming, and building new tech. As strained as their friendship became later when Jobs started acting like a serious businessperson with a God complex, the complementary balance of strengths and differences between the two founders was necessary for Apple to succeed. Jobs needed Wozniak’s quiet and focused creativity and engineering talent. Wozniak needed Jobs to boldly lead the company and market the hell out of their products.At some point in your life, you too will seek to partner with one or more other people. You’ve probably already done it. That’s what it means to be an employee in a company. You don’t get hired to sit alone in a basement for years. You have to partner with your coworkers, manager, and other colleagues to get stuff done.Sure, working solo has many benefits. I love it and have done it for years. But, I also know that I am limiting what I can accomplish by trying to go it alone. “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” — African proverb Partnering helps you achieve greater things. You’ll need to connect the unique “puzzle piece” of who you are with other complementary pieces to complete the full picture. That connection could be between:* You and an employer when you’re trying to find the ideal role that will take your career to all new heights.* You and a partner if you’re pursuing an entrepreneurial path and want to launch your first business. * You and a life partner when you’re ready to commit and build a life together.I’m not going to get into how to find your life partner in this newsletter article. I actually did write quite a bit about that earlier this year. If you’re interested, you can read my Lessons from 30 Years of Marriage (Parts 1-3). So, how do you find the right co-founder when you’re ready to start your own business? How do you find great professional partners when you’re seeking your next career move?Getting this right is important because co-founder conflict is one of the top reasons that early startups fail. Bad bosses and toxic coworkers (i.e., your “partners” as an employee) are two of the top reasons people quit their jobs.Why bother partnering?No single person is a complete picture. We're all puzzle pieces. We have holes in some areas (i.e., our weaknesses) and tabs in others (i.e., our strengths). I’ve consulted with startups where the founders were too much alike. They had the same talents, skills, experience, and personalities. Both founders were engineers. They were both interested in being the CEO. Neither one of them knew anything about design, customer research, marketing, sales, or how to turn their cool technology into a product that a customer would want. It didn’t turn out well.Sometimes very similar partners can make it work if they hire a great team that fills in their gaps and weaknesses. But, they’re still on a path to failure if both think that they should be the one who is heading up the company, managing the Board, speaking to investors, talking to the media, etc. To succeed and complete the full image of your future, you need to combine your piece with others who complement and balance you. That includes:* Talents* Skills* Interests* Personality* Vision* Operational expertise* Leadership styleYou need to fit together well. But, even when you do, a misalignment is still a recipe for ultimate failure. You need to make sure that you agree with what picture you’re trying to complete. You’re not going to be happy if you try to place your “mountain scenery” piece into a puzzle that completes a photo of the Manhattan skyline. I hope you already know that’s true in personal relationships. It’s also true in professional ones. What are your nonnegotiables?Partnering with someone who complements you with their differences is essential. But, you do need to be similar enough to your partner in some ways so that you’re aligned on things that matter.Even if your pieces fit well together, you may discover that you don't complete the same picture. For example, you want to build a lifestyle business that supports you financially and gives you enough freedom to enjoy your life outside of work. But, your potential partner is really ambitious and wants to create the next billion-dollar company. She’s so driven that she’s ok with working 24/7 for years to make it happen. However, you can’t stand the idea of staying in the office until late in the evening and never seeing your family. I don’t care how well you complement each other; that partnership will not work out. Questions to explore your nonnegotiables — where you need to be similar and aligned — might include:* Are you a product company, service company, or hybrid?* Are you both willing to sign documents that legally define the company, your roles, ownership, compensation, arbitration processes, etc.?* What is your vision of the future?* What do you want the mission of your company to be?* What should the company’s principles, values, and ethics be?* What size of company do you want to build?* What’s the ideal organizational structure?* Are you both going all-in on this venture, or can one person only contribute part-time?* How do you do your best work (e.g., all alone, together in a quiet room, with music playing, joking around while you work)?* How do you prefer to communicate (e.g., texts, Slack, email, phone, in-person)?* What is your ideal exit strategy (e.g., retire and sell the company, go public, get acquired)?* How do you ideally want the company to make money (e.g., are you ok with advertising revenue)?* What is your philosophy around spending money, handling profit and loss, and investing in the company?* How should important decisions be made?* How should disagreements and conflicts be resolved?I founded a tech startup several years ago with co-founders and employees. I made sure to build the core team with people who had very different — but necessary — skillsets (e.g., design, back-end engineering, front-end development, mobile development, product, business). We also had different strengths and weaknesses that balanced each other (e.g., ability to pitch investors, networking, attention to detail, big picture strategy, creativity, planning, financial acumen, optimism, pragmatism, enthusiasm, stability).Importantly, we were all aligned on our vision for the company and our “Why.” We also had similar working and communication styles. For example, the very talented designer (Hi, Sam!) and I shared a small office. We mostly worked quietly with headphones on when we had to crank on tasks. But, we also knew when it was time to chat, joke around, grab lunch, and celebrate a little on Fridays after a release. It all felt natural, and it was one of the best working experiences in my life. When you're forming an entrepreneurial partnership, it's essential to find the right pieces that fit together and align to create a shared vision of the future. I think everyone understands that. However, it’s also important when seeking a new employer and boss. You want to make sure that your piece fits into the vision, mission, talents, company culture, and principles. For example, you will be miserable if: * You believe in data-driven decisions, but the company leans toward authority-based decisions (e.g., do whatever the CEO says).* You care deeply about the environment, but the company works with partners who don’t give a damn about the environment. * You enjoy an open, honest, and collaborative culture, but the company is highly political, full of secretive meetings, and cutthroat behavior is rewarded. Seek out differencesWe recognize similar puzzle pieces and feel an affinity. We have similar interests, life experiences, strengths, and failings. We often form deep friendships with people like this.It might be tempting to try to partner with these comfortable and familiar pieces. People often want to work with good friends. Many entrepreneurs and founders have started businesses with friends who were classmates or coworkers. It sometimes works out. But, it’s often a mistake if you are too alike.You need to find pieces that fill your gaps. You need to find people who appreciate and need your strengths. For example, perhaps you're great at creating something but terrible at sales and marketing. You're a talented, prolific artist. You crank out beautiful work every week to share on social media, but you're barely scraping by. You want to partner with someone to help scale the business. Your ideal business partner shouldn't be another creator like you. Yes, you do want someone who will appreciate what you create and have the same long-term vision. But, more importantly, you want a partner who excels at sales and marketing, will help you find customers and grow the business, and is committed to helping both of you financially succeed. * While you’re creating the next work of art, they’re finding new opportunities to build an audience. * While you may be shy and unwilling to connect with people on social media, they know to nurture your super fans and enjoy the interaction.* While you hate discussing prices and trying to persuade someone to buy your work, they've found a creative way to monetize what you do so the fans are thrilled.It’s a useful exercise to document your talents, skills, strengths, and likes. What are you really great at doing and enjoy doing? These become the positive tabs of your puzzle piece to complete the holes in a potential partner’s piece. It’s just as useful to capture your weaknesses and dislikes. What are you not good at doing, and what do you hate doing? These holes will be areas you seek to fill with the tabs in your potential partner’s piece. For example:* If you know that you’re better at big picture thinking and weak with operational details, you want to find a partner who has strong attention to detail and enjoys those operational tasks. * If you struggle with pessimism and feeling down makes it hard for you to be productive, find a partner who is more optimistic and can help lift you with their positive energy.* If you avoid conflict and hate negotiating with people, find a partner who doesn’t mind going toe-to-toe with folks when necessary. Complementary Harmony Feels MagicalPeople have compared a professional partnership to marriage. A few have said that choosing the right business partner is even more challenging than choosing your spouse. I don’t necessarily agree with that. But, there’s no denying that you’ll probably spend more time with your business partner, and the risks can be even greater. However, when you get it right, it is pretty magical. There’s nothing like partnering with someone who gets you and completes you. With the right partner, you’ll discover how 1 + 1 = 3. It comes down to being self-aware and deliberately seeking out the discomfort of partnering with someone different than you vs. a comfortable like-minded friend. You will thrive in your new venture (or job) when you partner with someone who genuinely complements you. ⬆️ Scroll to the top if you want to listen to my expanded discussion of this newsletter article  🎧A way to support my newsletterI know that not everyone is ready to become a paid subscriber. But, there is a great way you can support my work without spending any money:📣 Recommending my newsletter on social media.It only takes a few seconds, and it helps grow my business so I can continue making time to write it.I'll even provide some copy and paste text to make it easy to share on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, etc. Thanks in advance!I've really been enjoying the Invincible Career newsletter by Larry Cornett (@cornett). If you want to get ahead in your career and you aren’t subscribed yet, you’re missing out.https://newsletter.invinciblecareer.comThis week’s professional development challenge⭐ Share Your Portfolio of WorkThis challenge helps you keep your portfolio of work up to date. It makes sure that you’ve included your most recent accomplishments and are happy with how your talent is being represented. It’s also your chance to get some honest feedback from the community!Larry Cornett is a leadership coach and business advisor who also hosts:* A free Slack community for ambitious professionals who want to create an invincible career.* A professional mastermind community for solopreneurs and entrepreneurs.* A free community for independent creators who want to make a living doing more of what they love.He lives in Northern California near Lake Tahoe with his wife and children, and a gigantic Great Dane. He does his best to share advice that can help others take full control of their work and life. He’s also on Twitter @cornett. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit newsletter.invinciblecareer.com/subscribe

I don’t remember what my friend did, but suddenly a drill sergeant was in his face screaming at him. He called him every name in the book and told him how stupid he was. At the end of his tirade, the drill sergeant stopped talking and kept staring into my friend’s face. He was expecting some sort of reaction or response. But, my friend maintained his composure. He stared straight ahead, looking past him, his face expressionless. That seemed to irritate the drill sergeant, so he tried to provoke him further, "You want to hit me, don't you, boy?" My friend slowly turned his head. He smiled calmly and made direct eye contact. In a low voice, he deliberately and clearly said, "Ohhhh yes, drill sergeant."His confident response — coupled with his imposing physical stature — made an impact. I was astounded to watch the drill sergeant mumble something, turn, and walk away.That’s the power of confidence. Of course, it isn’t only useful in the military. We need it in our everyday lives, in both personal and professional situations. We’re all slowly starting to venture out into the world again. I’m watching friends around the world going out to dinner, attending events, and meeting new people. Of course, we have been meeting new people online during the past year. My Invincible Career Slack community chats every day, my Career Accelerator meets on Zoom every week, and I talk with my 1-on-1 clients all the time. However, it’s different in person. I know that my social skills are feeling a bit rusty. I’m also feeling slightly awkward at events in the real world now. I guess Zoom isn’t a perfect proxy for physical socialization.Several people have told me that they feel less confident now. They’ve been away from the workplace and social gatherings for over a year! Well, it’s time to brush up on those conversational skills! Until your old confidence returns, here are some tips for boosting your signals of self-assurance.You’ll instantly be perceived as more confident. This changes how people react to you. That change in their behavior feeds back into your assessment of the situation, which now makes you actually feel more confident. It becomes a virtuous cycle. Exude calmEight-time Olympic medalist speedskater Apolo Ohno was spotted yawning before his big races in the 2010 Winter Olympics. Broadcasters mentioned that perhaps he was bored or tired. Nope, he wasn’t. He was intentionally yawning to prepare his body and calm himself down before the race. "It makes me feel better. It gets the oxygen in and the nerves out."— Apolo OhnoLong ago, I started using my own calming rituals to handle stressful situations (e.g., during Army Basic Training, executive reviews, Board meetings). I'd force myself to feel somewhat disinterested and maintain a neutral expression. People would remark later, "How do you stay so calm in those meetings? Nothing seems to bother you." My wife also once said, “You seem at ease in every situation." I'm not at ease. I often feel anxious. I frequently feel stressed. However, I do my best not to let it show. I intentionally maintain my composure in most situations to help myself stay calm and feel more confident. I also do it to help people around me feel more relaxed and less stressed by what’s going on.To instantly feel and appear calmer:* Focus on taking slower, deeper breaths. * Yawn before that big meeting or event starts!* Relax the muscles in your face. * Unclench your jaw.* Smile slightly. * Use an engaged but relaxed posture.* Let tension flow out of your back and arms.Maintain eye contact I’ve written about the power of eye contact before. You can use your gaze and body language to radiate more confidence. You can also deliberately use eye contact to communicate care, attention, and respect for others.You will stand out and be viewed as more confident when you make appropriate eye contact with others. Why? Because fewer people are looking others in the eye during conversations. Eye contact should be made about 60-70% of the time during a discussion to create a sense of emotional connection, yet most are only doing it 30-60% of the time. If you want to be perceived as competent and confident during a job interview, for example, be aware of your eye contact with the interviewer. When applying for a high-status job, applicants who gazed regularly at the recruiter were given significantly more favorable evaluations compared to those who avoided eye contact.If you want people to view you as confident and likable:* Make eye contact before you start talking to someone.* Aim for looking into their eyes about 60-70% of the time during a conversation (less when you’re speaking and more when you’re listening).* Maintain eye contact for 3–7 seconds to show that you’re interested (more than 10 secs is too long).* Use a gesture or nod to naturally break eye contact and look away slowly (don’t look down since that signals low confidence).Move with intentionConfident people make slower, more intentional movements. They don’t let others rush them. You can even see this in the animal world. Note the difference between the movements of a cat and a squirrel. One is a predator. The other is prey.One makes slow, languid movements. It acts disinterested most of the time. It’s capable of extreme speed and physical action, but only when it chooses to do so.The other makes herky-jerky movements. It twitches and flits around, scrambling anxiously from spot to spot. Some people behave like squirrels. Their anxiety is often betrayed by their eyes. Research has found that when we are nervous or troubled our blink rate increases. Try this the next time you want to instantly look and feel more confident:* Blink slowly instead of fluttering your eyes.* Breathe steadily through your nose. * Intentionally let your lungs fill with air as your chest slowly rises and falls. * Languidly move your body to stretch and relax during meetings. * Reach for things more slowly, open your notebook or laptop more deliberately, and don’t be in a rush with your movements. Speak deliberatelyPeople tend to speed up their speech when they are nervous. They ramble and stumble over their words. They also sometimes lose their train of thought. Anxious speakers take shallow breaths and rush their words. Their voices climb a few octaves because their chest and throat feel tight. Not good. It used to happen to me all the time! But, I finally learned how to take control of my body’s reactions to the stress of speaking in front of others and focused on improving my vocal delivery.To instantly sound more confident:* Take a deep breath and let it out slowly.* Relax and slow your speech down. * Speak more deliberately and clearly.* Remove hedging phrases from your speech (e.g., I feel…)* Eliminate verbal tics and vocal fillers (e.g., Ummm…)* Use pauses and silence for emphasis and impact. * Make eye contact with your listeners.* When asked questions, take a brief moment to think before answering.Smile more often Confident people frequently smile because they know they can handle almost any situation. They’re able to relax and enjoy themselves. Smiling is probably the easiest way to instantly feel more confident. When you smile, it releases endorphins which make you feel better and boosts your self-esteem.This is another one of those virtuous cycles. When you smile at someone, they are more likely to smile back at you. Both of you feel more positive, and you immediately begin feeling more confident. With that said, this only works with a genuine smile. Tight, forced smiles are instantly perceived as insincere. To feel more confident when talking with someone:* Genuinely smile when you meet them as if you’re catching up with an old friend. * Make sure you smile with your eyes too.* Smile when they smile, or when they say something that is funny or enjoyable for both of you.Have a planThis type of preparation will also help you feel more confident going into a situation. Many times, we feel anxious and nervous because of the unknown.Research and planning help me feel more confident. I like to remove as many unknowns as possible. I like to make the unfamiliar feel more familiar.For example, before I talk at an event, I research everything I can find about the venue, the other speakers, the organizers, the audience, etc. I will watch talks from previous years. If possible, I also explore the venue long before taking the stage.The research and planning make me more familiar with the event, venue, and people. I feel more comfortable and, therefore, I feel more confident. You can easily boost your confidence before any interaction by:* Being proactive and taking action, which instantly makes you feel more capable and confident.* Doing your homework and researching everything.* Turning the unknowns into knowns.* Turning strangers into familiar faces and voices. * Creating a plan for how you will approach things.* Preparing and rehearsing what you will say and do.Predict outcomesWe can never be entirely certain what we will encounter when we meet others. We don’t know how they will react or what they will say. To feel more confident, try to predict their behavior and prepare your reactions. Hope for the best, but prepare for the worst. For example, I would have to say that my military experience helped prepare me for the angry, screaming executives I encountered during my time working in tech in Silicon Valley. I was trained to stay calm, remain silent, and look straight ahead when a drill sergeant was inches away from my face and screaming at me. I was even physically punished in creative ways. Do you think I gave a damn about some power-hungry exec trying to intimidate me? I anticipated that behavior and was prepared with how to react to it.Before an important event, meeting, or discussion, create a model that predicts potential outcomes and how you will respond. You don’t have to be 100% accurate with predicting the exact words someone will say or actions they will take. Instead, work on the following:* What questions will they potentially ask?* What might their objections be?* If they say no, how will I respond?* If they say yes, what will I say next?* If they lose their temper, how do I want to react?* If everything goes smoothly, how do I want to wrap things up?Be ready to walk awayOne of the most confident things that you can do is walk away. Knowing that you’re ready to do so makes you feel more confident going into a conversation. Be ready and able to walk away when you’re no longer getting what you want from a situation. For example:* Walk away when negotiations stall and an offer still doesn't meet your requirements. * Walk away from a job when it can no longer meet your needs and your manager isn’t willing to make the necessary changes. * End bad relationships that aren’t serving you well. Confident people always know that they are in demand. They know that they have options. They don’t need to put with a terrible boss, unacceptable compensation, or a bad work environment. Of course, you always try to negotiate, improve things, and transform a situation until it’s acceptable. But, if all else fails, confident people can walk away and move on for something better. Feed your confidence engineAs I mentioned above, you can create a virtuous cycle when building your self-confidence:* Intentionally use confident body language, actions, and words.* Others will perceive you as more confident.* They will behave as if you are a confident person.* Their reactions create a feedback loop for you.* You feel more confident about the conversation and situation.* You behave with even greater confidence.Your enhanced self-confidence will serve you well. Confident people tend to perform well in job interviews. They’re more likely to pursue challenges and take smart risks. They tend to be more influential and get promoted more often. In general, the more confident you are, the more successful you will be in life. ⬆️ Scroll to the top if you want to listen to my confident discussion of this newsletter article (see what I did there?) 🎧A way to support my newsletterI know that not everyone is ready to become a paid subscriber. But, there is a great way you can support my work without spending any money:📣 Recommending my newsletter on social media.It only takes a few seconds, and it helps grow my business so I can continue making time to write it.I'll even provide some copy and paste text to make it easy to share on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, etc. Thanks in advance!I've really been enjoying the Invincible Career newsletter by Larry Cornett (@cornett). If you want to get ahead in your career and you aren’t subscribed yet, you’re missing out.https://newsletter.invinciblecareer.comThis week’s professional development challenge⭐ Explore the Passion EconomyThis challenge helps you explore new ways to showcase your work and what you create. If you already have some ideas for what you want to share, great! If not, don’t worry about it. This week introduces you to new opportunities and gets the creative juices flowing… Larry Cornett is a leadership coach and business advisor who also hosts:* A free Slack community for ambitious professionals who want to create an invincible career.* A professional mastermind community for solopreneurs and entrepreneurs.* A free community for independent creators who want to make a living doing more of what they love.He lives in Northern California near Lake Tahoe with his wife and children, and a gigantic Great Dane. He does his best to share advice that can help others take full control of their work and life. He’s also on Twitter @cornett. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit newsletter.invinciblecareer.com/subscribe

My guest for this episode is Sami Gardner. She is a career coach who specializes in helping creative and technical professionals develop their dream careers.Sami redesigned her own career to travel the world and has helped job seekers from San Francisco to São Paulo.Sami believes that if you kickstart your career, you kickstart your life. She shares her career journey from librarian to a career advisor, digital nomad, and published author.She talks about the reality of degrees and job security. No matter what your degree and how great you are at your job, you’re always at the mercy of the people at the top who control budgets and make decisions that eliminate positions. She was tired of being at the mercy of an employer, so she started her own business. She was also totally free at that time and decided to travel the world, work remotely, and spend time with family.We also discuss how she balances her time as a business owner with being an active published author. Because, when Sami isn’t coaching, she writes sci-fi/fantasy novels! Key points from our conversationI want to call out a few points from my conversation with Sami to help you if you’ve ever considered becoming a digital nomad, exploring a career change, or pursuing a passion.Remember your whySami enjoyed her career coaching business, launching courses, and traveling, but she was burning out. She was a digital nomad and exploring the world, but she was trying to do too much. She couldn’t even enjoy her time in new cities. She took a step back to think about her “why.” She remembered why she started her business in the first place. Her goal wasn’t to have a business. Her real goal was to have freedom. She wanted more freedom and flexibility in her lifestyle. She got lost somewhere in the middle of building it and got caught up in hustling 24x7. We all need to take a step back occasionally and reflect on why we are doing what we do. Are we still on the right path, or have we drifted off course?Overcome your fearsSami had already written a great deal of content for her books. But, she realized that she was scared to put her work out there. That’s why she had been sitting on her writing for years and not publishing anything.She had the good fortune to attend a writing retreat in France for a month. It gave her the time to focus and think about her goals as a writer. She realized that she had a goal she hadn’t done anything with; she wanted to publish her books. The time at the retreat helped her overcome her fears, put her work together, set up her author brand, and publish.There’s probably something that you’ve been scared to try. You may have fears that are holding you back from taking action. But, regret is worse than fear. Trust me.Make time for introspectionThe pandemic forced Sami to stand still for a while and be more introspective. When she was constantly traveling, she never had the time to reexamine her business, review how it was operating, and decide if it was still what she wanted.I understand the challenge she experienced. When you are working so hard every day in your business, it isn’t easy to find time to work on your business. She reevaluated how she was working, how she set up her business, and if she wanted to continue the way things were going. She decided that she was stuck in a loop, and something had to change.She was working so much that she couldn’t enjoy life. She traveled to these amazing places and couldn’t even take a break to go to the beach or spend time with friends. Business owners talk about making time to work on your business instead of only working in your business. The same is true for employees and their careers. You can get stuck in a cycle of working so hard in your job that you don’t make time to set goals for your career, make plans, and take action to achieve what you want. It really is necessary to set aside dedicated time to focus on you, your career, and your life. Don’t wait until you’re feeling frustrated and burned out!⬆️ Scroll to the top if you want to listen to our full conversation and hear where you can find Sami, her coaching service, and her books! 🎧A way to support my newsletterI know that not everyone is ready to become a paid subscriber. But, there is a great way you can support my work without spending any money:📣 Recommending my newsletter on social media.It only takes a few seconds, and it helps grow my business so I can continue making time to write it.I'll even provide some copy and paste text to make it easy to share on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, etc. Thanks in advance!I've really been enjoying the Invincible Career newsletter by Larry Cornett (@cornett). If you want to get ahead in your career and you aren’t subscribed yet, you’re missing out.https://newsletter.invinciblecareer.comThis week’s professional development challenge⭐ Get More out of LinkedInThis challenge helps you leverage one of the most focused networks that you probably have. LinkedIn tends to be the best place to connect with current coworkers, past colleagues you enjoyed working with, and like-minded people from your profession and industry. But, most people aren’t taking control of their experience to squeeze more out of the platform…Larry Cornett is a leadership coach and business advisor who also hosts: * A free Slack community for people who want to create an invincible career.* A professional mastermind community for solopreneurs and entrepreneurs.* A free community for independent creators who want to make a living doing more of what they love. He lives in Northern California near Lake Tahoe with his wife and children, and a gigantic Great Dane. He does his best to share advice that can help others take full control of their work and life. He’s also on Twitter @cornett. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit newsletter.invinciblecareer.com/subscribe

I’m sure you’ve already heard this, but when it comes to social media, we are the “product.” The services are technically free, but we all pay a price. The big platforms make a killing off of the time you spend there, thanks to their highly personalized ads. They know everyone you are connected to, who you engage with, what you click, what you share, etc. Businesses leverage that massive amount of data to show you ads they hope you will click.Social media platforms also love drama, titillation, and arguments. That behavior draws attention, and the people who engage feed their hungry data machines. That improves their ad quality, the highly-targeted ads get more clicks, and that generates even more money. When you use social media the way that they want you to, they get rich. But, what are you getting out of it? At best, you receive some personal benefits like seeing recent photos from distant family members, reconnecting with old friends, and finding new ones. At worst, you fall into the trap of wasting time, endlessly arguing with strangers, and trying to change minds that will never be changed. The social media giants are extracting billions and billions from all of us. Don't let them use you and get nothing of value in return. Now, it's your turn to squeeze some juice out of them. You can use social media to build your professional brand, grow a more powerful network, and advance your career. But, you must use it the right way. Don't fall into the trap that I did for so many years:* I felt obligated to accept friend requests and follow people back, so my feed became polluted with content I didn’t enjoy. * I became so fed up that I rarely engaged, so the platforms stopped showing my occasional content to my friends in the feed.* To fix that, I started using scheduling tools to automatically broadcast on social media more often. But that made people tune out. I finally returned to the roots of what social media was meant to be, and things improved. I became more human and authentic, and people responded. I took control of how I use social media, and now I enjoy the value of these platforms more than ever before. Common mistakes people makeIf you use your real name and identity for your social media accounts (some services require that), everything you do is tied to your reputation and influences how people view you. If you have alternative or throwaway accounts so you can have untethered fun on social media, you don’t have to worry about this as much.Over the years, I’ve watched people using social media in ways that are potentially damaging to their careers. The choices they make are certainly impacting their reputations and professional brands.In some cases, they don’t care or need to be concerned. They’ve made their money for life and can let loose with no worries about the repercussions. Chad Hurley is one example. I’ve been surprised by the things he tweets. But then I remembered that he doesn’t give a damn. He sold YouTube to Google for $1.65B in 2006. His current net worth is around $450 million. He doesn’t care what you think. He doesn’t care what anyone thinks.However, if you still need to work to make a living, you might want to think twice about the social media presence you create. Here are some examples from a few people I follow online.* Posting a seemingly endless stream of various alcoholic beverages every day. A potential employer checking that out would check the box: “Alcoholic.”* Constantly raging against the machine, hurling insults at various politicians, and screaming curses at any individual who thinks differently. Who would want to work with such a ball of flaming rage? * Striking people down left and right with biting sarcasm, veiled threats of being canceled, and intellectual humiliation. Sure, they’re really smart. But, most people try to avoid ending up in their crosshairs and certainly wouldn’t want them as a coworker. * Only liking, retweeting, and sharing links to other people’s articles and posts. No one has any idea who this person really is, how smart they might be, if they have any talent, or what their point of view is on anything. Who would want to hire someone that demonstrates zero creativity or original thinking?* Engaging on social media with people every few minutes all day long. When does this person get work done? They supposedly have a full-time job, but I can see from their stream that they are posting and commenting all day and night. I would be reluctant to hire this person, and I’m surprised their employer hasn’t said something about how they are spending their workdays.If this sounds like you, don’t kid yourself and say, “Hey, I’m being the real me!” You wouldn’t say half of that toxic crap to someone’s face. You wouldn’t behave that way at parties. You wouldn’t trash your boss in a meeting in front of others. Or, maybe you would! But, if you did, there would definitely be consequences. You would lose friends, stop being invited to events, and you may eventually get fired. So, it’s your choice. But don’t complain when things don’t go your way later. Social media is fire. It can be a powerful tool when used wisely, or it can burn your house down when you act like a fool.If you would rather take control of social media and bend it to your will, read on.Weave a powerful network Intentionally curate your network. Maybe you feel forced to accept that connection request from your uncle on Facebook. But, other platforms are different, and you should tightly control who you let into your inner circle. For some services, it used to be that a connection had to be a mutual decision. That’s still true for a few services today. If you wanted to connect with me and see my stuff, I had to accept your request and make you a friend too. You can still use this model if you take your account private (e.g., Instagram’s private account setting) or make your content only visible to approved followers (e.g., Twitter’s protected tweets setting). But, that doesn’t work well if you’re trying to build a strong professional brand and attract a following. Now, most services let you follow people and see their public content without requiring a friend connection. For example, I follow some of my favorite authors on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram. You can add smart and interesting people to your network very easily and start seeing their valuable content every day. If you want to improve the quality of your social feeds and the engagement with your posts, be careful about who you friend and follow. I’m more selective now than I was in past years.When I let too many people into my network, I would see way too much useless garbage in my feed (e.g., “Copy and paste this post to prevent Facebook from using your photos without your permission!”). I would also receive comments on my posts that were damaging to my professional brand and my mental health.Now, I’m quick to unfriend and block people who behave badly. My accounts blend my personal and business life. I’m ok with polite disagreements, but I don’t need some jerk trying to destroy my confidence and hurt my business. Craft a professional brandThink about how you want to be perceived online. You can separate your 100% personal social profiles (e.g., Reddit) from the profiles where you might have a hybrid model of personal and professional content (e.g., Twitter) or 100% professional content (e.g., LinkedIn).Unless your accounts are privately locked down, or you use a secret identity, you can rest assured that people will find you online. Every recruiter and employer I know uses social media services or specialized tools to check out potential job candidates, check up on employees, and evaluate potential business partners. Whether you like it or not, your professional brand is impacted by what you say and do online. You can let your brand develop organically, or you can take control and shape it intentionally. In your bios, be clear about who you are, what you do, what you care about, and how to learn more about you (i.e., link to your website). Use a profile photo that is aligned with how you want to be perceived too.It might be fun to remember doing tequila shots on your last birthday, but does a potential employer want to see that? Probably not.Of course, your professional brand goes way beyond your bio. It is built on the content you share. It is reinforced with every word you say and the actions you take.Showcase your talentIt seems like many people think that the only ways to demonstrate their talent are through their resume, cover letter, portfolio, LinkedIn, and maybe an interview presentation. They save it all up and dump everything in those places. However, most of those assets only come into play when you’ve already decided to pursue a job and interview with potential employers. How many potential opportunities have been lost because you don’t consistently share more about your talent on the services where people can discover you?What you share on social media should be a mix of content to keep things interesting and balanced. The precise proportions vary based on platform, professions, and audience. But, here is what I like to do with my account and see from other people I follow (in priority order).* Posting original thoughts in your own words. These can be brief (1-3 sentences), but they demonstrate how you think, show what you believe in, and let your real personality shine through. I share things when a random relevant thought crosses my mind. I share snippets of content from my original articles. I also keep a notebook and Evernote list full of ideas that I can share later. * Natively sharing the original content you create (e.g., photos, designs, videos, writing). Note: this isn’t sharing a link to the content. This is your chance to shine! It’s how you can showcase your talent and be discovered. I follow many talented writers, poets, cartoonists, artists, and photographers because they share their own original content every day. I can’t wait to see what they’ve created! * Commenting intelligently on other people’s posts to show support, add value, and connect with like-minded folks. This has been the best driver for me to get more attention online and gain more followers, especially when the original poster has a large, relevant audience. Shallow comments (e.g., “Me too!”) and likes don’t really help you, other than tuning the feed algorithm to show you more from that person.* Sharing links to your original content. This could be something you wrote or created, your podcast, a video you produced, a book, a photo album, etc. * Sharing links to other people’s content (e.g., news, articles, videos, blog posts). You should always make sure that the content fits the professional brand you’re trying to create. You can occasionally share stuff that is off-brand. But, if you do that too often, people will unfollow you because you are no longer posting what originally convinced them to follow you. Last year, I muted or unfollowed some folks because they switched from sharing useful information to nonstop political posts. * Retweeting (or quote tweeting) and resharing from other people when they post something useful and insightful. Again, make sure that it’s aligned with your professional brand. I’ll often like funny stuff, but I don’t retweet it because it doesn’t fit the focus of my business. Keep your eye on the prizeWhat is the number one thing that you want from social media? Don't say, "Get more followers."Having followers is a means to an end. They're an audience for your message. They are friends with whom you can engage. But, acquiring more followers won’t necessarily help you achieve your goals if you don’t know what you want.Take a step back and think about what you want the most. How can others out in this big ol’ world help you achieve that? Some examples:* A promotion. * A new job. * A new consulting gig.* Potential employees for your team. * Investors for your startup.* More book sales.* Customers for your business. * More speaking opportunities. * Potential partners to collaborate with you on a project. What do you want people to do if they like what you have to say? Where can you guide them to take that next step that gets you closer to your goals? Keeping your eye on the big prize ensures that you stay focused. It helps you post relevant content, attract the right people, and direct them to the right destination (e.g., your website, GitHub profile, newsletter, portfolio, LinkedIn profile, author page). Engage like a decent human being It really does come down to behaving like a decent, intelligent human being online. Treat others as you wish to be treated. Engage in ways that reflect the way you want to be perceived. I think that was the original intent of the first social media sites. In the real world, you won’t encounter all of the people you’d love to meet. You may never bump into someone you admire.However, you can follow them online. You can make friends with great people from all over the world. You can engage in intelligent conversations. That was the vision. Unfortunately, it became polluted by trolls and advertising. But, you can take control and wrestle social media back to what it should be. Be more human, genuine, kind, and authentic, and people will respond to you. Intentionally structure your network and be smart about what you share, and the right people will want to connect with you.Social media can be as wonderful or as terrible as you decide to let it be. You control who you follow and what you see. You control who gets to follow you and engage with you. Your career will benefit when you use social media for your purposes. Your sense of wellbeing will improve when you take firm control of how you use it every day.A way to support my newsletterI know that not everyone is ready to become a paid subscriber. But, there is a great way you can support my work without spending any money:📣 Recommending my newsletter on social media.It only takes a few seconds, and it helps grow my business so I can continue making time to write it.I'll even provide some copy and paste text to make it easy to share on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, etc. Thanks in advance!I've really been enjoying the Invincible Career newsletter by Larry Cornett (@cornett). If you want to get ahead in your career and you aren’t subscribed yet, you’re missing out.https://newsletter.invinciblecareer.comThis week’s professional development challenge⭐ Professionally Leverage Social MediaThis challenge helps you grow your online presence in a way that is aligned with your professional goals. It will increase your visibility and showcase how good you are at what you do.It also lets people see more of who you are, what you’re about, and how you think. Be you!Larry Cornett is a leadership coach and business advisor who also runs a professional and supportive online community for solopreneurs and entrepreneurs (join us!). He lives in Northern California near Lake Tahoe with his wife and children, and a gigantic Great Dane. He does his best to share advice that can help others take full control of their work and life. He’s also on Twitter @cornett. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit newsletter.invinciblecareer.com/subscribe

My guest for this episode is my good friend Anna Codina from Costa Rica. She is a content strategist with over a decade of experience in the industry and has worked with brands such as Adobe, Evernote, and Wildlife Fund. Anna’s simple content strategy attracts the top 10% of her client’s best-paying customers and helps busy entrepreneurs create relatable storytelling and purposeful messaging.She is a former self-taught web developer and co-hosts the Brave New Workforce, a podcast that dives into the future of work. Anna is also a professional hula hooper and has appeared on a number of local TV stations and was a former online radio host for the expat community in Asia. Originally from Singapore, Anna lives in Costa Rica and the U.S. She speaks English, Spanish, and basic Cantonese. Key points from our conversationI want to call out a few points from my conversation with Anna to help you if you are struggling with attracting employers and recruiters, telling a compelling story about yourself, or feeling powerless about your future.The power of storytellingAnna talks about the power of storytelling and how she uses it with her clients. All too often, companies and people create boring content that no one will ever read, listen to, or watch. But, it doesn’t have to be that way.You can immediately elevate your content using the power of interesting personal stories. Make it relatable and relevant, and you will engage, excite, and energize your audience.By the way, using compelling storytelling doesn’t only apply to the marketing campaigns of large corporations. Smaller startups, solopreneurs, and even individuals who want to build their personal brands (e.g., so they can stand out and become opportunity magnets) can definitely benefit from using this strategy.Taking control of your pathAnna shares her career journey from a self-taught web developer at 15 years old to a professional hula hooper to writer and content strategist. She’s certainly one of the most flexible career changers I’ve known.She’s been running her own businesses since she was a teenager. She learned to constantly adapt to the market demands and overcome the “feast and famine” cycles that consultants and solopreneurs often endure.What I’ve noticed about Anna is that she is always learning, finding mentors, taking courses, and teaching herself something new. She’s never been tied down with a 9-5 employer who would put her in a box and constrain her ambitions. Freedom and flexibilityWe also discuss the joys and pains of running your own business. You need a lot of self-discipline, and there are certainly risks in self-employment. But, she loves that she essentially gets paid to learn new things. There’s never a dull moment!She also enjoys the flexibility to work from anywhere in the world. A few weeks ago, she was vacationing in Mexico and could still keep up with her work, record a podcast episode, etc. The freedom that comes with being an entrepreneur also allows you to explore hobbies and activities outside your professional life. And, guess what that does? Yep. It gives you even more interesting stories to tell later. ⬆️ Scroll to the top if you want to listen to our full conversation and hear about how you could work with Anna 🎧A way to support my newsletterI know that not everyone is ready to become a paid subscriber. But, there is a great way you can support my work without spending any money:📣 Recommending my newsletter on social media.It only takes a few seconds, and it helps grow my business so I can continue making time to write it.I'll even provide some copy and paste text to make it easy to share on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, etc. Thanks in advance!I've really been enjoying the Invincible Career newsletter by Larry Cornett (@cornett). If you want to get ahead in your career and you aren’t subscribed yet, you’re missing out.https://newsletter.invinciblecareer.comThis week’s professional development challenge⭐ Build Your AudienceThis challenge helps you grow your newsletter audience more quickly. Of course, you could sit back and wait for organic growth through SEO, discovery, and people sharing specific issues on social media. But, that usually takes a long time…Larry Cornett is a leadership coach and business advisor who also runs a professional and supportive online community for solopreneurs and entrepreneurs (join us!). He lives in Northern California near Lake Tahoe with his wife and children, and a gigantic Great Dane. He does his best to share advice that can help others take full control of their work and life. He’s also on Twitter @cornett. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit newsletter.invinciblecareer.com/subscribe

You don’t always recognize opportunity when it knocks. That’s especially true when you answer the door only to discover that more work is waiting for you.Many years ago, I was a designer at eBay. During one particularly challenging project, my product manager got called away for jury duty. Unfortunately, there weren’t any other PMs available to take over. Now, if you’re not familiar with what it is like to work at eBay, you may think that this meant the project would be delayed. We could simply wait until the PM returned from jury duty. However, the standard operating procedure at eBay was that you never slipped dates on a project. You might cut scope and features to get a product update out on time. But you never ever pushed out a release date.The PM’s manager came to me and asked if I could take over as the product manager and keep the project on schedule. So, in addition to the design work for the project, I took over writing the product requirements document (PRD) and working with engineering.By the way, thank you for believing in me, DJ! Looking back, I consider myself lucky to get that PM experience while I was a designer. Little did I know that it would later give me the confidence to throw my hat in the ring for a Product leadership role at Yahoo. I was the VP of Design for Yahoo! Search and Marketplace organization when our VP of Product left the company. Rather than waiting to find out who my new partner would be when they hired his replacement, I created a proposal for how I could lead both the Product and Design teams for Search. My boss agreed, and that decision changed my career trajectory forever. It put me on a new path that opened doors for me later. Reinvention isn’t easyIt is a ton of work to change professions, make a career pivot, and start down a new path. Some people consider it but give up because they can’t stomach the idea of starting their careers over. Many fear ending up at the bottom of a new career ladder after they’ve already spent so many years climbing that first ladder. Who would want to do that?Yes, it can happen that way if you try to abruptly exit one profession and start over again in a completely new profession. But, one of the most effective ways to ease into a career change is to do it from within the company while you still have your job. The first question is, how significant will this change of career be? What’s the size of the pivot?* Big: Changing both industry and profession.* Medium: Changing profession, but not industry.* Small: Slight change of profession or industry. I would say that my first career pivot was a medium-sized change. I stayed in the same industry and even the same company. But, I changed professions from Design to Product. My second career pivot was definitely a big one. I left the tech industry entirely and my past professions as a designer, design leader, and product leader. My friends told me that I was crazy. It was such a significant change that I had to start my own business (to work around gatekeepers) and make a large lifestyle change as well. Some of my friends have also made rather large career changes and pivoted into entirely different industries and professions. In each case, they felt like they found their calling, were more fulfilled, and become more successful.* From working in the tech industry to becoming a restaurant owner. * From managing a supermarket to becoming a real estate agent. * From being a physical therapist to becoming a spine surgeon. Other friends have made smaller pivots, which weren’t quite as drastic. Nonetheless, the change made them happier and more successful. * From designer to engineer. * From engineer to product manager. * From product manager to startup founder. It is much easier to move into an adjacent profession within the same company with the full support of your manager. I was lucky enough to have that, plus mentors and coaches who educated and advised me. If you don’t have that type of opportunity and support, you’ll have to educate yourself on your own time. You’ll have to find ways to earn the credibility that will convince someone to hire you in your new profession.I’ve never known a hiring manager that was willing to hire someone who had zero working experience in a profession (e.g., a designer who wanted to be hired as a product manager in a new company). So, the burden will fall on you to create the proof that will persuade an employer to give you a chance. Or, you may have to start your own business as I did.There are three things that you will need to navigate a significant career change successfully:* Ability* Support* Opportunity AbilityYou may have the potential to pivot into an entirely new career path, but you have to develop the ability. Depending on the profession you’re pursuing, you may also need additional training, education, certifications, licensing, etc. “Pivot to something you LOVE. Get the credentials. Make sure you can make $. If dropping $ then adjust lifestyle by the same measures.” — Michelle CairaFor example, my brother started his career as a physical therapist. But, he soon discovered that he wanted to go beyond the care he could provide as one. He decided to go back to school to become an orthopedic surgeon. He had the potential. He may even have had some of the knowledge and capabilities. However, he sure as heck couldn’t see patients and operate on anyone until he finished med school, completed his residency, passed his license exam, got board-certified, and started working for a hospital. In the best case, you can acquire knowledge, learn skills, and get the experience you need in a new profession while you’re on the job working in your old profession. Some companies are great about providing internal training and career mobility within the company. “I would suggest people to keep a balance and then take action. You should not leave your full-time job! You should work simultaneously, that's my advice.” — Ankit PandaHowever, some companies won’t provide you with the opportunity to prepare for your new career on the job. In the worst case, you’re on your own. You’ll have to find educational resources, training, and mentors outside of work. SupportA support system helps considerably when you are changing professions. A supportive manager can secure funds for your internal training, connect you with coaches and mentors, and give you time to learn new skills on the job. “Do a self-inventory listing your strengths and weaknesses and develop your team, support group and resources accordingly. No one is the complete package so learn to cultivate those that help to cover your weaker areas and be ready to help in return. Both are truly necessary because it is amazing how often the teacher becomes the student.” — Doug HighlandIf you have a significant other, it sure is helpful if they are supportive of a big career change that might impact your income for a while. Change is always a little risky. Failure is always possible. Having support from friends and loved ones can give you more courage to move ahead. I’ve been fortunate that my wife has been incredibly supportive of all of my crazy career changes, educational pursuits, and business ventures. She’s made it possible for us to navigate the financial bumps in the road along the way. Can you change professions without a support system? Yes, you can do it alone in some cases, especially if you’re making a small to medium pivot in your profession and/or industry. However, in some situations, you’re going to have a tough time — maybe an impossible time — making a massive change without support. I would highly recommend looking for a community that can help provide guidance, feedback, support, and networking opportunities. “Find your community. Joining a community of like-minded professionals was easily the best decision I made in my new career. Receiving advice, feedback, and expanding my network was invaluable. Also, always ask for feedback.” — Christopher SchuttOpportunityYou have to learn to recognize opportunities when they present themselves. One way to fine-tune your “opportunity antenna” is to have a long-term career goal in mind and at least a rough plan that maps out how you will get there. For example, I knew that I wanted more for my career than to be a Design executive. I had a goal of starting a business or founding my own startup. My plan to achieve that goal included getting more product and business experience. So, when I found out that our Head of Product was leaving, I recognized and seized the opportunity to step up, take on that role, and get the experience I needed.If the right opportunity doesn’t present itself, you’ll have to create your own. Construct the right conditions to set you up for success. That means that you may need to look outside of your current employer for a chance to move onto a different path. You may need to start your own business. You may need to save up a financial cushion so that you can quit your job and go all-in on making your new career path work. “It's OK to take a step backward in order to move forward on a new path.” — Tracy UlinBe Confident!What has always helped me remain confident during significant career changes is the knowledge that I have succeeded before. I know that I can always fall back on my previous education, skills, and experience to get a job to survive in my old profession if the new gig or business fails. “I’d say to remember there’s not as much risk in TRYING something new, in most cases: if you’ve built a career already, you can always fall back on it if the new one doesn’t work out. So rather than be timid and move slowly into it, jump into it big and fast to see how you REALLY like it. Better to try and fail in 3-6 months than to let it drag on for years slowly with constant fear.” — Peter Michaels AllenLife is too short to stay in a profession that is no longer fulfilling you. You don’t want to feel trapped on a career path with no end in sight.The old days are over of choosing one profession for life. You shouldn’t feel forced to climb one career ladder for decades until you retire. While it’s never easy, making a big career change is certainly not as hard as it used to be. You have a world of education, training, and relevant network connections at your fingertips. Don’t be shy about reaching out for help!⬆️ Scroll to the top if you want to listen to the audio version of this episode. 🎧A way to support my newsletterI know that not everyone is ready to become a paid subscriber. But, there is a great way you can support my work without spending any money:📣 Recommending my newsletter on social media.It only takes a few seconds, and it helps grow my business so I can continue making time to write it.I'll even provide some copy and paste text to make it easy to share on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, etc. Thanks in advance!I've really been enjoying the Invincible Career newsletter by Larry Cornett (@cornett). If you want to get ahead in your career and you aren’t subscribed yet, you’re missing out.https://newsletter.invinciblecareer.comThis week’s professional development challenge⭐ Developing Your Writing FocusThis challenge helps you narrow down the focus of your writing. It gets you thinking about your goals and what you want to happen when more people start reading your words.Larry Cornett is a leadership coach and business advisor who also runs a professional and supportive online community (join us!). He lives in Northern California near Lake Tahoe with his wife and children, and a gigantic Great Dane. He does his best to share advice that can help others take full control of their work and life. He’s also on Twitter @cornett. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit newsletter.invinciblecareer.com/subscribe

My guest for this episode is Matt East. Matt is one of the world's leading experts on productivity and high-performance. You can learn more about his coaching and community on his business website, Matt East & Company. He’s also the person who convinced me to start a podcast! If I hadn’t met Matt, the Invincible Career podcast probably wouldn’t exist. His books, podcasts, and coaching teach how to plan your day so you can spend more time on the projects, activities, and relationships that are most important and meaningful to you. He's best known for his productivity coaching and mastermind, where he's been lucky enough to work with many incredible clients.Matt is one of those success stories that I love to talk about. He left his corporate gig as a Vice President at MOBI Wireless Management 4 years ago and has been running his own business ever since. Matt is the author of The Purposeful Planning Method: How to Plan Your Day, Beat Procrastination, and Regain Control of Your Time (my affiliate link). He hosts two popular podcasts, The Goal Achievement Podcast and the Better Humans Podcast. He’s also a startup enthusiast and advisor.Matt lives in Indianapolis with his wife Rachel, and two dogs Spike and Sweet Pea.Key points from our conversationI want to call out a few points from my conversation with Matt to help you if you occasionally struggle with procrastination and having productive days. Embrace failureYou need more failure to increase your odds of success. Matt essentially says that you have to get more “at-bats,” which, of course, means that you will experience more failure. But, that’s ok.Some of the most successful people in this world experienced tons of failures along the way (e.g., Sir James Dyson, J.K. Rowling, Walt Disney, Oprah Winfrey). They didn’t just walk up, try something once, and immediately succeed.The more you try, the more people you meet, and the more you put yourself out there, the more you will experience rejection. But, that also means that you will experience more positive total outcomes than taking one swing and giving up.FocusMatt recommends that you focus and decide what you want to be known for. He is known as the “productivity coach,” and that was an intentional decision.It takes courage to niche down like that and resist the urge to do everything and appeal to everyone. You don’t need a massive audience to be successful. You don’t need to charge crazy fees to make a living. The same is true for employees, not just entrepreneurs. * What is your professional brand? * What are you known for being the best at doing? * Where should you focus and stake your claim?Planning your daysAlmost all high performers have clarity around how they are spending their days. They know what they will be working on, and they are intentional about their energy and focus. In his book, Matt talks about planning your days using:* The Fluid Layer* The Habit LayerYour priorities for a given day are your Fluid Layer activities. It changes from day to day and even throughout the day. For example, one morning, you might focus on writing during your fluid layer time and then updating your website in the afternoon.On the other hand, your morning and evening routines are your Habit Layer activities. It’s the same every single day. What daily habits do you need to be happy, healthy, and more successful?Successful people have consistent habits in the morning and evening. For example, getting up, making coffee, journaling, and exercising every morning. Then, at the end of the day, going for a walk every evening and reading for 30 minutes before bedtime.⬆️ Scroll to the top if you want to listen to our full conversation and hear Matt’s generous offer to get his book for free. 🎧 A way to support my newsletterI know that not everyone is ready to become a paid subscriber. But, there is a great way you can support my work without spending any money:📣 Recommending my newsletter on social media.It only takes a few seconds, and it helps grow my business so I can continue making time to write it.I'll even provide some copy and paste text to make it easy to share on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, etc. Thanks in advance!I've really been enjoying the Invincible Career newsletter by Larry Cornett (@cornett). If you want to get ahead in your career and you aren’t subscribed yet, you’re missing out.https://newsletter.invinciblecareer.comThis week’s professional development challenge⭐  Choose a Newsletter PlatformThis challenge helps you become more familiar with setting up a newsletter service. It is the first step to building your email list and writing for that audience. The reassuring thing about newsletter and email services is that you’re not stuck with your decision. If you want to make a change, you can take your audience with you later.Larry Cornett is a leadership coach and business advisor who also runs a professional and supportive online community (join us!). He lives in Northern California near Lake Tahoe with his wife and children, and a gigantic Great Dane. He does his best to share advice that can help others take full control of their work and life. He’s also on Twitter @cornett. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit newsletter.invinciblecareer.com/subscribe

A few weeks ago, I noticed that I was feeling completely burned out. I don’t often talk about my struggles or feelings of anxiety and depression. In my role as a coach, I try to maintain an upbeat attitude to help my clients feel positive and energized to conquer their personal challenges. But I’m going to open up and be more vulnerable here than I normally feel comfortable doing. I’m lowering the walls and admitting that the burnout has been hitting me pretty hard. I'm sharing this because I think many of you might be feeling this way too. I want to help. The symptoms started adding up, and I couldn’t ignore them any longer. I was feeling down for days on end, sometimes for over a week. I’d briefly have a good afternoon but crash again for several more days.My energy levels dropped, and I felt exhausted all the time. That isn’t normal for me. I was still forcing myself to exercise, which helped a little. But, it didn’t lift my mood like it usually did.I didn’t feel motivated to work the long hours that I normally do. I wasn’t feeling hopeful, and I struggled to be creative. I just stopped caring about the future. I finally had to admit that what I was experiencing was burnout. Some of it was related to work stress, but much of it is connected to how long we’ve lived under these insane pandemic conditions for over a year now.If the pandemic has left you feeling burned out, too, you are not alone. 62% of people surveyed in the fall of 2020 who were struggling to manage workloads said they had experienced burnout “often” or “extremely often” in the previous three months. 85% said their well-being had declined.The World Health Organization has gone so far as to include burnout in the 11th Revision of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11) as an occupational phenomenon. Here is how they define it:“Burnout is a syndrome conceptualized as resulting from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed. It is characterized by three dimensions:* feelings of energy depletion or exhaustion;* increased mental distance from one’s job, or feelings of negativism or cynicism related to one's job; and* reduced professional efficacy.”People who are willing to talk about how they’ve been feeling are saying things like:* I’m facing more mental health challenges than usual. * I haven’t been able to keep up my physical fitness.* I’m so lonely and I never see my friends anymore. * I feel like this past year has set my career back.* I’m in financial trouble now and worried about making ends meet. * There is so much uncertainty that it makes me feel constantly anxious. * I’m worried about my future.There are many symptoms of burnout, and you can attribute some of them to other problems. For example, feeling frustrated and irritable could be related to burnout, or maybe you just work with a bunch of jerks. However, here is where I think the differences lie and when it gets so concerning that you have to do something about it:* The feelings of apathy and hopelessness persist for weeks or even months. * Your career is at risk due to your lack of motivation, inability to focus and perform, lingering exhaustion, and cynicism about the future. * You stop taking care of yourself. We often talk about burnout as being something you personally feel and, therefore, must personally address (e.g., take a vacation, do more yoga). However, according to research, burnout has six main causes, and they don’t point to it being a personal problem that you can completely fix on your own:* Unsustainable workload* Perceived lack of control* Insufficient rewards for effort* Lack of a supportive community* Lack of fairness* Mismatched values and skillsIt’s not entirely fair to point at employers as the sole cause of the problem, though. The global pandemic certainly contributed to a large amount of our stress and anxiety starting in early 2020. But, how employers managed the crisis did play a role in making things better or worse.I wish that all employers would proactively take steps to recognize burnout and reduce the conditions contributing to it. But, unfortunately, we know that won’t happen. So, what can you do? How can you take care of yourself to prevent or recover from burnout if your employer won’t take action to help?There are some steps you can take, which I share below. A few are under your control and will personally help you. Others may require a discussion with your boss. Some may require a change of environment. I know the last suggestion sounds drastic, but your health and well-being are important. I’m familiar with making drastic changes in my life in response to burnout. I went through burnout about five years ago when my startup failed. Our quality of life had already been declining in the Bay Area, and I couldn’t face going back into a corporate tech job and the long commutes again. So, we sold our home, moved away for a fresh start, and I started a new business that broke free from my past. In some ways, I felt like a phoenix rising from the ashes. Recognize the warning signsWe all experience some of the symptoms associated with burnout from time to time. They include fatigue, forgetfulness, depression, detachment, irritability, and apathy. However, there’s a difference between a bad day or week and having several bad weeks or months. If you are experiencing many of these symptoms for a prolonged period of time and you feel like you’re shutting down, you’re on the path to burning out. Take action sooner rather than later. It’s easier to avoid total burnout than to recover from it later. Recharge and recoverIf you’re in the early phases of what could turn into burnout, taking a break can help. A weekend getaway or a short vacation may be just what you need to recharge your batteries. It doesn’t solve the root problems that caused you to feel this way. But, it could help you recover enough to go back and dive into addressing them so that you don’t feel like you’re burning out again later. Find the necessary supportIf you’re already experiencing serious burnout and need help, here are a few online therapy resources:* Talkspace* 7 Cups* BetterHelpHowever, sometimes all you need is to know that you’re not alone. It helps to commiserate with peers who may be experiencing stress, anxiety, and the early signs of burnout too. Talking with others can help you work through your feelings and discuss potential solutions to some of the problems you’re facing.For example, the members of my career accelerator community have said that our weekly meetings are a lifeline. We support each other, provide advice and feedback, and help each other laugh even when it’s been a bad week. Create a sense of purposeHaving a sense of purpose can definitely make your work feel more meaningful. There will always be times that work is stressful, and you will feel overloaded. But, you can often get through it when you know that what you are working on matters.I’ve certainly experienced this during my career. There were times that I felt like what I was doing was pointless (and that later proved to be true 😒). So, when I was working long hours and dealing with lots of stress, it only felt worse. There were also times that I knew my work mattered and I was excited about what we were launching. The hours were crazy, and the workload was heavy, but in the end, I was proud of what we created. That sense of purpose carried me through so that I may have been tired, but I wasn’t burned out. If your job never gives you a sense of purpose, that’s concerning. Finding a role where you feel like your work matters is a good investment of your time and energy. Control your workloadAs I mentioned above, one of the main causes of burnout is an unsustainable workload. If this is happening to you, you need to address it soon.Unfortunately, most of us aren’t in full control of our workload. So, that means that you need to have a conversation with your manager. Communicate with your managerI hope you’re one of the lucky few people who have an amazing manager. If so, don’t be shy about scheduling a meeting with your manager to discuss how you are feeling. A good manager will want to help you avoid burnout. Share how you feel and what you think contributes to the causes (e.g., workload, stress, missing support, lack of control). Be prepared with some ideas for how to address the issues and fix the problems. Even if you don’t have a great manager, you still need to have this conversation. If you don’t and the situation continues to be unacceptable, you will burn out. It’s not an easy or fun conversation, but you need to set some boundaries for your own good. Set limits and boundariesLike any machine, you will break down if you are always being pushed past your limits. Working too many hours, dealing with too much stress, and living with too much anxiety isn’t sustainable. Identify your limits and know when you need time to take care of yourself and recover every single day. I have learned that I need personal rituals and habits to stay healthy and sane (e.g., coffee breaks, journaling, time for exercise, dinner with my family every night). Once you know what you want your boundaries to be, it’s time to have a conversation with your manager. Get the support you need to be healthy. If they can’t provide you with that support, it might be time to look for a better company culture and a better boss. Connect with friends and familyYour friends and family provide a different type of comfort and support beyond what a community or therapist might provide. The conversations, laughter, and fun give you a welcome break from the stress of work.While it may be difficult, it helps to set a time in the evenings when you put away your laptop, ignore work messages, and spend time with your friends and/or loved ones. This comes back to setting boundaries. I had to start this practice around 13 years ago. Otherwise, work would consume all of my waking hours and ruin my weekends when I was supposed to be spending time with my family. Own your futureTaking control of your future is empowering. Planning your career puts you in the driver’s seat instead of feeling like a victim trapped in a cycle of burnout when your job is the problem.For example, one of my clients was experiencing some serious burnout in their current job. We tried to improve the situation for several months, but it didn’t work. So, we decided that it was time to plan a new future and find a better job. In the past month of interviewing and receiving offers, they have experienced a massively positive turnaround in their sense of empowerment and control of their future. Seeing how valued they are and how well they will be treated elsewhere has sparked new hope.They no longer feel like they are waiting for something to happen to them. They are making things happen for them. Recommit to hopeIt’s not easy to escape the feeling that things will never get better. I’ve been there. It can seem so dark and hopeless. However, when you do get help, make plans, and take action, things will get better. It won’t happen overnight, but you will see steady progress, and you know that your burnout won’t last forever. Believe that there is light at the end of the tunnel. Know that it is possible to find a better environment where your well-being is important, and your needs are respected. Having hope helps you hang in there until your efforts pay off and you start feeling good again. Avoiding future burnoutWhen you get better at recognizing the early signs of burnout, you’ll be able to catch the situation early and take action to avoid letting it happen. If you take control of your current work experience and take ownership of your future career path, you’ll also be able to keep things from getting out of control again.Now, I know that sounds easier said than done, especially if you don’t work in a great company culture or have a supportive manager. But, then you have a tough decision to make. Do you let the problems persist and risk your health and happiness, or do you make a big change and move on to a healthier environment? I had to make the second choice. It wasn’t easy, and it came with its own stress and risks, of course. I now make a fraction of the income than I did before when I was neck-deep in the stressful corporate world as an executive. I gave up a lot of money to essentially buy back my freedom to live life on my own terms and run my own business. To make it work, I had to aggressively lower my living expenses, sell my home, and move to a new environment with a more reasonable cost of living.My health and well-being are worth it. The most recent burnout that I experienced wasn’t due to my working conditions. The source of my problems was the pandemic, the political climate in the U.S., and the stress it has placed on my children. That’s why I’m feeling better now. I can see the light at the end of the tunnel with the global rollout of the vaccines. I am already making new plans for my business this year and considering international travel again. I have a renewed sense of purpose and hope, and that makes all the difference. I want you to feel that sense of control, purpose, meaning, and hope too! Let me know how I can help.⬆️ Scroll to the top if you want to listen to my reading of this and hear more details. 🎧A way to support my newsletterI know that not everyone is ready to become a paid subscriber. But, there is a great way you can support my work without spending any money:📣 Recommending my newsletter on social media.It only takes a few seconds, and it helps grow my business so I can continue making time to write it.I'll even provide some copy and paste text to make it easy to share on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, etc. Thanks in advance!I've really been enjoying the Invincible Career newsletter by Larry Cornett (@cornett). If you want to get ahead in your career and you aren’t subscribed yet, you’re missing out.https://newsletter.invinciblecareer.comThis week’s professional development challenge⭐ Research Newsletter PlatformsThis challenge helps you learn more about the power of newsletters and owning your email list. It introduces you to the world of email services and marketing, which is still — surprisingly — one of the best ways to connect with an audience.Larry Cornett is a leadership coach and business advisor who runs a professional online community. He lives in Northern California near Lake Tahoe with his wife and children, and a gigantic Great Dane. He does his best to share advice that can help others take full control of their work and life. He’s also on Twitter @cornett. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit newsletter.invinciblecareer.com/subscribe

My guest for this episode is Dayna Wu. She is the proud mom of two, Hawaii born and raised, and now residing in the San Francisco Bay Area. She’s a Senior Recruiter for Nvidia Corporation while being a distance learning teacher, short-order cook, housekeeper, physical fitness activity coordinator, and parent/wife all at the same time. Over the course of 13 years, she’s worked at stealth and early-stage startups being the sole recruiter handling everything from sourcing candidates, setting up recruiting processes, negotiating and closing candidate offers, and working as a member of a global recruiting team at large public corporations.She enjoys talking to people and helping them navigate the daunting interview process, by providing candidates all the information they need to evaluate that next step in their life and career. She works hard to establish long-term relationships and partner with people even if it doesn’t end up being a hire for the company. She also enjoys working with hiring managers to understand their roles, learning new things, and finding out how she can support their hiring needs.Her favorite part of the recruiting process is helping to move things along; from discovering talent, interview coaching and preparedness, gathering interview feedback and next steps, offer negotiation and approvals, and ultimately delivering an offer that exceeds a candidate’s expectations.In this podcast episode, you’ll hear about:* Ways to make a good impression during a job interview.* Behavior that will leave hiring teams with a bad impression of you.* The good, the bad, and the ugly of her experiences with candidates. * Things hiring managers can do to improve the recruiting experience.* The balance of active vs. passive candidates. Key points from our conversationI want to call out a few points from my conversation with Dayna to help you if you are preparing for your upcoming job interviews and working with recruiters.Be preparedDayna said she likes people who really prepare for an interview. She can tell when she talks with a candidate. She’ll have an early conversation about what they are looking for, why they’re interested in the company, etc.Some ways to make a positive impression:* Research the company.* Research the interview panel.* Ask if there are areas they would like you to focus on.* Download the company’s app, try out the software, be familiar with the company’s products and services.* Find and report bugs in the software.* Be knowledgeable about the company’s blog posts.* Contribute to their open-source software (if applicable).* Have good enthusiasm and energy during the interview.* Ask intelligent questions.* Send “Thank you” notes after the interview.Things candidates did to make a bad impression:* Calling the company the wrong name.* Expecting an early-stage startup to have the same benefits as a large corporation.* Asking for way too much equity.* Taking their shoes off and putting their feet up on the table.* Staring at her chest.Be humbleIt’s always a good idea to be humble and polite during an interview. We all like people with confidence. But, there is a fine line between being proud of your talent, skills, and experience and being arrogant. Some bad experiences Dayna’s had with candidates:* Asking for a car as part of their offer.* Referring to themselves as “Rolex watches.”* Being demanding during an interview.* Being rude and having an attitude during conversations.Be professionalSometimes a company will be super casual with a candidate to see how the person “cuts loose” and what that looks like. Some people fall into the trap of being too comfortable, cursing, sharing inappropriate stories, etc. Some negative experiences she’s had with candidates:* Refusing to be flexible during the offer negotiation process. * Making unreasonable meal requests. * Cutting her off while she’s speaking. * Not being ready for an interview call and asking her to call back later.* During the interview, telling her that they’d prefer to work for a different company.* Shaking her hand way too firmly and pulling her around.You should always focus on being professional. Remember that you’re always being evaluated, even during casual moments like having lunch with the team.🎧 Listen to my full conversation with Dayna to hear more of her stories (e.g., issues with hiring managers) and her amazing insider’s advice that will help you nail your next job interview!A way to support my newsletterI know that not everyone is ready to become a paid subscriber. But, there is a great way you can support my work without spending any money:Recommending my newsletter on social media.It only takes a few seconds, and it helps grow my business so I can continue making time to write it.I'll even provide some copy and paste text to make it easy to share on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, etc. Thanks in advance!I've really been enjoying the Invincible Career newsletter by Larry Cornett (@cornett). If you want to get ahead in your career and you aren’t subscribed yet, you’re missing out.https://newsletter.invinciblecareer.comThis week’s professional development challenge⭐ Learn about Self-publishingThis challenge helps you learn more about sharing your wisdom with the world through writing a book. The traditional gatekeepers are fading away, and the book publishing world is no different.Larry Cornett is a leadership coach and business advisor who runs a professional online community. He lives in Northern California near Lake Tahoe with his wife and children, and a gigantic Great Dane. He does his best to share advice that can help others take full control of their work and life. He’s also on Twitter @cornett. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit newsletter.invinciblecareer.com/subscribe

Writing is one of the most important communication skills that can future-proof your career. Yet, it remains one of the biggest skill gaps that employers see in job candidates. “People jump to all kinds of conclusions about you when they read documents you have written. They decide, for instance, how smart, how creative, how well organized, how trustworthy, and how considerate you are. And once they have made up their minds, it is hard to get them to see you differently. Research in social psychology shows how sticky early impressions are. It takes serious work on the receiving end to undo them — work that your colleagues, customers, and partners may not have time (or feel motivated) to do.” — Barbara Wallraff, Improve Your Writing to Improve Your CredibilityThe good news is that learning to write well has never been more approachable than it is today. Also, it’s never been easier to publish your words and have them reach thousands or even millions of people. When I first started writing, I used an electric typewriter. I dreamed of publishing a book but felt overwhelmed by all of the gatekeepers (e.g., agents, editors, publishers). The whole process seemed so complex that I’m still left with a dozen drafts in varying stages of completion.Today, you can crank out an article or story online, run it through Grammarly (my affiliate link), publish it, and have people all around the world reading your words within seconds. It’s magical! Ok, maybe the process only seems magical to someone like me who wrote on a typewriter before the internet existed. But, do you know what is still magical? The results — the impact that it can have on your life and the lives of others. Anyone can be a writer, and everyone can benefit from making it a consistent habit.Writing helps you professionallyThere are many ways to reach an audience that wants to hear what you have to say. But, it’s hard to beat writing for the ease of creation and the reach it has for discovery and consumption. Other methods such as videos and podcasting (which I do produce too) are definitely more time-consuming to create and publish. They are also more challenging for search and discovery. Text-based search engines, like Google, still dominate. Writing also remains — for now — a human skill that AI has yet to master. So, take advantage of this opportunity and build an audience while you can!“Many jobs require additional and very human qualities like communication, empathy, creativity, strategic thinking, questioning, and dreaming. Collectively, we often refer to these qualities as ‘soft skills,’ but don’t let the name fool you; these soft skills are going to be hard currency in the job market as AI and technology take over some of the jobs that can be performed without people.” — Bernard Marr, 7 Job Skills Of The Future (That AIs And Robots Can't Do Better Than Humans)What’s one of the best ways to showcase your communication skills, empathy, creativity, strategic thinking, vision, and wisdom? Yeah, that would be writing. When I work with my clients, I almost always recommend that they start a writing practice. Publishing your words of wisdom, expertise, and point of view helps the right people discover you. While the 1% rule may be a little outdated, it is still quite true that a tiny percentage of the population are creators while the majority are consumers. Most people will never consistently produce well-written content that attracts an audience. Yes, of course, many people post photos on Instagram, snarky tweets on Twitter, Facebook updates about their kids, and ask strange questions on Reddit. But, that’s not the same as writing a coherent article or intriguing story. When you have a strong opinion and are brave enough to share it, you will stand out. You will attract the right people and push away the wrong ones. I have connected with thousands of people over the years through my writing. It is the primary way that people discover me and my coaching practice. Writing and public speaking have both had a seriously positive impact on my professional life.But don’t just take my word for it. I spoke with a few clients and friends who agreed to share their thoughts on how writing has changed their lives.In the audio podcast for this newsletter (click play above), you can hear them talk about writing, why they do it, and how it has helped them personally and professionally. * Terri Rodriguez-Hong talks about how she has been writing articles every week on accessibility, design, investing in yourself, and having a strong mindset. * Christopher Schutt shares how writing has given him more confidence, expanded his network, and allows him to talk about issues he feels strongly about.* Anna Codina talks about how her writing powers her business as a freelance content strategist and gives her the flexibility to travel around the world and work with a variety of international clients. * Trip O’Dell shares how writing helped him refocus on what he cares most about in his career (e.g., accessibility, inclusive design, ethics in product design). Writing has also helped him get more attention online, book speaking opportunities, and clarify how he thinks about things. Writing also helps you personallyWriting is useful on a personal level too. It’s an effective tool that extends the power of your mind. “Keep a notebook. Travel with it, eat with it, sleep with it. Slap into it every stray thought that flutters up into your brain. Cheap paper is less perishable than gray matter. And lead pencil markings endure longer than memory.” — Jack LondonOur memory is imperfect. Our thinking is often frenetic and fragmented. Many of us become easily distracted. Writing is the solution for all of this. It extends your memory and becomes a permanent store of your thoughts. It helps you work through issues and provides a structure for your thinking process. It helps you focus and refocus. I’ve found that writing always helps me organize my thoughts. I can quickly stream words onto the page to ensure that I capture it all. Editing then takes that chaos and provides a coherent structure. I’m sure you’ve experienced that feeling of a million ideas, issues, and problems swirling around in your brain. I know many people who have trouble falling asleep at night because their mind is racing. The simple act of quickly capturing those thoughts in a paper notebook helps me fall asleep more easily in the evening. I know that I can’t make more progress or solve problems at bedtime. I know that I need to sleep. But, I can’t relax until those issues are written down, so I will remember to deal with them in the morning. Then, morning journaling helps me focus my day. I harness my creativity before the tasks of the workday strip it away. I jot down what my goals are and what I want to accomplish. I capture random thoughts and feelings. The writing activity is often cathartic. Research has found that writing can help you process traumatic, stressful, or emotional events, which improves your physical and psychological well-being. In Opening Up: The Healing Power of Expressing Emotions (my affiliate link) by psychologist James W. Pennebaker, he shares research that writing can even boost your immune system. More studies have found that “emotional writing” can lower blood pressure, reduce feelings of depression, and elevate daily moods.So, even if you’re not yet sold on my recommendation of writing to boost your career — perhaps because you’re a little nervous about putting yourself out there — writing for your eyes only can be very beneficial. Your writing can help othersFinally, sharing your wisdom and advice can help others. For some people, that is the primary reason that they write. They want to help other people. They want to help them deal with issues, avoid mistakes, be successful, and perhaps even be happier. Much of my writing is focused on “How to” information and strategies for tackling various issues. I enjoy helping you conquer problems at work, be more successful, let the world know that you exist, and regain your freedom so you can work and live on your own terms. But, I also write about coping with personal issues too. I’ve shared a few stories from my childhood and earlier life that I hope can help others. I’ve had people comment and message me privately. I have often been surprised to discover that a story has helped someone in an unexpected way. Some examples from comments on my stories:* “Thank you for your reassurance. I always feel that I’m alone in going through this type of situation. I don’t want to feel that I’m the only one anymore.”* “I thought this is just me. Thank you. Very much.”* “Thank you for this. I have been doing something similar and it is nice to see it affirmed by someone who has already done it!!”* “Great article Larry – thank you. You’ve certainly been able to convey a different perspective on what has worked for me in the past without knowing why. I’m going to revisit some of your suggestions. The one benefit of getting older is that experience teaches us what has worked for before and what hasn’t. Your article has really helped with understanding the ‘why.’”* “Great article! Forwarded it to a friend who is also frightened of small talk and socializing.”* “Thank you, Larry, for making me feel vindicated and valued at the same time! Sometimes it is very difficult to live (and explain to people) the life of an introvert.”If you’ve read this far, even if you don’t care about writing to help yourself professionally or personally, you may want to consider how your writing could help a fellow human being. You never know how much your advice could benefit someone else. You never know how much your experience could help someone overcome their anxiety, fear, and shame. Words are powerful.A way to support my newsletterI know that not everyone is ready to become a paid subscriber. But, there is a great way you can support my work without spending any money:Recommending my newsletter on social media.It only takes a few seconds, and it helps grow my business so I can continue making time to write it.I'll even provide some copy and paste text to make it easy to share on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, etc. Thanks in advance!I've really been enjoying the Invincible Career newsletter by Larry Cornett (@cornett). If you want to get ahead in your career and you aren’t subscribed yet, you’re missing out.https://newsletter.invinciblecareer.comThis week’s professional development challenge⭐ Cross-publish your writingThis challenge helps you get more mileage out of your writing. As I know, creating content is hard work. So, you should leverage it across multiple platforms. You almost always get unique and additional engagement that is valuable for you.Larry Cornett is a leadership coach and business advisor who runs a professional online community. He lives in Northern California near Lake Tahoe with his wife and children, and a gigantic Great Dane. He does his best to share advice that can help others take full control of their work and life. He’s also on Twitter @cornett. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit newsletter.invinciblecareer.com/subscribe

My guest for this episode is Jeremy Baker. He is the co-founder and CTO of Retail Zipline, an enterprise SaaS company that provides communications software to some of the world's largest retailers. He is a seasoned developer and entrepreneur who has been involved in web design, online product development, and technology startups since 1997. Prior to Zipline, Jeremy co-founded MightyHive, an enterprise software startup acquired by S4 Capital for $150M. Before that, he worked as a Senior Prototyper at Yahoo! for nearly five years, which is where I met Jeremy when he joined my Search team way back in 2007. In this podcast episode, you’ll hear about:* His nontraditional engineering career path (without a CS degree).* What has helped him be successful (including luck).* What he looks for in the talent he is hiring.* His experiences in the corporate and entrepreneurial worlds.* The value of mentoring and giving back.Key points from our conversationI want to call out a few points from my conversation with Jeremy to help you as you are seeking to create your own invincible career.Grit vs. credentialsJeremy does not have a traditional CS degree. He was a self-taught developer and very entrepreneurial. He started his first hardware company when he was 16 years old, selling computers he assembled to local businesses. He started several small businesses to hustle and make a living when he was young. He got hands-on experience developing solutions for companies while his friends in university were learning CS fundamentals. He spent about 10 years building businesses from the ground up. Even though he didn’t have a college degree, his grit, determination, and real-world experience impressed me, and I hired him for my Yahoo! Search team.Don’t let a lack of credentials hold you back. The world is changing, and more companies are hiring people who can do the work even though they don’t have an advanced degree. Recognizing talentHe builds teams with complementary skill sets. You need a few people who are good at disrupting things, but you need many more people who can keep moving projects forward. Things he looks for:* His company is 100% distributed, so he looks for people who can write and clearly articulate their thoughts in code and communication. * He also looks for people with curiosity. If a candidate hasn’t researched the company, team, or role, they don’t care very much. If they have very few questions, it’s a sign that they don’t have the curiosity that will help them really dive into problems and understand how things work.* Finally, he looks for kindness. I think we’re all tired of working with unkind people. Giving backBooks, mentors, and failures have been the biggest ways he’s learned. Mentors have really been key to his success. He has an executive coach now who is helping him continue to grow. It’s important for breaking out of the isolated perspective you may have. It’s so valuable to be a mentor and give back. You’re not only helping others, but you also learn from the people you mentor too. It’s a wonderful exchange of value. You both share experiences and become better people. Thanks for listening to this episode! I hope you enjoyed hearing about Jeremy’s career path and the advice he shared.A way to support my newsletterI know that not everyone is ready to become a paid subscriber. But, there is a great way you can support my work without spending any money:Recommending my newsletter on social media.It only takes a few seconds, and it helps grow my business so I can continue making time to write it.I'll even provide some copy and paste text to make it easy to share on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, etc. Thanks in advance!I've really been enjoying the Invincible Career newsletter by Larry Cornett (@cornett). If you want to get ahead in your career and you aren’t subscribed yet, you’re missing out.https://newsletter.invinciblecareer.comThis week’s professional development challenge⭐ Publish on MediumMaking a ton of money on Medium isn’t the point of this challenge. Sure, a little spending money is a nice side effect. But, it’s more about what writing and publishing will do for you personally and professionally. Larry Cornett is a leadership coach and business advisor who runs a professional online community. He lives in Northern California near Lake Tahoe with his wife and children, and a gigantic Great Dane. He does his best to share advice that can help others take full control of their work and life. He’s also on Twitter @cornett. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit newsletter.invinciblecareer.com/subscribe

“I had to let half of the team go. They didn’t have the right skills and attitude for the strategic new direction the company is heading.” — anonymous leader The leader I was talking with wasn’t happy about this situation. They had inherited a team that was no longer performing well. The company was in the middle of a significant transformation into a new space and business model. While some employees could be coached to adapt and stay with the company, others weren’t so lucky — for various reasons. If you manage a team, then you have probably been in a similar situation. It isn’t always possible to turn things around with employees who aren’t meeting expectations. Why do bosses fire people? Some reasons are quite obvious. But, others are a bit more subtle. Obvious reasons:* Poor performance* Misconduct* Violating company policies* Breaking the law* InsubordinationLess obvious reasons:* Employees aren’t adaptable* They have a poor attitude* They create too much conflict* They disrupt other employees* Their boss sees them as a threatBelow are some clues that you may be on your manager’s secret termination list. Read through them to see if anything looks familiar. Score yourself — or a friend — on a scale of 1 to 5 for each question.* 5 - the issue is severe and happens frequently* 4 - the issue is bad and happens too often* 3 - it isn’t that bad and happens only a few times* 2 - it’s under control and rarely happens* 1 - it never happens, or it doesn’t apply to you1. How negative was your performance review?Many companies wrapped up their annual performance evaluations in February. By now, I would imagine that you’ve received your review for the past year. How did you do? If it was overwhelmingly positive, you should have nothing to worry about. However, if it wasn’t…One bad review doesn’t usually mean that you’re going to lose your job. But, if there has been a trend of negative reviews and you’re having other issues at work (e.g., on projects or with your manager and coworkers), then your job might be at risk. 2. How often are you left out of important meetings?Occasionally, people forget to invite you to an important meeting. It’s not great, but it’s not the end of the world if it doesn’t happen very often. However, if you are frequently left out of meetings you think you should be attending, that’s a problem. If it’s been happening with increasing frequency, that’s bad. It indicates that something has changed in how your value and contributions are perceived. 3. How often are you left off of important messages?Similarly, if you’re being left off important email threads or not looped into critical Slack chats, that’s not good. You’re no longer viewed as essential to the conversations and decision-making process. This can happen when you conflict with coworkers. People sometimes play little power games and try to sideline you. But, if your manager is the one leaving you off emails and messages, that’s a sign that your job is in trouble. 4. Does your manager reschedule your 1-on-1s?How often does your manager reschedule, cancel, or miss your 1-on-1 meetings? Some bosses are consistently terrible at sticking with a meeting schedule with their employees. However, if your manager somehow manages to meet with other people but not you, that’s bad. There’s some reason that you’re the only one being ignored. 5. Does someone else get the plum projects?Of course, managers try to give the most talented employees the biggest and best projects. But, they shouldn’t play favorites, and they should give everyone a chance to prove themselves. However, if you never seem to be assigned the best projects, that’s a sign that your manager doesn’t trust you to deliver. Depending on what else is happening, your job may not be at risk, but you’re obviously not on the promotion path either. 6. Have you stopped receiving perks?If you used to receive special treatment and nice perks, but it’s been slowing down or has stopped, something has changed. Pay attention to how your colleagues are being treated. At one startup I joined, the perks slowly dried up and eventually vanished. But, it was happening to all of us. I wasn’t being singled out to be fired. The company was failing, and we all were going to lose our jobs. 7. Are you left out of planning meetings?Have you noticed that you’re no longer being invited to planning meetings? Well, you may not be invited to the meetings to determine the future of products, the organization, or the company because you no longer have a future with the company. I remember seeing this happen at one company. It was pretty clear who had been put on a layoff list. Those individuals were suddenly uninvited from meetings where confidential information was shared and strategic plans were being made.8. Has your boss set unreasonable expectations?If you’ve been put on a Performance Improvement Plan (PIP) with an unreasonable bar for acceptable performance, they are trying to force you out. This can happen even without a PIP in place. Sometimes a boss doesn’t want to fire you or doesn’t want to put in all of the work to justify your termination. So, they focus on making your life so miserable that you quit on your own. 9. How often does your boss publicly criticize you?This is something that only a terrible boss would do, but it does happen. I’m sure you’ve witnessed it.But, if you’re the one being called out by your manager in meetings and frequently criticized in front of others, that’s a sign that your job is at risk. They may be trying to make your performance issues publicly known to help support the case for your termination. 10. Are coworkers acting uncomfortable around you?People start to distance themselves when they can tell that someone is on the outs with the boss. Sometimes they are guessing that your job is in trouble. Other times, information is leaked, people gossip, and others already know that you’re going to be fired. It’s one thing if a coworker or two behaves strangely around you. Everyone has bad days or weeks. You never know what others are dealing with in their lives. However, if several of your coworkers are acting funny, avoiding you, or seem to be whispering behind your back, they probably know something you don’t. How did you score?* 10-19: Your job is probably safe for now.* 20-29: Time for damage control to save your job.* 30-39: Update your resume and start interviewing.* 40-50: You may have already been fired.The reality is that a high score on any of the questions is a bad thing. It doesn’t take much for a negative situation to spill over and impact your performance and work relationships. For example, if your boss sets you up for failure with unreasonable expectations, your performance will suffer, and your next review will be negative. If that continues, you’ll be on your way out. What can you do?If you fear that you’re at risk for termination, the most important question is: “Do you want to stay?” If you’re in a hostile work environment, your performance is suffering, and your work relationships are deteriorating, you may have already decided that you want to quit. But, it’s better to quit than to be fired.If you’ve watched senior leaders and executives, you may have noticed that they are rarely fired. Experienced people recognize the warning signs long before an actual termination is planned. They can read the writing on the wall. So, they often negotiate a severance package and plan a gracious exit. Or, before things reach that point, they move on to greener pastures where they have a chance of being more successful. If you do want to stay, you shouldn’t adopt a “wait and see” strategy. You can’t hope that things will blow over and everything will magically get better. If you’re noticing these issues, your boss is noticing them too.Is there anything worse than waiting for the imaginary axe to fall? Instead, be proactive and face things head-on. You probably know why some of these things are happening if you’re at fault (e.g., your last project was a failure, you’re not collaborating well with others, you lose your temper in meetings). Or, maybe you’ve done nothing wrong, and you just have a terrible boss who behaves like a jerk. That happens more often than we’d hope. Regardless, create a strategy and a plan to address the situation and turn things around. Have an honest conversation with your manager and put the “dead moose” on the table, as we used to say at eBay. Start managing your manager. Maybe it’s just me, but I prefer to be in control and take action instead of waiting for things to happen to me. I’d rather create my own performance improvement plan instead of waiting for my boss and HR to hit me with a surprise PIP. I’d rather quit and walk out under my own terms instead of waiting passively to be fired. Layoffs and terminations are part of our working lives. They happen, whether we want them to or not. But, you can be proactive and stay in control no matter what happens, and that has a positive impact on your confidence and the future of your career. A way to support my newsletterI know that not everyone is ready to become a paid subscriber. But, there is a great way you can support my work without spending any money:Recommending my newsletter on social media. It only takes a few seconds, and it helps grow my business so I can continue making time to write it.I'll even provide some copy and paste text to make it easy to share on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, etc. Thanks in advance!I've really been enjoying the Invincible Career newsletter by Larry Cornett (@cornett). If you want to get ahead in your career and you aren’t subscribed yet, you’re missing out.https://newsletter.invinciblecareer.comThis week’s professional development challenge⭐ Post on Your Personal BlogWhen you craft a well-structured story or article with the intent to inform, educate, or persuade others, you deepen your comprehension of that topic. As more people discover your writing, more people will perceive you as an expert.Larry Cornett is a leadership coach and business advisor who runs a professional online community. He lives in Northern California near Lake Tahoe with his wife and children, and a gigantic Great Dane. He does his best to share advice that can help others take full control of their work and life. He’s also on Twitter @cornett. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit newsletter.invinciblecareer.com/subscribe

My guest for this episode is Caroline Tsay. Caroline is the CEO and co-founder of Compute Software. Their Cloud Cost Optimization platform delivers the deepest cost savings for your cloud infrastructure running on Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure, or Google Cloud. Caroline was also one of the most talented Product Leaders that I worked with in Silicon Valley. In this podcast episode, you’ll hear about how she started down her tech path with a B.S. in Computer Science from Stanford University. She went on to receive an M.S. in Management Science & Engineering from Stanford, as well. Then, she got her start in the working world as a Senior Consultant with IBM Global Business Services.She joined Yahoo! in 2007, spent 6 years there, and worked her way up to become a Senior Director of Product Management for Y! Search and E-Commerce. I was lucky enough to work with Caroline for about a year after she joined my Search Product team. She left in 2013 to join Hewlett Packard Enterprise as a Vice President and General Manager. An executive coach encouraged her to do more public speaking, and that opened the door to her first board seat with Rosetta Stone.She currently sits on the board of directors for The Coca-Cola Company and Morningstar. She was previously on the board of Codefresh. In this episode, she shares advice from her career path and some great recommendations for startup founders and people interested in starting their own companies.Key points from our conversationI want to call out a few points from my conversation with Caroline to help you as you are seeking to create your own invincible career.Build relationshipsIt’s crucial to build relationships and partner well with others at work. Caroline was always able to get so much done by being collaborative and kind vs. confrontational and combative.Partner intelligentlyAs you move up the career ladder — especially if you’re interested in becoming a leader or starting your own company — seek to partner with people who complement your talents and skills. Find a partner who will balance your strengths and weaknesses.Invest in yourselfOf course, I’m a little biased, but I loved hearing how she worked with an executive coach who encouraged her to do more public speaking. As you will hear her say, it opened doors to land her first board seat.Thanks for listening to this episode! I really enjoyed catching up with Caroline.Prefer to listen on Spotify? Or, Apple Podcasts?A way to support my newsletterI know that not everyone is ready to become a paid subscriber. But, there is a great way you can support my work without spending any money:Recommending my newsletter on social media.It only takes a few seconds, and it helps grow my business so I can continue making time to write it.I'll even provide some copy and paste text to make it easy to share on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, etc. Thanks in advance!I've really been enjoying the Invincible Career newsletter by Larry Cornett (@cornett). If you want to get ahead in your career and you aren’t subscribed yet, you’re missing out. https://newsletter.invinciblecareer.comThis week’s professional development challenge⭐ Share Your WebsiteThis challenge forces you to make it all real. I know way too many people that have been sitting on a draft website — or a redesigned one — forever. They can’t bring themselves to push the button and launch the darn thing.Larry Cornett is a leadership coach and business advisor who runs a professional online community. He lives in Northern California near Lake Tahoe with his wife and children, and a gigantic Great Dane. He does his best to share advice that can help others take full control of their work and life. He’s also on Twitter @cornett. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit newsletter.invinciblecareer.com/subscribe

The inspiration for this week’s topic comes from a podcast listener, LP Lin.You mentioned that you ask questions to keep the conversation flowing. It sounds like an excellent topic for your next podcast: Smart questioning techniques of an interesting conversationalist : ) Larry, it’d be helpful if you’d reveal the different types of questioning techniques from the straight forward ‘Why’ to more advanced levels you used to spice up a conversation and minimise the risk of others feeling intimidated.Conversational skills don’t come naturally for me — at all. I’m a bit shy in group settings. I’m an introvert who would prefer to fade back into a dark corner and observe the room. However, I had to work on myself to get better at engaging with people since it was a useful skillset for my profession when I was a Product executive and doing a lot of public speaking and events. It’s even more important for me now as a leadership coach and career advisor.Being a great conversationalist comes down to three things:* Preparation* Engagement* CuriosityPreparationI know that preparation sounds like homework 😐. While it can be for conversations in professional situations (e.g., job interviews, conference meetups, networking events), I’m speaking of preparation in a broader sense of taking a little time to learn more about the context and people in a given setting. When you come up with some ideas related to an event, you’ll be prepared to have something interesting to discuss. For example, before I attended a meetup at a company’s headquarters, I browsed their recent press releases, product announcements, and other news in their industry. That made it easier to talk with people about something relevant with which they were familiar (e.g., one of their recent releases).If you know who you will be meeting, do your homework. Read about their background, where they went to school, where they’ve worked, what they’ve written or posted online (within reason… don’t be creepy 🤣).You can immediately build rapport with someone by discussing something about them. It shows that you cared enough to check them out and think about questions to ask and things to discuss.I’ve had that happen, and I must admit that it’s a bit flattering! Despite what people might say, human beings enjoy a little flattery.EngagementThis is where most people fall flat on their faces during a conversation. Everyone — ok, almost everyone — is distracted by their phones. I’m sure you’ve also experienced a disappointing conversation with someone whose eyes were darting all around the room looking for someone “more important” to talk with next. Wow. Talk about making someone feel terrible. Give your conversational partners 100% of your attention. 100%. If you can’t do that, excuse yourself and leave. Don’t be that distracted person who phubs others, answers questions in a halfhearted manner, or constantly glances around the room. The online version of this in Zoom meetings are the people who are obviously checking their email or reading Slack messages while you’re talking with them. Sure, this can happen in huge meetings when some exec is doing a long and boring All Hands update (yawn). However, you shouldn’t do this to people in smaller meetings. It probably doesn’t feel great when people ignore you and act like anything else they're doing is more important than listening to you. Right? So, don’t tune out and make others feel unimportant. You know that we can see the lighting on your face change as you switch between app windows, right? You do know that we can see your eyes scanning lines of text?On the flip side, pay attention to your conversational partner — in person or on Zoom. How are they reacting? Note their facial expressions and watch their eyes (it’s pretty much all we have with video chat now).You can tell when someone seems interested and actively engaged. You can also tell when you’re losing someone, and they might be getting bored because you’ve been talking for too long. Remember, a good conversation is give and take. Each person should be speaking about 50% of the time. CuriosityThere are actually five dimensions of curiosity. Being a curious person isn’t a binary trait of being curious about things or not.The dimensions that Dr. Todd Kashdan et al. uncovered are:* Joyous Exploration - seeking knowledge and information with the joy of learning and growing* Deprivation Sensitivity - philosophically pondering complex ideas and solving problems* Stress Tolerance - a willingness to explore confusing, complex areas even when it causes anxiety and doubt* Social Curiosity (overt and covert) - curiosity about people and what they think and do* Thrill Seeking - taking risks to have varied and intense experiencesOvert social curiosity is a healthy interest in understanding other people's behaviors, thoughts, and feelings. As you might imagine, people high in this trait tend to also be high in empathy. This combination of traits can help someone be very tuned in to their conversational partner. The best conversationalists that come to mind in my life are those who seemed genuinely curious about me. So much so that I wondered if they were faking it. In my head, I remember thinking:“Really? You’re interested in me? You want to know more about me and what I do?”Regardless of their true intent, it worked. I enjoyed the attention, and the conversation felt natural as they asked more questions. And, in turn, I asked questions about them.Asking open questions will often lead to a more interesting conversation. Closed questions that can be answered with “yes” or “no” make it more challenging to keep a conversation flowing. Instead, it feels like you’re grilling the other person. For example, asking, “Do you work with Susan?” might lead to a quick answer that closes the door. But, asking, “How did you meet Susan?” will open the discussion to a more interesting story about that experience. So, speaking of questions, let’s dive into some examples that you might find useful for your next conversation. Questions - from simple to spicyGauge the receptivity of your conversational partner. It’s a social dance with subtle signals, ebb and flow, and testing the waters.Some people will only be comfortable with a conversation that stays on the surface level of the event or situation. I’ve met people like that at conferences. We discussed the talks and panels, but they seemed reluctant to have the discussion drift into more personal questions about themselves and their work. You can’t force it.Simple safe questions to break the ice* What has been your favorite talk so far?* How long have you been a part of this organization?* What advice would you give someone starting in this field?* What’s the most recent book you’ve read? Would you recommend it?* What’s the best conference you’ve ever attended?* What’s the most interesting thing you’ve been working on lately?* How do you feel about working from home?* What are your best tips for staying productive at home?* What professional skills are you focused on this year?* What’s your favorite restaurant in this city?* Where is the first place that you want to visit when we can travel again?* What’s your favorite app, and why?* What do you think of industry trend XYZ?* Have you watched any good movies this year?Other people I’ve met at events were immediately more playful and fun to talk with. They would joke around, laugh often, and ask questions about my personal life. "A stranger is just a friend you haven't met yet." - Will RogersIt was almost like running into an old friend, but one I’d never met before. Soon, a small group of us were heading out for dinner and drinks. Ah, I miss those days…Daring and fun questions * In what ways has social media made our lives both better and worse?* As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?* What is the secret to happiness?* Where did you grow up? What was it like growing up there?* Would you be interested in colonizing Mars? Why or why not?* Do you think there is other life in the universe? Why or why not?* How will AI help us and hurt us?* If you could restart your career from the beginning, would you still choose this path?* What is your biggest regret in life?* What would you change in your life if you could start over?* What are the top five things on your bucket list?* What motivates and inspires you?* What’s your favorite way to spend the weekend?* Who do you look up to in the industry?* What’s the worst travel experience you’ve had?* What’s your go-to karaoke song?* What would happen if we legalized all drugs?* If you could only have one album on our Spotify playlist, what would it be?* What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?* Where would you want to build your dream home?* What is your idea of a dream job?* What is the next big adventure you want to pursue?* Who is your favorite author, and what is the best book they’ve written?In my life, I’ve had a few friends and family members (very few) who were willing to get into deep philosophical and metaphysical discussions about the meaning of life, the existence of time, good and evil, reality vs. our perception of it, etc. We enjoyed hurting each other’s brains with questions and conversations about life and death, psychology, economics, and any other crazy things that would pop into our heads. Make sure you are really comfortable with other people before you head down this path. Otherwise, they might feel intimidated, shocked, and make a quick exit. Spicy questions for the bold* What’s the one thing holding you back from doing what you really want to do? * Are we living in a simulation? How could you even tell if we are or not?* What is something you’ve never told anyone?* If all you can do is perceive the world around you through your sensory systems, how do you really know if anything exists? * What is your weirdest quirk?* How do you know that your “reality” isn’t just a hallucination occurring in your brain?* What would happen if we implemented Universal Basic Income?* What would you do if you never had to work again?* How do you know that you’re not lying in a coma right now, dreaming all of this?* Are some people born evil?* What do you really think happens after we die?* What’s stressing you out this week?* What would you do with your life if you knew you were immortal?* What’s one way I could help you?* Are you looking forward to retirement? Why or why not?Do you know what the big secret is?Maybe you’ve already figured this out from what I’ve been saying. The secret to being a great conversationalist is:Showing a genuine interest in your conversational partner.That means asking lots of questions, truly listening to the answers, following up with more relevant questions, and letting the conversation flow naturally from what you hear them say. The sample questions I shared above are just some ideas for breaking the ice and having fun. In a real conversation, you wouldn’t pepper the person with an endless stream of unrelated questions like that. If you’ve watched a talented interviewer on television or observed one in person, you probably noticed how they dovetail their reaction to an answer and ask natural follow-up questions to keep the conversation going. They help keep the discussion on track thematically. For example:* “What’s the most interesting thing you’ve been working on lately?”* (Their answer…)* “Oh, I read about that! It sounds really cool. What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced with it?”* (Their answer…)* “Ah, yes. I’m familiar with that pain. I ran into that on a project last year. Are you using solution XYZ to address it?”* (Their answer…)* “Interesting, I haven’t heard about that before. How do you like it?”* And so on…Avoid these mistakesOccasionally, I run into someone who does one or more of the following during a conversation. Unsurprisingly, I then do everything I can to avoid being pulled into a discussion with this person in the future.* Dominating the conversation or talking endlessly about themself (e.g., “So, it all began when I was six years old… and then I went to college… and then I started my first job…”)* Bragging and humblebragging (e.g., “So, I turned to Zuck and said, ‘You know what? We should buy Instagram!’ and everyone in the room was blown away by my brilliance.”)* Trivializing something you say (e.g., “Oh, you liked that book? I thought that it was too superficial. Not really my preference.”)* One-upping you (e.g., “That’s nothing! I had a product launch last quarter that was twice as big as that one and delivered 3x the revenue.”)* Correcting you, acting as if they know more than you do, and telling you what you should think, feel, or do — AKA mansplaining — (e.g., “That bothered you? You shouldn’t let it get to you. What you really should do next time is…”) * Barely paying attention to you while they impatiently wait for their turn to talk (e.g., “Right, right. Ok. Well, anyway… this is what I’ve been doing lately.”)Conversational skills matterIf you are lucky enough to find yourself with someone who also understands the nuances of a delightful conversation, they will be asking you just as many questions as you ask them. You’ll notice that they are paying attention to what you say. You will feel like they are genuinely interested in you. Everyone wants to be seen. We want to be heard. We want to feel like we matter. One of the greatest gifts you can give another human being is your full attention in a conversation so that they can feel this way — if only for a brief moment in time. If you do this, they will remember you fondly forever. A way to support my newsletterI know that not everyone is ready to become a paid subscriber. But, there is a great way you can support my work without spending any money:Recommending my newsletter on social media. It only takes a few seconds, and it helps grow my business so I can continue making time to write it.I'll even provide some copy and paste text to make it easy to share on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, etc. I've really been enjoying the Invincible Career newsletter by Larry Cornett (@cornett). If you want to get ahead in your career and you aren’t subscribed yet, you’re missing out. https://newsletter.invinciblecareer.comThanks in advance!This week’s professional development challenge⭐ Choose hosting for your websiteYou’re learning how to set up and run your own website on your own domain. Remember, this is for the rest of your online life, so the investment in your skills and knowledge is worth it. You will control the destiny of your “online home.”Larry Cornett is a leadership coach and business advisor who runs a supportive online community. He lives in Northern California near Lake Tahoe with his wife and children, and a gigantic Great Dane. He does his best to share advice that can help others take full control of their work and life. He’s also on Twitter @cornett. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit newsletter.invinciblecareer.com/subscribe

Are you ready for something new? Something exciting? I’ve started interviewing people I feel have had extraordinary success in their careers. I’ll share the insights and takeaways in the newsletter and articles, but the real magic is hearing them share their own words in their voice. So, click play and enjoy!I’ve worked with many of these individuals during my decades in Silicon Valley. But, some I have met more recently and through networking efforts over the years. These are people who are so good at what they do — and so well known — that they have inbound opportunities flowing their way. I know some of them very well, so I know that they are always being pursued by recruiters, hiring managers, and leadership teams.I’ve watched their careers thrive over the years, so I wanted to bring what they’ve learned and their advice to you here so that it can help you with your careers too.Irene AuWithout further ado, my guest for this episode is Irene Au. Irene is currently an Operating Partner with Khosla Ventures, where she works with portfolio companies to make their design great. She has also been one of the most successful Design Leaders that I’ve known in Silicon Valley. In this podcast episode, you’ll hear about how she created her own program of study in human-computer interaction (HCI) at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Then, she got her start in the working world as an interaction designer at Netscape Communications. She joined Yahoo! in 1998 as their first interaction designer and later decided to move into management and became their VP of User Experience. She established Yahoo’s user experience design practice and led the team for eight years. In 2006, she joined Google and became their global head of User Experience, leading the team there for six years. Following Google and before joining Khosla Ventures, Irene ran product design at Udacity.She shares some of her advice for folks that are just starting in their careers. We also discuss that challenging question, “Do I move into management and leadership, or do I stay on the individual contributor path?” Irene also shares more advice towards the end of this episode that I think everyone will find useful.Key points from our conversationI want to call out a few points from my conversation with Irene to help you as you are seeking to create your own invincible career. Challenge yourselfAs you listen to her story, you’ll notice a theme of curiosity and deliberately seeking challenges. Curious people are always seeking, learning, and growing. She pursued companies and experiences where she could learn something new, be challenged, and grow. A career is more fulfilling when you're excited to go to work every day, see your coworkers, and solve hard problems with them.When she decided to join Yahoo, it was because of the culture and the energy of the people there. They had a feeling of joy and passion, and they wanted to have fun. When she decided to join Google, she knew that it would challenge her to learn and grow in ways she hadn’t before. Build relationshipsNurturing relationships is so important. Intelligent networking matters. And, now, we have to be more intentional about that than ever before. I love remote work, but you don’t bump into people like you used to.The longer I live, the more I realize how tightly your success is tied to your relationships. I’ve mentioned this before. Every single one of my tech jobs came about because of relationships. Someone vouched for me or brought me into the company. When that happens, the entire hiring process is much easier, and decisions are made more quickly. Now, imagine what it’s like when the CEO of a company wants you to join?Irene mentioned her serendipitous encounter with the co-founder and CEO of Udacity, Sebastian Thrun, when she bumped into him at lunch one day. That conversation led to her joining the company as their VP of Product and Design. Create your pathNote that Irene defined her own program of study in graduate school. She also defined her most recent role and proactively pitched firms she thought would need it. That's how she ended up at Khosla Ventures. All too often, we accept what exists. We settle for what is offered.When we start in our careers, it’s pretty normal to apply to jobs that are posted. We interview for and get hired into roles that already exist. However, as you become more experienced and in demand, you don’t have to settle for that. You might be surprised by how often talented people define the role they want and pitch it to the companies that want to hire them. One of the most invincible careers that you can have is the one that you define and control. Thanks for listening to this episode! I think you’ll enjoy it.Prefer to listen on Spotify? Or, Apple Podcasts? This week’s professional development challenge⭐ Brainstorm Domain Names and Lock One DownThis challenge helps you solidify your thinking about presenting your personal self and professional brand to the world. It also helps you think through short-term “experiments” and a long-term “forever home” for who you are online.Larry Cornett is a leadership coach and business advisor who runs a professional online community. He lives in Northern California near Lake Tahoe with his wife and children, and a gigantic Great Dane. He does his best to share advice that can help others take full control of their work and life. He’s also on Twitter @cornett. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit newsletter.invinciblecareer.com/subscribe

Did you know that people lose interest in your conversation if you talk longer than 40 seconds uninterrupted? To make matters worse, our bodies release dopamine when we talk about ourselves. The more we talk — and hear ourselves talk — the better we feel, so the more we talk. We become addicted to that good feeling. It’s no wonder that — on average — people spend 60% of their conversations talking about themselves and up to 80% when using social media.Couple that with feeling nervous during a job interview or a challenging meeting, and you may end up running your mouth a lot! I previously shared the horror story of a stressful one-on-one meeting with one of my managers. The more he smiled and silently nodded, the more I kept babbling and rambling. On and on and on…Some of the best professional advice I received was to know when to shut my mouth. I met with an executive several years ago, and he shared some valuable feedback. He had been watching me present, pitch, debate, and negotiate in meetings. I don’t remember his exact words, so I’m paraphrasing a bit here:“You have to know when to stop and be quiet. Pay attention, read the room, and recognize when you’ve won the argument. I’ve watched you. You keep going for the kill to hammer it home. You’ve already won, but you keep talking and selling. Stop. Just stop. Take your win and walk away.”That feedback burned into my brain. From that moment on, I have been hyperaware during meetings and conversations. I may have 10 selling points, but if someone says “Yes” after the third one, I stop and take the win. There’s no need to run the conversation into the ground with my burning desire to get through my whole pitch. For example, many years ago, my startup co-founders and I were pitching to raise our Seed round. I had created a full pitch deck with the company's vision and mission, our founding team, the product concept, competitive landscape, business model, product roadmap, revenue forecast, the works. We were meeting with an angel investor, and I don’t think I made it through more than 4-5 slides when he said, “Ok, I’m in. What do you need from me?”I promptly closed my laptop and ended the presentation. One of the co-founders started talking about the sales pipeline or something. I shot him a quick warning look, and he closed his mouth. We briefly explained what we wanted, and the investor said, “Ok, send me the details.”That was it. We took the win, stood up, shook his hand, said, “Thank you!” and drove a few miles down the road to celebrate. If you’re rambling during meetings, presentations, and job interviews and your answers are scattered and incoherent, it's probably because:* Lack of focus * Lack of preparation* Lack of practice * Lack of conversational skills Identify the primary focusWhat is your goal with the conversation? What outcome do you want? What do you want the listener to do?It should be pretty clear what you want with a job interview. But other discussions and meetings may require a focus. * Are you trying to educate the listener?* Are you selling something?* Are you trying to persuade someone?* Are you trying to convince the listener to do something?* Are you trying to explain why something went wrong?What do you want to happen as a result of this conversation? That will be your primary focus that guides every word that comes out of your mouth. No more and no less. Create a speaking frameworkDo you think any of the Hollywood movies you've enjoyed watching were total improv? Of course not. They wrote and rewrote the scripts hundreds of times. Hell, maybe thousands of times from concept to the final performance. So, write your own script for your next important discussion. Using your overarching goal and what you want the conversation's focus to be, create a speaking framework that will guide you. Keep it simple for a couple of reasons:* It will be easier to remember what you want to say.* It will keep you from talking too much.How do you want to open the discussion? What’s the key point you want to make? What’s the hook to grab their attention (e.g., “Did you know that we are wasting $5M a year on office supplies no one uses?”). Write a brief intro, the pitch, or the background you need to explain (keep it short).What are the key points that you need to make? You may have dozens of things you want to say or a long list of wonderful selling points, but resist the urge to ramble through them all. When you do that, you’ll put people to sleep and forget half of them. Prioritize and pick the top three points. Focus on making those tight and powerful. Use interesting real-world examples and stories for greater impact. The best storytellers know that human beings love a good story. Check out the “But & Therefore Rule” from “South Park” co-creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone. Finally, write your closing statement. How do you want to wrap up? What’s your final pitch, selling statement, or memorable thing you want to leave the listener with?Practice, practice, practiceYou should be practicing your material dozens of times. For example, a couple of years ago, I spent over 50 hours rehearsing out loud and recording myself on video for a 1-hour presentation.And, it still wasn't perfect. But, at least it wasn't a disaster. You may be thinking, “Sure, that makes sense for a presentation. But, this is just a meeting with someone.”If you are going to be in an important meeting, you should do some rehearsal to think through what you want to say and how you will say it. Lack of preparation and practice is one of the biggest reasons most meetings suck and people are burned out. Don’t be the cause of a meeting that is a waste of time. No one wants to hear you ramble and drone on and on without getting to the point. If you're still thinking, "Oh, that's too much work," then stop complaining when people say that you come across as uncertain, unfocused, and long-winded. If you don’t want to put in the effort to practice for a job interview, stop whining when you don't get an offer.Do you want the damn job?If you don't, then don't worry about it. Watch some Netflix instead of practicing. If you do want the job, put in the work. It takes considerable effort to research and rehearse so much that you sound polished yet natural. * Read through your outline and material, and start editing. Your first draft is always terrible. * Read and refine again. Run it through tools like Grammarly because your writing probably sucks. We all suck without years of practice. * Now record yourself on video saying it out loud without reading everything word for word. Glance at your notes but speak to the camera (your next meeting will probably be in Zoom anyway). You'll notice that you forget a lot. Yep. That's why you’re practicing. * Rehearse until you can present or answer questions completely without reading your notes.* Now you have your material committed to memory, but you sound like a damn robot. * So, rehearse more and riff on things so you can improv a little and sound natural. Smile. Laugh. Use dramatic pauses. Have fun with it!Use basic conversational skillsYou wouldn’t think I’d have to mention this, but use good conversational skills to prevent yourself from rambling and boring people to tears. Even with Zoom meetings — especially with Zoom meetings — you must pay attention to how people react and behave on the call. Watch their eyes. Are they still paying attention to you, or are they checked out and reading their email?Check in with the listeners. Ask them questions. Make them part of the conversation. Validate your assumptions. Ask for their input and feedback. Slow down and don’t fall into the trap of nervously mumbling a stream of words. Vary your tone and intonation. Use pauses for impact and to wake people up. The silence will make them look at you (and stop reading their email). Make the discussion more lively and engaging! Unless you are on stage giving a talk or running your own podcast (hey there!), this isn’t supposed to be a monologue. Applying polite conversational skills helps you avoid the tendency to ramble and keep going on and on. We sometimes do that when we’re not getting a reaction or hearing anything back from the other parties in the conversation. You can fix your tendency to rambleIf you’ve received feedback that your communication skills are lacking or that you’re not clear and concise, there is hope. You can use the strategies I described here to tighten up your conversational style. I know because I’ve worked hard to do that myself. I still have room for improvement. But, I’ve slowly become better at using a structured speaking framework and knowing when to shut my mouth. Now, I will often have conversations where the other person does most of the speaking (e.g., when I work with my clients). I listen, ask questions, make comments to keep the conversation flowing, and learn a great deal by opening my ears.Invest in improving how you communicate, and it will pay off in your next job interview, meeting, or presentation! This week’s professional development challenge⭐ Compare Your Options for a Personal WebsiteThis challenge helps you think through the pros and cons of the website hosting options that I shared. Instead of quickly shooting from the hip and regretting your decision in a few years, think of the long-term benefits of what you end up selecting.Larry Cornett is a leadership coach and business advisor who runs a supportive online community. He lives in Northern California near Lake Tahoe with his wife and children, and a gigantic Great Dane. He does his best to share advice that can help others take full control of their work and life. He’s also on Twitter @cornett. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit newsletter.invinciblecareer.com/subscribe

I’m going to share some tough love today. Since I can’t tailor this message to each of you, it will address some common patterns of behavior that I’ve observed over my long life.If you’ve been following my newsletter and articles for the past few years, you know that this is a departure from my usual polite writing. So, I’ll apologize in advance to my more gentle readers who may not want to see this. Perhaps you should skip this edition, read something from the archives, and catch up again next week?Ok, for the rest of you who have stayed, I’m not going to be my usual nice Midwestern self today. It seems like being kind all of the time doesn’t work with everyone. Sometimes you have to be a little raw, honest, and brutal. I guess this was sparked by hearing a whole lot of whining and complaining lately. I’ve also been seeing tons of excuses on social media. * “I can’t find time to do what I know I should be doing.”* “I don’t have the extra money to invest in myself.” * “My boss, coworker, friend, lover, or whoever else I want to use as an excuse is the real problem.”If you get offended easily, you probably shouldn’t read the rest of this article. Move on and go scream at someone on Twitter instead. If you like to make excuses, whine, complain about how hard life is, and refuse to accept personal responsibility, what I have to say may upset you.You may not even see this if you tend to ignore my newsletters, as some of you do. By the way, do me a favor and unsubscribe. Ok? I would rather have 100 loyal readers who really want to listen, invest in themselves, and engage with me to get my advice and feedback than thousands of people who don’t care and won’t bother to try something new. Ok, rant over. Let’s begin the tough love. You have enough timeWe all have the same time in the day. You have the same 24 hours a day and 7 days a week that every one of your heroes has. So, why are they getting ahead and succeeding in their personal and professional life while you are lagging behind? You can go ahead and eliminate the few that were born with money and opportunity. Ignore those lucky freaks. Focus on the ones who were born with nothing. Think about the ones who had a normal life but turned it into something extraordinary. What did they do differently? They focused. They made the most of every day. They know that time is the most precious asset they have, and they invest it wisely. They don’t waste it on stupid crap or stupid people.You have enough time. You’re choosing to piss it away. Or, you're not focused and prioritizing your time on the right things. Knock it off! Stop wasting time. Or, go ahead and keep wasting it, but stop complaining. Just stop.You have enough moneyIf you’re reading this, you probably have enough money to invest in yourself if you really cared and made it a priority. But, if you really, really are living on a financial razor’s edge, then go back to the previous point and maximize your time to fix that financial situation. I’m not a huge fan of hustle culture, but sometimes you do need to hustle more.For the rest of you, I know you’re blowing money on stupid crap. I know because I have before and still sometimes do — before I slap my face and remind myself to cut it out. I know because I just read a local news article that folks pay a lady $2M/year to see her in her underwear. Do you think that her patrons are all millionaires with disposable income? B******t. They are regular folks who should probably be spending their money on smarter things. I know, because I have been really friggin poor. I have been hungry and wishing I could afford to buy food. In the past, I have cut out all unnecessary crap to get by. No internet, no cable, no phone service. Hitting thrift stores vs. buying new. Even now, I’m wearing the same damn simple clothing almost every day — jeans, a black t-shirt, and old boots that I’ve owned for years. I drive an old pickup truck. I don’t waste my money on stupid BS trying to impress people. I invest my money in my family, health, retirement, and business. I manage my expenses so I can have my freedom.Stop wasting your damn money on the latest fashionable clothing, a fancy car, eating out frequently, Netflix, and other unnecessary crap if you think you can’t afford to invest in yourself. PAY YOURSELF FIRST!!!Sometimes you are the problem“If you run into an a*****e in the morning, you ran into an a*****e. If you run into a******s all day, you're the a*****e.” ― Raylan Givens, JustifiedI’ll put it more nicely. If everyone around you is a jerk, maybe you are the jerk. If every one of your relationships goes south and you always blame the partner, maybe you are the bad partner. I can look back now and admit there were times that I was a crappy boyfriend. Take some responsibility and be more accountable. Research has found that we have blind spots when it comes to evaluating our own personalities. Our perception is even more distorted when it involves traits that are very desirable or undesirable. If you hear yourself often saying the following, you might be the problem:* I can never get a fair shake.* Everything is always stacked against me.* All of my bosses have been jerks.* All of my coworkers are idiots.* It’s their fault that it didn’t work out. * No one ever understands me.* No one can see how great I really am!The fastest way to push away friends and acquaintances is to be that person who is always whining, grumbling, complaining, blaming others and the world, and generally being a downer. If everyone else is terrible and the whole world is always against you, you need to take a hard look in the mirror and be honest about the role you are playing. Grow up and accept responsibility for your actions. Step up and realize that accepting that responsibility and accountability makes you more powerful!You’re a little bit lazyOk, statistics tell me that some of you are very lazy. Everything falls into a normal distribution when the population size is large enough. Some people bust their asses all the time. They work 2-3 jobs, study for another degree at night, get up early to work out, and raise a family. Sound mythical? B******t. I personally know real people who are doing this. Other people sit on the couch watching Netflix all night, eating chips, and complaining that they aren’t getting ahead in life. You know the type. Are you the type?Before you complain and whine about the state of your career and life, ask yourself:* Am I really working that hard to change things? * Am I focused on the right things? * Am I working as hard as other people who are getting ahead?Hey, I’m just as guilty. I watch a Netflix show at night with my wife instead of working on my book. But, at least I’m honest about it. I don’t whine on social media that I just can’t seem to get ahead. It’s my own damn fault if my progress is slow. If you want a better job, if you want to get into shape, if you want a great relationship, if you want to improve your life, etc., ruthlessly prioritize your time and put in the effort. Work will always be workMost of the time, a job is a job, and work is work. If you love what you do and it doesn’t seem like work, be grateful for your good fortune. But, even a dream job is a lot of hard work.I hear people complaining about how work is hard, boring, and monotonous. Their employer doesn’t appreciate them or see their real potential. They aren’t getting paid enough. Yep, it sounds like most jobs. Most bosses suck. Most jobs won’t fulfill you. You can either suck it up and accept the situation or do something about it. Stop expecting that the average job is going to be a living dream. Are you going to complain, or are you going to take action? If you want to do something:* Be so good at what you do and so well known that you’re in demand and attract amazing opportunities. * Take control and plan your career path instead of randomly floating from job to job.* Intentionally choose your next company, boss, and role. Or, if you are so damn good at what you do and fiercely independent, start your own business! I work really hard, but working for myself is very different than working for someone else. I don’t mind putting in the extra effort and hours to build my business. You are replaceableWhen you quit a job or get fired, people stop talking about you within about a week or two. They stop thinking about you in less than a month. I’ve watched it happen over and over again. People think they’re special and irreplaceable. 99% of the time, they are not. People take over your projects. Someone new gets hired. The world moves on. Don’t forget this. Don’t expect an employer to be loyal to you. It is a transactional relationship, not a “family,” despite the b******t they say. Do your job well, but always keep your eyes open for better opportunities.You should never feel guilty about looking out for yourself. If you don’t take care of your career, who will? Your current boss isn’t going to go out of their way to help you find a better-paying job in a new company. You are replaceable. Your team will be ok. The company will be just fine. No one is going to save youToo many people wait and hope and put their faith in someone else. They are waiting for that perfect partner who will help them get their act together. They’re hoping for that perfect job and the perfect boss who will see their brilliance, hire them, and make them rich. They have no clue how to take responsibility for their future. So, they are waiting for someone to come along and save them.Well, you might be waiting forever. No one cares about your future more than you do. No one. Ok, maybe your mother does. But, no one else. Stop being so damn passive and step up! You know what you want in life, so take action and chase it. No one else can do it for you. You are the one who will save yourself. Be your own hero. “Everyone is necessarily the hero of his own life story.” — John BarthYou had better love yourselfSome people just aren’t going to like you. No matter what you do, you will rub them the wrong way, and there’s nothing you can do about it. Even when people do like you, friendships have limits. People can be great friends, but things can occur that will end it. It happens. If you want unconditional love that will never fade, there are only two kinds:* Your parents* Your dogNo, your cat doesn’t count. Your cat pretends to love you because you feed it. Sorry.Every other kind of love has limits. You could do something to alienate a person who loves you, and they will be gone baby gone. Accept this going into relationships and earn their love every day (and vice versa). If the relationship dies and that love vanishes, move on. Get over it. Someone else will love you again.But, you’d better learn how to love yourself and be complete within yourself. Be ok on your own. Don’t expect someone else to complete you. Got it?You are going to dieFinally, in the end, you are going to die. We will all die someday. It might happen in 50 years. Maybe 20. It could be next year. Hell, it could be tomorrow. Stop acting like you’re going to live forever! Being more aware of your mortality makes you more conscious of how you live your days. Putting everything off for the future is a terrible idea for so many reasons. There are no guarantees in life. You have no idea what the future holds. That mythical future date when you are finally going to lead the life you want to live may come at a time when you can no longer enjoy it the way you thought you would.Tim Urban captured the reality of this truth so well with his life calendar. Each tiny block in the calendar grid is a week in your life. He asked the critical question, “Are you making the most of the few remaining weeks in your life?”That’s itThat’s all the tough love I can come up with for now. Today, I ran a few personalized “tough love sessions” in my community and on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram. I’ll try to do more on Tuesdays each week. Hey, I know that life isn’t easy right now, the economy is unpredictable, and work is a pain in the ass. But complaining won’t fix it. The only solution is to claim your personal power, be proactive, and take steps to make it better. I’m here to help if you want to reach out. As you may have noticed, it’s kind of what I do. 😉This week’s professional development challenge⭐ Define Your Personal Website RequirementsWhen it comes to owning my professional destiny, I no longer have a single point of failure or a risky dependency on another company. I will never again make my primary “internet home” on a service that leaves me vulnerable, and neither should you.Larry Cornett is a leadership coach and business advisor who runs a supportive online community. He lives in Northern California near Lake Tahoe with his wife and children, and a gigantic Great Dane. He does his best to share advice that can help others take full control of their work and life. He’s also on Twitter @cornett. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit newsletter.invinciblecareer.com/subscribe

“It takes many good deeds to build a good reputation, and only one bad one to lose it.” — Benjamin Franklin Robert John Downey Jr. enjoyed great success in the early years of his career. But then it began to fall apart. From 1996 through 2001, he was arrested numerous times on charges related to drugs. After five years of substance abuse, arrests, rehab, and relapse, Downey finally began to work toward a full recovery, investing in his career, and rebuilding his reputation. Now, he is the poster child for a career comeback. He’s maintained his sobriety since 2003. It’s hard not to think of him when you picture the Marvel film franchise and Iron Man. "It’s really not that difficult to overcome these seemingly ghastly problems. What’s hard is to decide to do it.” — Robert John Downey Jr. Most people won’t experience such a spectacular fall from grace in the public eye. But, many of us will experience a setback that impacts our reputation at some point in our careers. It can be due to something small, such as missing a project deadline. Now, your reputation for reliability is a little tarnished. You’ll have to prove that you can get things back on track and be trusted again.Your setback could also be somewhat larger. Perhaps you made a serious mistake at work, and you were fired. Now, you’re trying to figure out how to rebuild your reputation so you can land a new job and have a fresh start. No one is perfect. We all make mistakes. Sometimes those mistakes damage our reputation. It happens. But you can’t wait and hope that it will all blow over and go away. It’s much better to take action to actively repair your reputation as quickly as possible.Assess the impactWhat are you dealing with? What is actually going on versus what you think is happening?If you’re somewhat paranoid, like I am, you often worry that you’ve hurt someone’s feelings or done something wrong. When you hear whispers in the hallway, you think people might be talking about you. When someone acts a little strange, you jump to conclusions and assume the worst. Oh, that’s only me? Ok. I’m glad you never feel that way. It’s not fun.“Just because you're paranoid doesn't mean they aren't after you.” ― Joseph HellerHowever, sometimes those little shifts in behavior do mean something. You did something wrong, and it has negatively impacted your reputation in the company.You start to notice that you’re not being assigned the best projects anymore. You’re not being invited to the meetings you would expect. You get passed over for a promotion you were certain you deserved.In the best situation, someone will come right out and tell you that you screwed up. Your boss might tell you exactly what went wrong and the impact (e.g., being put on probation).Unfortunately, in some companies and cultures, people won’t be as direct with you. So, the burden is on you to dig deeper, talk with people, be direct and honest, accept feedback without becoming defensive, and get to the bottom of it. It’s hard to fix the situation and do what’s necessary to rebuild your reputation if you don't fully understand what happened and how much damage it has done.Understand and own your mistakesBe honest and take ownership of the mistakes you know you made. People will respect you more when you step up and claim responsibility rather than denying, deflecting, or blaming others. If you don’t understand where things went wrong, dig into the situation to find out why your reputation took a hit:* Is there an incorrect perception that it was your fault? * Did someone misunderstand something that you said or did?* Was someone else at fault but passed the blame onto you?* Did you actually make a mistake but were unaware of it?Figure out what happened, why, and what role you played. One way or the other, get to the bottom of the situation. Shine a light on everything to uncover the facts.I often see that a reputation-damaging situation boils down to one or more of the following:* Ineffective planning* Bad behavior* Harmful language* Poor communication If you were falsely accused, that needs to come out so you can clear your name. But, if you actually did make the mistake, said the words, or engaged in the behavior, step up and own it. Damage controlOnce you understand what you’re dealing with and its implications (e.g., you are at risk of being fired), it’s time for immediate damage control. Accept responsibility, sincerely apologize, and explain how you will make it right. You want to turn things around as quickly as possible. You also want to demonstrate remorse and show that you won’t let those same mistakes happen again.As a manager, I can tell you that I looked for three key indicators that employees were coachable and able to get back on the right track after something went wrong:* They accepted feedback, were honest, and took responsibility for their mistake.* They had a strategy and created a plan to recover from a mistake and avoid it in the future. * They took action, fixed the issue, and their future performance demonstrated that they had learned from their mistakes.Rebuild your reputationIt won’t be easy, but what other choice do you have? Getting ahead in your career is already challenging. It’s even harder with a damaged reputation. Develop a strategy and create a plan to rebuild your credibility and regain trust. Start executing your plan and pay attention to how you operate every day. * Define the professional brand and reputation you want.* Seek a coach or advisor if you need help. Sometimes a boss isn’t a big help here (e.g., they may be part of the problem).* Create a plan that outlines how you will rebuild it.* Make commitments you know you can keep.* Communicate every step of the way.* Course-correct when necessary.* Consistently deliver on your commitments.* Treat others with respect at all times.* Consistently behave in ways that reinforce your reputation.* Consistently speak in ways that strengthen your professional brand.* Monitor your progress to stay on track.It helps to get feedback from a trusted friend who can observe you in a work context. Or, you can share honest stories with a trusted advisor. An outside perspective lets you know how things are going.Take control “A good reputation is more valuable than money.” — Publilius SyrusThis week, I’ve been talking with my premium subscribers about defining their professional brands. All too often, we let our reputation and professional brand be created organically. They just “happen.”However, your reputation is too valuable to leave to fate. Instead, take control and intentionally craft your strategy to strengthen and protect it, just as you would with any valuable asset. Does it sound silly to think of your reputation as your most valuable professional asset? Well, in some cases, it can be worth millions and millions of dollars. I know people who damaged their reputation, lost their job, and were permanently barred from serving as an officer or director of a public company ever again. Guess how much that will cost you in terms of your lifetime earning potential? Factor in the reduction of base salary, bonuses, and stock, and we’re talking about tens of millions of dollars lost over decades.Ouch. It’s not worth it.Take control of your reputation and guard it fiercely.Be patient“It takes 20 years to build a reputation and five minutes to ruin it. If you think about that, you'll do things differently.” — Warren BuffettIf this happens to you, I know that you’ll wish things can just return to normal as soon as possible. You want people to forgive and forget. But it doesn’t work that way. People have long memories. Some will be waiting for you to trip and fall again. Be patient with yourself. Be patient with them.Your actions will speak louder than promises. Show the work ethic, behavior, and success that built your reputation in the first place. It will take time, but every win and positive interaction with you will rebuild your reputation brick by brick.If you remember the time that Downey was returning to the big screen, people were skeptical. Many were expecting him to fail and relapse. But, he kept going.He stayed sober. He stayed out of jail. He kept working, delivering solid performances, and landing better roles.Now, people don't look at him and see a drug addict. They see a confident man who has built a new and improved reputation. They don’t remember his failures. They remember him as Tony Stark and Iron Man. This week’s professional development challenge⭐ Define your professional brandA professional brand is your work reputation. It is built by the quality of your work and how you get things done. It is reinforced by your words, communication style, behavior, and interaction with others. How do you want to be viewed by your professional peers?Larry Cornett is a leadership coach and business advisor who runs a supportive online community. He lives in Northern California near Lake Tahoe with his wife and children, and a gigantic Great Dane. He does his best to share advice that can help others take full control of their work and life. He’s also on Twitter @cornett. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit newsletter.invinciblecareer.com/subscribe

The old school of management training must have told young managers to knock the weaknesses out of their employees. I experienced my fair share of this style of management in the early years of my career.I was mostly given a list of weaknesses that my manager thought I should address. I was frequently reminded of failings that I had to overcome.Even when a boss doesn’t tell us to focus on our weaknesses, most of us will do it independently. In employee polls several years ago, workers were asked if they thought that they should build their strengths or fix their weaknesses to be more successful in their jobs.Only 37% of them said that focusing on their strengths would help them be more successful. 63% said they should fix their weaknesses first, instead. In another survey, employees were asked: “When you talk with your manager about your performance, what do you spend the most time talking about?” * 24% said strengths* 36% said weaknesses* 40% replied, “We don’t talk about those things here”I don’t remember being coached to double down on my strengths until much later in my career. One of my managers (thank you, Justin!) gave me a book by Marcus Buckingham and Curt Coffman called First, Break All The Rules: What the World's Greatest Managers Do Differently (my affiliate link). Chapter 5 talks about how great managers focus on their employees’ strengths, not their weaknesses. While this strengths-based approach is a better way to manage a team and yourself, you can’t completely ignore your weaknesses. Eventually, they may need to be addressed in one way or another. Now, the million-dollar question posed by this newsletter is:Should you FIX a weakness?The answer is, “It depends.” It starts with understanding what it means to call something a weakness. Then, you must uncover why something is a weakness for you. Finally, you have to assess what “fixing” that weakness means for you.What is a weakness?We talk about strengths and weaknesses so much that I don’t think we give a second thought to what they really mean. But, let’s take a minute and think about what a weakness is.Buckingham says, “…a weakness is an activity that makes you feel weak. Even if you’re good at it, if it drains you, that’s a weakness.” There is a difference between a weakness and a “nontalent", as Buckingham refers to it. A nontalent only became an issue/weakness when your performance depends on tapping into it. Otherwise, you could ignore it for your entire life. I can think of many, many things that I’m not good at doing and never will be. I also don’t care about most of those missing talents and skills. But, I know that some of those items were moved into the “weakness column” when I was an employee.It comes down to a mismatch between expectations and reality. Thinking back on my time as a corporate manager and leader, we have a set of performance and behavioral expectations for our employees based on their role, level, and experience. When a specific employee can’t meet those expectations, we identify the associated activity as a “weakness” or an “area for improvement” (i.e., the new and improved way to refer to weaknesses). Some managers want their employees to address their weaknesses simply because they exist. They represent a gap between expectations and execution. They want a specific level of performance; therefore, the employee must address the issue.Of course, our perceptions of our weaknesses don’t only exist in the workplace. You may identify a specific weakness as a mismatch between your personal goals and the reality of your performance. For example, maybe you love playing basketball, but you see your 3-point shots as a weakness. You have higher expectations for yourself than you’re able to deliver on the court.Why is it a weakness?Is anyone born with a natural strength at 100% of its potential? Even the most talented people have practiced for years to develop their skills, so they look like amazing strengths now. There is a difference between a weakness and an undiscovered talent. Something that might be labeled as a weakness may simply be a talent you’ve never bothered to explore before. Similarly, an "area for improvement" looks a lot like an undeveloped strength. Is it really a weakness? Or, is it just a skill you need to develop or knowledge you should acquire?Understanding why something is a weakness is essential before making any decisions about what you’re going to do about it. Dig deeper to identify root causes. For example:* You lack skills, knowledge, and experience. This can be addressed and remedied.* You are afraid. This is more challenging to overcome than simple skill acquisition, but it is possible to push through fear to get to the other side. * You are missing the required talent, trait, or capability and will never have it. Trying to address a weakness that has this root cause will only result in frustration and misery. What lies on the other side?Given that you will most likely see a larger ROI by leveraging a strength vs. trying to improve a weakness, you have a critical question to ask yourself first. What lies on the other side of “fixing” this weakness?* Will you benefit?* Will someone else benefit?* Will the company benefit?Ask yourself, "How does addressing this weakness serve ME? Not my boss. Not the company. Me."It's valuable to work on areas for improvement when it serves you well. When something valuable that you want is on the other side of fear, it's worth investing in removing that obstacle. When a weakness blocks something that will help you achieve your goals — and you can actually do something about it — it's worth working on it.However, sometimes you are asked (or forced) to work on a weakness purely for the benefit of your employer. It doesn’t come naturally for you, it will never feel like a strength, and you don’t want to do it. But, your job description requires you to overcome that weakness or risk being terminated.If an employment situation sets you up for focusing on your weaknesses and not leveraging your strengths, you need a new job. It's miserable to work for someone who does nothing but focus on your supposed shortcomings and is constantly trying to get you to change. Many people are unhappy because they are stuck in jobs that don’t tap into their potential and force them to struggle with their weaknesses every day.I guess it shouldn't be surprising that 81% of employees consider leaving their jobs when 70% of them aren't working to their full potential.So, when you’re considering what to do about a weakness, start with your assessment of how much it matters in your life. Some weaknesses may be harming your professional development. Some may be interfering with achieving happiness in your personal life. But, some issues will mean absolutely nothing to you. The strategic approach you take with a weakness varies based on how important it is for you, your future, and if something valuable is waiting for you on the other side of it.Ignore the weaknessI should probably say, ignore the nontalent. If you lack talent, skills, or knowledge in a specific area, but you absolutely don’t care about it, then it’s not a weakness. It’s certainly not a weakness worth improving. We all have thousands and thousands of nontalents. Ironically, one of my sons brought up one of my “nontalent areas” this evening. He said that I wasn’t tall enough to qualify to be a Division 1 college volleyball player. He’s applying to colleges, so I guess he was looking into it?Guess how much I care about my height “weakness” when it comes to qualifying as a volleyball player? Absolutely zero.I’m sure you have weaknesses/nontalents that you don’t care about, as well. Don’t waste a single minute thinking about them.Manage the weaknessThe best leaders help their employees intelligently manage their weaknesses while focusing on getting the most out of their strengths. Some skills or behaviors aren’t part of the core job description, but they can become annoying distractions and derail progress when they struggle with them (e.g., attending meetings on time).You can do this for yourself, as well. If a weakness is getting in your way, you don’t necessarily have to get better at it. You can leverage different strategies to manage it and make it a nonissue. * Restructure your processes to work around the weakness. * Set up a support system to help you manage it (e.g., my calendar reminders help me when I get so focused on a task that I might miss a meeting). * Hire an assistant to handle that task. * If you can, delegate your weakness to someone much better at doing that task. * Partner with someone who complements you and balances your strengths and weaknesses. Reduce the weaknessIn some cases, it is worth reducing or eliminating the negative impact of a weakness. You can’t ignore it. You can’t work around it. You know you can’t turn it into a strength. But, you can “sand off the rough edges.” I’ll give you an example from my professional life. I’m very introverted, and my networking skills are a weakness. That type of social activity doesn’t come naturally to me. When I engage in typical networking, I feel drained and require days of solitude to recover. I wish I were exaggerating, but I’m not. However, I run my own business, and professional networking is a must for me. When I force myself to be more social, it helps me attract new clients. When I withdraw, which is my natural tendency, my business suffers. Networking and being social will never be a strength for me. It simply isn’t my personality. But I can’t ignore it or fully delegate the activities either. So, I strategically engage and use various techniques to connect with people to reduce the negative impact of my weakness as much as I can. Embrace the weaknessWhen someone else tells you what your weaknesses are, you lose power. When you try to mask a weakness that you’ve given more importance than it is worth, you suffer from impostor syndrome.My weakness of being too compassionate as a corporate executive became my strength as an executive coach. I decided to embrace it instead of trying to eliminate it. I claimed it instead of trying to hide it. I took away the power from a few of my past bosses, who told me that my kindness was a weakness. I redefined my career and changed my role in the world to play to my strengths.Maybe it’s just my belief, but I think the world has enough cruel people running around. What the world needs is more people who care. We need more people who are trying to help others. So, I chose a new path.One day, you may find that you are tired of managing a weakness so that you can fit into a job that is no longer serving you well. You may choose to lean into it, accept your so-called “weakness,” and create a new path that unleashes your full potential.Transform a weakness into a strengthI think we also have many “weaknesses” that are actually undiscovered talents and undeveloped strengths. They are only weaknesses because we’ve never bothered to explore what would happen if we invested in them. I did this with public speaking. In my case, I had avoided it because of my fear. Fear of failure. Fear of judgment. Fear of looking foolish.I decided that this was a weakness that I had to fix. I could tell that it was holding me back in my professional career. I looked on the other side of fear and saw how much public speaking could transform my life. I witnessed successful leaders calmly taking the stage and happily engaging with audiences. I watched people’s careers take off because they were comfortable presenting. So, I stopped hiding from it, avoiding it, and working around it. Initially, I thought that I would slightly improve my weakness so that I could tolerate speaking in front of others. But, a funny thing happened along the way. I fell in love with public speaking. Over the course of a few years, I transformed a weakness driven by fear into one of my most valuable strengths. Perhaps the latent potential had always been there, but I had never tapped into it? I don’t know. But I’m glad that I did.I saved this section for last because I think there are times that you can invest in something that you may have incorrectly defined as a “weakness.” You have an opportunity to turn it into something great. But, only you can see the potential of making that investment. You’re the only one who truly understands what lies on the other side of your fear. “Everything you’ve ever wanted is on the other side of fear.” ― George AddairThis week’s professional development challenge⭐ Document your strengths and weaknessesI want you to think about yourself from your earliest memories up until the events of yesterday. More importantly, think about how you want to be perceived and remembered. Most importantly, aspirationally, how do you want to see yourself?Larry Cornett is a leadership coach and business advisor who runs a supportive online community. He lives in Northern California near Lake Tahoe with his wife and children, and a gigantic Great Dane. He does his best to share advice that can help others take full control of their work and life. He’s also on Twitter @cornett. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit newsletter.invinciblecareer.com/subscribe

“Being memorable equals getting picked.” — Jeffrey PfefferWhen we meet people for the first time, they decide how they feel about us in 1/10th of a second. I know that sounds crazy. But, research has found that people can glance at a person’s photo for less than a second and make judgments about attractiveness, likability, competence, trustworthiness, and aggressiveness.When they walk away from our conversation, they will most likely forget our names in a few seconds and won't remember most of us within a few days. Sadly, most people forget 90% of what you shared with them after 48 hours.The foundation for becoming more memorable starts with attention. People don’t remember something or someone if their attention isn’t captured in the first place. Fair or not, we pay more attention to people when we’re drawn to them. Who receives more attention? Likable people. Maybe you don't care about being likable, and that's okay. But, it does help in some situations, whether you like it or not.Setting up the conditions for memorability triggers a cascading chain of events:* Likable people attract more attention.* Novelty, surprises, contrasts, and contradictions also capture attention.* People who capture attention have a fighting chance of being remembered later.* Memorable people receive more opportunities. Why does memorability matter?“No one who is unmemorable is going to be chosen for an important job, because one cannot select what one cannot remember.” — Jeffrey PfefferThere are times when making a great impression in the moment is more important than being memorable. If a decision is being made on the spot (e.g., a final job interview), memorability doesn’t have to be at the top of your list. You need to close the deal now.However, our lives are not a frantic race from finish line to finish line. If anything, we seem to engage in multiple overlapping marathons that never really end. They simply dovetail into the next level of pursuits. The long game does matter:* The people you meet at a conference today may want to reach out to you about an opportunity a year from now. But, only if you made a memorable impression.* Your boss may want to consider you for a promotion later this year, but only if you immediately come to mind. * Someone on Twitter may think of you for a cool panel discussion in a few months, but only if you’ve been crafting memorable tweets that keep grabbing their attention.Excellent opportunities — both personal and professional — most frequently come from consistent hard work, long preparation, and people remembering who you are. If they don’t even know that you exist, you will not come to mind when it’s time for them to decide who to hire, promote, and collaborate with later. What makes you memorable?It isn’t easy to precisely pin down what makes someone memorable. In part, this is because we each have our own interests, patterns of attraction, and things that we value in others. Perhaps it’s easier to think about what makes things unmemorable. Consider your daily life, activities, meals, people you meet, etc.When things follow the same, predictable pattern, everything blends into an endless stream of homogeneity. If you eat a cheese sandwich on wheat bread every day for lunch, you won’t remember any of your lunches as memorable. If the people you meet behave much like all of the people you meet, no one will stand out.Memorability is about contrasts and contradictions: * Things that surprise us are memorable. * People who stand out from others are memorable.* People who exhibit intriguing contrasts and contradictions in their personality and behavior catch your attention and are memorable.I look back on my 50+ years of life, and very few people come to mind. They are memorable for me often because of their surprising uniqueness, contrasts, and contradictions. * I remember the custodian I often talked with on campus who had a Ph.D. but had grown tired of the stress of academic life and escaped it to work alone in the evenings in the art building where he could enjoy the gallery and seeing the students’ works in progress.* I remember the smart and talented professor who had paid his way through school by being a bouncer and cage fighter. * I remember the quiet, introverted, and seemingly serious designer by day who was a standup comedian by night. “Different is BETTER than better.” — Sally HogsheadIt’s almost impossible to be the best. After all, there is only one best. It’s a lot easier and more achievable to be unique. There is only one you in the entire world. We all have quirky interests and contradictions in our personalities. But, society tends to encourage us to suppress and hide them. We want to fit in with our friends in school. We’re afraid to stand out, be different, and risk being excluded. We also think that we need to fit in at work, can’t be too weird, and don’t want to make waves. In fact, many employers will often interview for “culture fit” and discourage employees from rocking the boat. However, the people who tend to excel in their careers are willing to risk breaking free from conformity. They’re not afraid to think differently and spawn innovation that others can’t even dream of. If you want to be memorable, be kind when others are cruel. Be strong when others are weak. Dare to question authority when others are quiet and afraid. Dare to challenge the status quo, be true to yourself, and seek ways to make the world a better place. Blend your unique personality, interests, hobbies, and background with your professional brand. It’s so boring to see people describing themselves in the same way as everyone else on LinkedIn, Twitter, etc. Share your interesting contrasts as part of your intro and bio. That’s why my LinkedIn headline states: “Leadership Coach & Business Advisor in NorCal | Invincible Career® | Tech geek | Nature lover | Powerlifter | Trail runner.”Do powerlifting, trail running, and nature have anything to do with being a leadership coach? Not directly. But, my headline is unique to me and makes me stand out from the thousands of other leadership coaches (I hope!).Be memorable in a good wayThis probably goes without saying, but here I am saying it. Strive to be memorable for all the right reasons. You don’t necessarily have to be likable to be memorable (more on that in the next section). But, people who are memorable in a good way are often likable as well. There is research that has examined what makes people likable, memorable, and more successful. Additionally, likable people tend to be more successful. For example:* Likable people are more likely to get hired.* They are more likely to get promoted. * They are more likely to keep their jobs. * Likable leaders also tend to be viewed as effective leaders. “The results are very clear – there is no harm in being liked by your subordinates and our research certainly suggests that it is part of being viewed as an effective leader. This means that well-liked leaders can expect subordinates to consider them as authentic, transformational, ethical, and not abusive. Likewise, teams who like their leaders will be happier at work, go above and beyond what is required of them, experience greater well-being, and perform at a higher level.“ — from Why Likable Leaders Seem More Effective, Harvard Business ReviewSome of the following suggestions for positive memorability might not fit your personality. But, hopefully, a few of them will come in handy the next time you meet someone. * Be truly friendly * Smile and laugh * Use good eye contact and positive body language* Show a genuine interest in others* Ask relevant questions* Share the spotlight* Be kind and helpful * Be generous* Be funny and witty * Tell interesting and unique stories from your life* Be authentic * Be open-minded* Be reasonably vulnerable* Be well-read and up-to-date on relevant news* Do your homework so you can have interesting conversationsDon’t be memorable in a bad wayAs I was researching and writing this newsletter, I thought about how memorability is a polarizing quality. Some people are memorable for all the right reasons. Others are memorable for all the wrong ones.For example, I had a call with someone today, and he mentioned that he has a shortlist of people he will never, ever work with again. Those people are certainly memorable for him, but I don’t think any of us want to be easy to remember because we’re toxic coworkers or terrible leaders.This advice may sound obvious, but I think some folks missed this chapter in the book on How to Be Memorable. They love being argumentative and bombastic and seem to enjoy having a reputation of being “difficult to work with.”Why? I’m not sure. Perhaps they feel like they are being true to their authentic selves. However, that’s a long and lonely professional road to walk. I know some people like this. No one goes out of their way to recommend them for new opportunities or be their advocate when someone calls and asks for a reference. Memorability mistakesSadly, some folks seem confused about what it takes to be noticed and remembered. They think that being aggressive, loud, and self-promotional is how one captures attention and becomes memorable.As one recent example, I've been popping into Clubhouse rooms over the past few weeks and witnessed truly cringe-worthy behavior:* Lots of bragging (e.g., “Of course, I'm always invited into the biggest investment meetings.”)* Self-proclamations (e.g., “I've always been really funny”)* Interrupting others (e.g., “Oh, that’s nothing! Let me tell you my story.”)* Self-promotion (e.g., “Everyone always says I'm the best person to have in a sales meeting”)Cutting people off and hogging the mic won’t get you noticed — well, at least not for any good reasons. Bragging about yourself won't make you memorable in a good way. Of course, we all hope to be memorable. But, don’t try so hard that you end up making a terrible impression. Avoid oversharing, telling your entire life story, dominating conversations, and making it all about you.Venue does matterIt's hard to get noticed on a service like Clubhouse. Many of the likability signals I mentioned aren't available (e.g., smiling). You're competing with way too many other people to be heard. To be fair, many of my memorability tips don't work well in any typical crowded networking event. Everyone clusters around a few popular people, trying to be noticed and shouting to be heard. However, you increase your odds of being memorable in small group settings and one-on-one discussions. Lunchclub.ai, for example, is better for this than Clubhouse. Or, as I’ve recommended before, you should be the one giving a talk “on stage” (physical or Zoom).It’s a lot easier for people to remember the few speakers at an event than the hundreds of people they meet from the audience. I’ve always had a better “networking experience” as a panelist or speaker versus another attendee.If you want to be more memorable and make a lasting positive impression, choose your venues wisely and play to your strengths when deciding how you want to engage with people.Leave a comment below if you have any additional suggestions, thoughts, or questions! 😊This week’s professional development challenge⭐ Create Your Elevator PitchWhat do you want to be known for? What matters the most to you? Career opportunities come more easily when you stand out and stand for something.Larry Cornett is a leadership coach and business advisor who runs a supportive online community. He lives in Northern California near Lake Tahoe with his wife and children, and a gigantic Great Dane. He does his best to share advice that can help others take full control of their work and life. He’s also on Twitter @cornett. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit newsletter.invinciblecareer.com/subscribe

“Are you aware of any tried-and-true methods for making the transition from being a full-time employee at companies in the Bay Area, to becoming a consultant or contractor who is able to reap the financial rewards of providing their skills and expertise? Regardless of career stage.” I was asked this question recently via my anonymous Q&A form. Some people are okay with working for someone else for several years. But, at some point, they get the itch to break free and start their own business. Perhaps they want more independence and flexibility in their work schedule. Maybe they’re tired of small raises and occasional promotions, so they want more control over their financial destiny.Whatever their reasons are, knowledge workers — as I’m guessing this person is — can quickly spin up a business based on what they do. I’ve made this transition myself a couple of times during my career. I also have several friends and colleagues who have become consultants after years of being employees at Tech companies in the Bay Area. If anything, it has become even more accessible in the last ten years.I wrote a more detailed article on this very topic: “Can You Channel Your Work Frustration into Creating Your Own Business?” But, I’ll share some specific advice in this newsletter. What I didThe fastest transition to consultant or contractor is to sell what you have been doing as an employee. Base your service offering on what you already have several years of experience doing in your day-to-day job.I did this when I first left my comfortable 9–5 job and became a solopreneur in 1998. I quit as a senior designer at a startup and formed a “design agency” in less than a week. I had my first client before I even left my job: my previous employer. I added additional clients over the next few weeks.I didn’t even bother buying a domain name and creating a website until I had already completed a few projects. Modern social media didn’t exist yet. The only way people could contact me was via my email and phone. Online advertising mostly consisted of annoying and expensive banner ads.My primary sources for new clients were through word of mouth and partnerships. I sold what I already knew and could do. I had been providing my software design services for years as a full-time employee at IBM, Apple Computer, and a couple of startups. The transition to performing design work for clients was almost seamless.How do you define your business and services?The value you create for your employer isn’t very different from the services a consultant would sell to your employer to replicate what you do. A useful exercise is to transform your current detailed job description into a business plan. Describe your proposed services as solutions to the problems that you know your target clients have.How would a business describe its services if it offered what you do day-to-day? However, keep in mind that the rules change when you are a consultant or independent contractor. You now have autonomy. You decide how and when the work gets done. You can’t say, “I perform the design work that the manager asks me to do every week.”I should rephrase that: to be considered “self-employed,” you must decide how you do your work. You must also control how you get paid, get reimbursed for expenses, purchase necessary tools and supplies, and handle other benefits (e.g., health insurance, retirement accounts, vacations). Remember, you are on your own now. The company isn’t taking care of all of this for you. Talk with an accountant to clarify your company formation and how you will handle banking, accounting, and tax preparation later.Be very careful that you don’t allow a client to dictate the terms of your engagement, even though many will try to do precisely that. They may want you to work in their office (crazy in these modern times), be available for specific hours each day (e.g., 9 AM to 5 PM), and use one of their corporate laptops. If you let this happen, you run the risk of being classified as an employee, which completely changes how you and the employer will have to handle payment and taxation. Forget about writing off all of those business expenses on your taxes next year (e.g., your new laptop and all of that software you use).What do you charge?Speaking of money, you’ll need to decide what you are going to charge for your services. Before you quit your job, do some internal research. Find out what your company is paying people to provide the services you are planning for your new consulting business. If your employer hires an outside agency, contractors, or consultants who offer similar services, what are they paid?You should also do some external research and find out what the market will bear. * What are your friends at other companies paying consultants and contractors? * What are consultants and contractors charging their customers right now? Do some homework to decide how to price your services. You’ll also need to decide if you charge an hourly rate or a flat rate by the project. There are pros and cons to both approaches.When you are just starting, it is tricky to estimate a flat rate for projects. You don’t have enough experience yet to know how much work and time a given type of project (and client) will require.It’s ok to start with hourly billing for client work. But, eventually, you want to shift to selling value delivered, not hours spent. You shouldn’t be punished financially when your experience enables you to complete projects more quickly. There are significant benefits to project-based pricing and monthly retainers (e.g., predictable, steady income).How do you find clients?The hardest part of starting a new consulting business is the cold start problem. * Where do you get your first clients? * How do you build a reputation that will get you hired when you have nothing to show yet? * Why should anyone trust you or believe that you can do great work if they don’t know you?Ah, there’s the answer right in that last question. Who already knows you and trusts you? Who already knows that you do great work?Your previous employers and colleagues.The majority of my consulting clients came from previous colleagues and bosses. Sometimes they would be the ones hiring me. Sometimes they would refer other clients to me. My network fueled my business.For example:* My very first client was my past employer. I told them that I was quitting to start a consulting agency. They tried to persuade me to stay as an employee. I declined, so they immediately said that they wanted to hire me as a consultant and take all of the hours I could give them.* My next client hired me because an employee on their Design team had worked with me at Apple. They needed another designer to run a few projects since they were overloaded. He told the manager of the team to hire me, and he did.* I was pulled into a large number of projects by past colleagues who were now consulting as well. * Designers would bring me on to partner with them on big projects. * Engineers would tell their clients that their products needed some “design love” and recommended that they hire me to work with the engineering team. * Product managers and various senior leaders would hire me to play the role of Design leaders as they were struggling to find an excellent full-time hire.Leverage your close network. These are people who already enjoy working with you, trust you, and value the quality of your work. Reach out to people and let them know that you are consulting now and have some cycles to take on a new project. Never say that you don’t have any clients and act desperate, though.How will you know that it’s working?As you build your reputation and portfolio of past projects and clients, you’ll be able to attract new clients who’ve never worked with you before. As the demand rises, you will also be able to increase your rates. When you have more clients than you can handle and you’re charging what you need to live comfortably, you’ll know that your new business is up and running successfully.However, always be connecting with people to keep opportunities flowing your way. You can’t slack off on marketing and sales just because you’re busy working on current projects. You don’t want to get into a repetitive cycle of feast and famine. It still makes sense to aggressively build up a financial cushion that can carry you through months — or even a year — if your client work slows.If you have too much inbound interest, you can send work to other consultants. Bring people on to help you with projects, and there will be reciprocity. You have to give to take. Don’t be one of those people that never help others find work; otherwise, no one will think of you and help you either.As your business scales up, you’ll have to decide how you want to grow to take on more clients. * Do you hire contractors? * Do you start hiring employees? * Do you bring on partners? * How should you diversify your income streams?* Can you create passive sources of income? These are great questions, and it’s a good problem to have, but I’ll save that for another story.Good luck!I hope this helps anyone who is considering the transition from employee to consultant! It’s a rewarding journey, and the freedom is like nothing you’ve ever experienced as an employee.Reach out to me if you have any other questions or leave a comment below.This week’s professional development challenge⭐ Write Your Full StoryThe messaging around your story should be aligned across platforms. This includes how you talk about yourself online, in written correspondence, and verbal conversations.Larry Cornett is a leadership coach and business advisor who runs a supportive online community. He lives in Northern California near Lake Tahoe with his wife and children, and a gigantic Great Dane. He does his best to share advice that can help others take full control of their work and life. He’s also on Twitter @cornett. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit newsletter.invinciblecareer.com/subscribe

Do you enjoy the sound of your voice?You probably don’t. I know that I don’t like listening to myself on my podcast or in videos. Research conducted by psychologists Phil Holzemann and Clyde Rousey (referenced in this article) found that you experience an affective disturbance when listening to a recording of your own voice. This feeling: “…arises not only from a difference in expected frequency, but also a striking revelation that occurs upon the realisation of all that your voice conveys. Not only does it sound different than you expect; through what are called ‘extra-linguistic cues,’ it reveals aspects of your personality that you can only fully perceive upon hearing it from a recording. These include aspects such as your anxiety level, indecision, sadness, anger, and so on.”In other words, we are surprised and disappointed by how our voices sound. First, the pitch is higher than we expect. We normally hear our voices through sound waves in the air and conducted through the bones in our head, so the vocal tone is perceived as richer and lower. But, we also pick up on emotional cues in our voice, which is disturbing as well.You can train your voice to be fuller and more resonant. It helps to practice diaphragmatic breathing (i.e., belly breathing), breathing through your nose, relaxation techniques, finding your natural pitch, and speaking more resonantly (i.e., avoiding a nasal-sounding voice).These vocal exercises are important and will improve your tone. But, there is another aspect of your voice that will have a greater impact on how people respond to you.Speaking delivery styleYour vocal delivery style is even more important than the sound of your voice. I’ve been working on my public speaking for over 16 years, and I’m still learning new things to improve it.What goes into your style? Well, it includes:* Your posture* Body language and movement* Arm motions and hand gestures * Facial expressions* Eye contact* Vocal tone, rhythm, volume, and pace* Effective pauses* Word choices and articulation* Your energy levels* Your confidenceFor the longest time, I spoke too quickly. I would rush my words. I would feel breathless and stressed. My chest would feel tight. I think I just wanted it to be over.I have improved somewhat over the past 10+ years of speaking on stage. I’ve forced myself to slow down and use dramatic pauses — even when the silence made me incredibly uncomfortable. I learned to make full use of the area on the stage and learned how to engage the audience with my body language and eye contact.However, I recently engaged in a new production partnership for some courses, which required me to use a teleprompter to record my scripts on video. I’ve never used one before, and I heard myself speaking unnaturally and sounding so uncomfortable. So, I had to find a way to overcome this performance issue.My new secret weaponFind your vocal hero and study his or her style. For example, I learned to channel my “inner Morpheus” to improve how I spoke to the camera. Even with all of my practice, I still found myself stumbling as I rehearsed the scripts I had written. I’ve become more comfortable with podcasting, but this was different. It was all new to be in a production studio with bright lights, scrolling words on a teleprompter, and looking into a dark camera. I really couldn’t see the director, so I couldn’t pretend that she was my audience.Talk about stress! As I practiced, I found myself getting into that rushing habit again. I was stumbling over words and getting tongue-tied with certain phrases. Serendipitously, I had watched the original Matrix movie with my sons a few weeks before my recording session. The realization hit me as I remembered listening to Laurence Fishburne as “Morpheus” with his resonant voice and deliberate, theatrical speaking style:He could be my vocal hero.Yes, I know. It’s way over the top. But, you have to admit that he captures your attention. Remember when Morpheus says, “Isn’t that worth fighting for? Isn’t that worth dying for?”However, I wasn’t simply mimicking him. I was learning how to tap into some of his techniques to fix my broken style.I rewrote some of my material — on the fly and overnight — to flow more easily, have a better rhythm, and optimize it for vocal delivery. I began savoring phrases, playing with words, focusing on being in the moment, and becoming more melodious. During the recording sessions, I caught myself drifting off course again, becoming stressed, and rushing my speech. So, I paused, took a deep breath, visualized Morpheus, and heard his style in my head. That enabled me to refocus, slow down, and improve my delivery. I think that it worked, but I guess we won’t know for sure until they finish the production of the courses and publish them.Another favorite voiceThere is another actor who had a magical voice that I wish I could reproduce. Alas, I don’t have a great accent or vocal depth. You’re probably most familiar with Alan Rickman in his role as Severus Snape in the Harry Potter movies. But, if you’re older like me, you also remember him from Die Hard, Robin Hood, and Galaxy Quest. Here he is in an interview where you can close your eyes on focus on how he speaks. Calm, resonant, and never rushed.This isn’t about copying his voice. I want you to notice his confidence, patience, and pacing. He speaks exactly as he wishes, with his own timing. “I mean, language fascinates me anyway, and different words have different energies and you can change the whole drive of a sentence.” — Alan RickmanAfter studying Fishburne and Rickman, the takeaway for me is to own my words and my time in the spotlight. When you are speaking, whether it’s for a live audience or listeners later, it is your moment. Please take full advantage of it to get what you need from the opportunity. There is a reason you are speaking, participating, and sharing your voice. What is it? Don’t rush your time and your chance to be heard and understood. Enjoy your moment.“You have to be courageous with yourself on stage, I think, emotionally.” — Alan RickmanWho is your presentation hero?Is there someone with a vocal delivery style that you admire? Have you watched someone speak on stage and thought, “There. That’s how I want to behave in front of an audience.”?If not, TED talks are a great place to go shopping for a presentation hero. The videos give you everything you need; how they speak, gesture, smile, move on stage, and everything that makes a great talk great. Watch and take notes. Different speakers will have different styles that appeal to you. You may like how one person uses facial expressions. But, you prefer another person’s vocal delivery, speaking rhythm, and how they use pauses. Review your notes and start practicing! I recommend that you record yourself on video too. Pay attention to your pacing, body language, and tone. Amp up your energy level! The director I worked with kept reminding me to exaggerate my style and be more energetic and friendly. It’s easy to fall into a monotonous, low-energy cadence when you’re performing a monologue for the camera with no live audience. Learn from your heroes, but define your unique style. It has to feel like “you,” if you are going to be comfortable with it. But, it will take practice to refine your style until it fits you just right. Let me know how it goes (in the comments)! This week’s professional development challenge⭐ Leverage Your CalendarMake your calendar your new accountability buddy. Let it be the defender of your precious time.Larry Cornett is a leadership coach and business advisor who runs a supportive online community. He lives in Northern California near Lake Tahoe with his wife and children, and a gigantic Great Dane. He does his best to share advice that can help others take full control of their work and life. He’s also on Twitter @cornett. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit newsletter.invinciblecareer.com/subscribe

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no cost to you.How are you holding up? Have you found some healthy ways to manage the stress in your life? Watch the video I recorded on this issue. I had a conversation with my Career Accelerator community this week about recent events in the U.S. that have added another layer of anxiety on top of everything else. We discussed how we handle the situation, manage our personal stress levels, and help our teams cope. Stress is a killer. I don’t mean that figuratively, either. It literally harms your health.Stress triggers an adrenaline dump and raises cortisol levels. It can manifest symptoms such as fatigue, headaches, digestive problems, weight gain, higher blood pressure, tightness in your chest, joint pain, memory issues, and problems sleeping.For the longest time, I accepted high stress levels in my life — mostly due to work issues. I thought it was normal. I also thought that I could simply “push through it.”But, I paid the price for not dealing with my stress. My health suffered — a lot. I’ve since learned that I need to maintain my physical, mental, and emotional well-being just as I maintain any system to keep it running smoothly. It is not a weakness to admit that you need personal time to take your stress levels down a notch. You’ll be more productive, happier, and successful in the long run when you make time to take care of yourself. You can’t prevent stressful situations from occurring. But, you can help yourself recover more quickly from them. Here are some techniques that I have used to relieve stress over the years. They don’t only help me personally. I’ve found that actively managing my stress levels has dramatically improved my work productivity.I hope this can help you too! Calming routinesMy morning routine calms me and helps me start the day right. We are often creatures of habit, and a predictable routine helps reduce anxiety.It gives you a greater sense of control over your life. You are deciding what happens when. Making coffee is one of my calming routines. I don’t use a machine. I either do a pour-over in my Chemex or a faster cup in my portable Aeropress.With both techniques, I grind the beans, boil water, and brew the coffee manually. The physical actions and sensory elements are familiar (I’ve been doing it for decades). Going through the motions always clears my mind and calms me down.Calming musicDo you remember your last visit to a spa or relaxing massage therapy session? You may have noticed that they always seem to be quietly playing tranquil music in the background. It almost puts me to sleep every time. I wanted to replicate that feeling when I take a hot bath to relax, treat my aching muscles, and feel calm. So, I did some searching on Spotify and found a few playlists. One of them has over 13 hours of relaxing music!Try them out the next time you want to bliss out:* Relaxing Massage* Spa Music* Japanese music, Zen music, and spa musicRelaxing videosAdding a visual element can boost the stress-busting impact. I’ve found a few videos on YouTube that can help relax you between stressful meetings. I can feel the release of tension even after watching them for a few minutes.Even though travel is restricted, this is one way to still see the world. You can even take a walk through Hobbiton in one of the videos in my playlist! I couldn’t help myself. I snuck some Bob Ross painting videos in there too. Is there anything more relaxing than listening to him talk while you watch him paint?I’ll keep adding more videos as I discover them, so subscribe to that playlist if you want to keep updated.MeditationMeditation is magical, or so I’m told. Many of my friends love Headspace and recommend their app. Calm also provides solutions (including an app), for stress relief and meditation. However, this will be a case of “do as I say, not as I do.” I’ve tried traditional meditation in the past and struggled with it. I also find it challenging to be alone for enough time to meditate without interruptions.However, certain types of activities do put me into a meditative state. I use them to calm my mind and relax. For example, sketching patterns and doodling work really well for me. The physical action and pattern completion reduce my stress. I notice that my heart rate slows, and my breathing also becomes slower and deeper. So, is it still meditation? I think so — and some agree — but I guess it doesn't matter if the result is the same and I experience the benefits. BiofeedbackI have fun with my pulse oximeter. It measures my heart rate and blood oxygen saturation levels (useful to detect early symptoms of COVID). But, I mostly use it as a biofeedback device to help me calm down and reduce stress. With practice, you can use real-time information from biofeedback to learn how to relax and control your body’s reactions to stress. I attach the pulse oximeter to a fingertip and get a live reading of my heart rate. Then, I practice deep breathing, calm my mind, and focus on slowing my heartbeat. I’ve been able to take my heart rate from 80 to 50 in less than a minute using this technique. It immediately reduces your feelings of stress and anxiety too. We’ve made it a bit of a game in our house to see who can slow their heart rate the most. ExerciseDaily exercise is my go-to stress-busting solution. If I miss my morning workout, I feel “off.”Lifting weights always improves my mood and makes me feel more positive, even if it physically drains me. Surprisingly, physical fatigue eliminates my mental and emotional fatigue. So, try to work exercise into your daily routine. It can be as simple as taking a long walk. Or work up to something more dedicated like weightlifting, yoga, cycling, or running.SleepGetting enough sleep is one of the best things you can do for your health and reduces your stress levels. It’s tempting to cut corners and burn the candle at both ends to try to accomplish more. But, insufficient sleep is bad for your mind and body.Sometimes, we think that we are sufficiently rested, but we aren’t getting enough deep sleep. The little things we do or don’t do can disrupt our sleep patterns. Mark Sisson wrote The Definitive Guide to Sleep, which includes links to techniques to help you get a better night’s rest. For example:* Reduce your exposure to blue light (our electronic devices emit it), especially near bedtime.* Keep your bedroom pitch black when you sleep (e.g., have nothing in the room that glows at all!).* Go to bed around the same time every evening. * Use your journal to capture those ideas and to-do items that are still buzzing around your brain.* Have a bedtime ritual that helps you prepare and get ready to sleep (e.g., I read a paper book for about 30 mins).Outdoor timeI’ve talked about the benefits of “green exercise” before. Getting some natural sunlight is beneficial as well, especially at this time of the year. Exposure to sunlight can increase your brain’s release of serotonin, which is associated with boosting your mood and helping you feel calmer. If you live somewhere that doesn’t have much sunlight in the winter months (e.g., Alaska), you should consider light therapy. We bought this light therapy lamp a couple of years ago. My wife and I both suffer from some seasonal affective disorder when days are shorter. The lamp helps. Close your laptop and go outside for a walk. Take a much-needed screen time break.LaughterReal laughter always improves my mood and reduces my stress levels. It’s hard to trigger it artificially. But, you probably know what makes you laugh. I have a few books written by comedians and humorists. For example, I recently received Jerry Seinfeld’s latest book as a gift, Is This Anything? Several of his observations have made me laugh out loud.You probably have some favorite comedians and sitcoms that make you laugh. Pull them up on YouTube the next time you need a stress break.Laughter can:* Reduce stress hormones* Lower blood pressure* Boost T-cells in your immune system* Release positive endorphinsHealthy comfort foodsA healthy diet can reduce the effects of stress. It strengthens your immune system, improves your mood, and can lower your blood pressure. It can be tempting to reach for alcohol when you’re feeling stressed. Having a drink takes the edge off. I was doing that for many months last year.However, I wasn’t feeling good. My weightlifting training was suffering too. Alcohol inhibits protein synthesis, which impairs muscle growth.Alcohol wasn’t doing me any favors, so I quit drinking cold turkey right after Thanksgiving. I haven’t had a drink since, and I feel much better now. But, it doesn’t hurt to reach for your comfort foods once in a while. I like to cook a dish that I remember my mother making when I was a young child. The smell and taste of those meals trigger memories too. It puts a smile on my face and makes me feel better.Comforting entertainmentThere’s a reason that so many people will rewatch their favorite shows or even reread an old book. The familiar is comforting. Watching a “feel good” show from years ago has a positive impact on my mood (e.g., Northern Exposure). The effect is even greater when I watch a show from my childhood (e.g., M*A*S*H). Nostalgia kicks in, and you can “time travel” back to a happier moment in your life. According to Clay Routledge, Ph.D.:“Nostalgia increases positive mood, self-esteem, feelings of social connectedness, optimism about the future, and perceptions of meaning in life. Furthermore, nostalgia motivates people to focus on cultivating meaningful relationships and pursue important life goals. In addition, as people get older, nostalgia makes them feel youthful and energetic. Nostalgia also reduces existential fears about death.” SexWhat can I say? Engaging in healthy, consensual sexual relationships has many benefits. I’m sorry if this is uncomfortable. If so, scroll past this section and move on.Research has found that people who have sex 1-2 times/week have higher levels of an antibody called immunoglobulin A. It can also apparently make you look 10 years younger. 🤷‍♀️A healthy sex life can:* Boost your immune system* Lower your blood pressure* Reduce the risk of heart attack* Lessen pain* Improve your sleep* Reduce stress due to increased oxytocin, dopamine, and serotoninGoing solo still has many of the same benefits. Talking with a therapistFinally, you don’t have to struggle on your own. When stress and anxiety feel unmanageable, it helps to talk with a professional. There are many online services:* BetterHelp - sessions with a dedicated professional therapist* Talkspace - unlimited therapy with a dedicated therapist* 7 Cups - anonymous platform to connect with a compassionate trained “listener” or a professional online therapistIf you manage a teamCheck-in with your teams and see how people are holding up. You can spend a few minutes doing this at the beginning of your weekly meetings, but I also encourage you to talk with your employees one-on-one. Not everyone is comfortable sharing how they are feeling in a group setting. Be a source of compassion and care. Yes, we all have work to do, and projects must move forward. But, we’re also human beings, not machines. Don't add more stress. Literally, have a dedicated meeting to discuss their well-being and do not bring up work projects. If they do and want to vent, that’s ok.Let me know what helps youWhat have you found works best for you? Do you have any other tried and true stress-busting techniques? I hope that the current chaos in the world subsides a bit this year. Most things follow an ebb and flow pattern. What goes up must come down. Feel free to chat with me in the comments if you’d like. Or, reach out to me. I’ve been told that I’m a good listener. 😉This week’s professional development challenge⭐ Break Your Big Goals into SubgoalsI would guess that your medium and large goals for this year are too big and complex to jump right in and tackle.Larry Cornett is a leadership coach and business advisor who runs a supportive online community. He lives in Northern California near Lake Tahoe with his wife and children, and a gigantic Great Dane. He does his best to share advice that can help others take full control of their work and life. He’s also on Twitter @cornett. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit newsletter.invinciblecareer.com/subscribe

Whatever you want to achieve this year, the framework is simple for successfully doing it. However, while it might be simple — and perhaps even obvious — it is not easy.It’s kind of funny. I encounter many people who are looking for the “secret to success.” They want to hear about some new hack, technique, or strategy that they have never seen. They want something that no one has ever thought of before. Sorry, folks. Nothing is new. Or, I could say, what’s old is new. The secret framework for success has existed for a long time. People write about it in different ways. Some behave as if it is magical, and they have discovered it. Yeah, right. Others are more honest. For example, James Clear is honest and straightforward when he says that successful change is all about your daily habits. Cal Newport shares the not-so-secret to success that you need to work really hard, build valuable skills, and become so good that they can’t ignore you. Obvious, huh? Yes, well, that may be true. I’m sometimes told that some of my advice is obvious, too. But, here’s the kicker. Hardly anyone is actually following the advice. They complain that it is obvious, but they aren’t doing anything with it. I’ve mentioned this story before. Someone came up to me after a talk I gave at a conference in Australia. They said, “I really enjoyed your talk. But, some of what you said about career growth was kind of obvious. I already knew that.”I smiled, “Oh, good! So, you’re already doing all of those things to advance your career. How has it been working for you?”They blushed and said, “Well… I’m not actually doing them. But I know that I should.”I see. It’s obvious, and it probably works, but you aren’t taking action. I think we all are familiar with the framework that I share below. But, perhaps this is the real secret to success:You have to actually do it. You have to follow it. EverySingleStepIf you intentionally use this strategy this year, you will successfully achieve most of your goals. Yes, random chance and factors beyond your control can disrupt your plans. But, most of our failures are due to something we have done or not done. We usually have ourselves to blame for many things we do not achieve. I’m just as guilty. I haven’t published my book yet, and that is entirely my fault. I haven’t created a robust system, and I haven’t prioritized the work enough. Without further ado, here is a simple framework for your success this year. GoalsYou’re probably familiar with SMART goals. They are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. I’m not going to bore you with the details since I’m sure you’ve heard about them. If not, read up on them here. Many organizations and individuals have been using a new goal-setting method of establishing OKRs, which stands for Objectives and Key Results. The objectives in OKRs can provide more general and inspirational goals than the SMART approach, which tends to focus on more discrete and specific efforts.Want to learn more about OKRs? John Doerr wrote the bestselling book, Measure What Matters: OKRs: The Simple Idea that Drives 10x Growth. However, let’s make it simple. Goal-setting doesn’t have to be some crazy, complex exercise. Start by brainstorming a huge list of all of the things you want to achieve this year, both personal and professional. I asked my premium subscribers to do that this week and I’ll be discussing their plans with them in my community. Some things to keep in mind:* Capture more than your professional goals. Your personal development goals are important, too. They should inspire you. Make a commitment to yourself and your relationships, health, and well-being. ← Tweet this* Be specific about your goals, and make sure your progress can be measured. You want to be able to determine if you achieved a goal or not. Nothing fuzzy, such as “get better at writing.” Be specific with something you can measure, such as “Write and publish one article of 500-800 words every week.”* Be realistic and set goals that can humanly be achieved in a year or less. I love ambition. But, don’t set yourself up for failure with an unattainable goal (e.g., “I’m going to run a marathon, even though I’ve never had a run longer than 1 kilometer in my entire life”).* Create a list of small, medium, and large goals. It’s nice to have some wins along the way. * Review your goals with a trusted supporter (more on this later). It’s useful to have a sounding board who can help us judge if we’re being reasonable with some of our goals or have too many goals. For example, if you want to publish a book this year, run your goal by someone who has actually published a book before and can tell you if what you are planning is possible.Note, your probability of achieving a goal is only about 10% when you simply have a goal in mind. That’s why you need the rest of the framework below. PlanA goal without a plan is simply wishful thinking. Your plan will define how you specifically intend to pursue the activities that will enable you to achieve your goals. Start with a high-level plan for the overall year. Prioritize your goals and map them into your year accordingly. For example, shorter-term, higher-priority goals can be your focus for the next few months. Some goals will require other goals to be accomplished first (e.g., competing in a race means that you will need earlier goals to train for it).Break the larger goals down into a series of sub-goals and steps you need to build up to achieve them. For example, the goal of landing a new job has sub-goals and actions required before you can accept the offer. That includes:* Deciding what your next career move should be* Writing your elevator pitch* Updating your resume* Writing cover letters* Updating LinkedIn* Creating a portfolio* Creating an interview presentation* Strengthening your network* Reconnecting with people in your network* Researching interesting companies* Looking for job openings* Asking for warm introductions* Securing interviews * You get the picture…Essentially, map out the steps and actions you should take every day, week, and month for each of the goals you wish to accomplish. Create a plan for every week this year.It doesn’t have to be excruciatingly detailed, yet. Some goals don’t require that degree of planning anyway. Your goals and plans will be adjusted as you make progress and learn more. However, you should have a general framework in place for how you will attack your goals this year. Your probability of accomplishing your goal rises to 40% if you set a date by which you will achieve it. It climbs to 50% when you create a plan for how you will do it. ← Tweet thisHabitsJames Clear would tell you, “Commit to a process, not a goal.” Although I do like goals and plans, he’s right about the value of a process.If you don’t take action consistently, you won’t make progress. Many people create goals and plans, but very few make it all the way through their plans to achieve final success. I get it. It becomes overwhelming. If you set your eyes on a significant goal, you can become discouraged when daily progress feels minuscule. It seems like you will never reach your goal, and many give up. Such is the nature of significant achievements, though. Making progress does feel onerous. The work is hard, and sometimes it becomes monotonous. Any writer will tell you that they get burned out. The daily practice is often tiring, stressful, and not exciting. I have a friend who became wildly successful last year. For many people, it looked as if she came out of nowhere. You know, an overnight success. However, I know her. I know that she has been putting in the work all day, every day, for over 10 years. Not overnight. Ten years. I’m sure that she felt like it was a grind at times. But, now she’s reaping the rewards, although the hard work never ends. If you want to succeed in achieving your goals and working on your plans, you need to turn those actions into daily habits. Some might be weekly habits, but I would guess that you should be doing something every day — in some way — if you want to accomplish something important for you. ← Tweet thisFor example, I work out every day. I made that a habit and have been doing it for over 12 years. I also write every day. It’s the only way that I can make progress on my goals.What do you need as daily habits in your life to achieve your goals this year? They can be as little as a 30-60 minute commitment every day. Schedule timeOne of the biggest reasons people fail to achieve their goals is that they can’t find the time to work on them. They don’t make the goal a priority, and they don’t schedule time on their calendar to work on it every day or week. ←Tweet thisOnce you have defined your daily and weekly habits, block time on your calendar for them. I schedule time on my calendar to work out every morning. I block off entire afternoons to write my articles, newsletters, and books. Do not let other people have full control of your calendar, which gives them full control of your life. The first step to taking back your power and freedom is to own your time. I know that an employer probably requires many of the hours on your calendar, Monday through Friday. But, that doesn’t mean that they should own your evenings and weekends too. Your employer will take all of your time if you allow them to do so. I know that some of my past employers certainly took advantage of my workaholic tendencies. But your future is too valuable to let that happen. ← Tweet this…Track progressIf you have defined measurable goals, you can track your progress. You will be able to determine if you are on track to achieve your goals. I do this with every goal that is important for my life. For example:* I have realistic weightlifting goals (e.g., how much I want to be able to deadlift). * I have workout plans that I follow (and I’ve worked with coaches). * I have a daily habit of exercising in the morning. * I schedule time on my calendar to protect that time. * I track my progress. * I assess if the plan seems to be working or if I need to make adjustments. * I hold myself accountable by sharing my workout videos and posts.I do the same thing professionally, too. I am writing content for a course right now. I have a deadline, and I made a plan. I have a daily habit of writing a script. I track my progress in a spreadsheet and on a big whiteboard that I can’t ignore. My progress stares me in the face every day. I know when I’m falling behind my commitment to write four scripts every week. Tracking your progress can be motivational. It’s helpful to see how far you have come, even when it feels like you still have so far to go. AccountabilityThe secret sauce of success is combining habits, tracking, and accountability. I’ve shared this before, but it still blows my mind. If you promise someone else that you will achieve a goal, your probability of success rises to 65%. When you schedule regular accountability appointments with someone, your probability of success goes up to 95%! I did this when I started working out at a CrossFit box. I felt accountable to my coach. I also knew that my friends in the gym were waiting for me. They expected me to show up every morning and gave me grief if I skipped a workout. I’ve created the same type of accountability environment for my Career Accelerator. We meet every week, discuss goals and activities, support each other, give advice, and hold each other accountable for making progress toward our goals. That community helps us all stay on track. Now, I’m expanding my community to be more accessible to more people. My new community is much more affordable, but not free (although you can try it for free for a week). Why is it not free? Well, I’ve learned over the years that people don’t commit as much to something free. They don’t value it as much, either. When something is free, it is easy not to show up and not to make any progress. When you pay for support, advice, and access to a professional community, you value it more. You show up to get your investment out of it. Speaking of community…Those of you who are premium subscribers should have received an email yesterday about joining my new community to help you with your weekly professional challenges. That email has links that will give you free access to join the online version of the year-long course of challenges. Feel free to use it to ask me questions, discuss the details, get feedback, or chat with other members of the community.If you are not a premium subscriber yet, you can upgrade your subscription to join the course. Or, learn more about the community here. My Invincible Career Community is a supportive group of ambitious professionals where you will benefit from guidance, feedback, accountability, and inspiration from experts and peers. We don’t bite. 😉 Everyone is very friendly and helpful. Best of luck!I wish you the best of luck with your goals this year. Feel free to ask questions in the comments on this post online. Check out my new community if you want a group of smart, friendly, and ambitious people to help you make progress and stay accountable to achieving your goals. Larry Cornett is a leadership coach and business advisor who hosts a private mastermind community for ambitious professionals with weekly challenges, office hours, and 24x7 support. If you’re interested in starting your own business or side hustle someday (or accelerating an existing one), check out his “Employee to Solopreneur” course (launching in 2022).Larry lives in Northern California near Lake Tahoe with his wife and children, and a gigantic Great Dane. He does his best to share advice to help others take complete control of their work and life. He’s also on Twitter @cornett.📰 Interested in sponsoring an upcoming newsletter and reaching my community of ambitious professionals, leaders, job seekers, recruiters, and hiring managers? Contact me for more information about ad placements. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit newsletter.invinciblecareer.com/subscribe

In 2020, I spent hundreds of hours creating professional and personal development articles and podcasts to share with you. If my newsletter has enriched your life this year, helped you find a job, or given you more confidence at work, please consider subscribing to enjoy the premium version with weekly professional challenges. Your support makes all the difference! Thank you.It’s hard to see the forest for the trees with all of the articles I’ve written for this newsletter. So, I wanted to do an end of the year wrap-up to categorize and summarize everything for you. More often than you might imagine, people ask for my advice on a topic, and I can point them to a specific issue that I’ve written about it. Sometimes people are already subscribers, but it’s easy to miss an issue over the course of a year!I hope this helps! Next week, I will kick off a whole new year of the newsletter. 🎉 Invincible Freedom and Career* What do I mean by an “invincible career”?* How to regain your freedom and eliminate vulnerabilities* How to navigate a career change* This is the reason that you hate your job* Facing the paradox of choice in your career* How to future-proof your career* Fifteen perks of being a solopreneur* You don’t HAVE to do anything* Your chance to redefine what work means - Part 1* Your chance to redefine what work means - Part 2* Vital skills for the next 10 years* Make money with your voice* Make over $2M a year on Patreon? Yes, it’s possibleSuccess and Happiness* How you can make a lasting lifestyle change in the new year * Why you shouldn’t rely on hacks to advance your career* Comfort is the enemy of your growth at work* Use humor to be more successful* The secrets behind your flow state * Don’t let a promotion ruin your career* Three superpowers that will make you successful in your career and life* How to succeed in your new job* How to escape the tyranny of expectations* When will you have enough?* Don’t be lost in obscurity* Can you be too successful?* Do you have a fear of success?Failure* Why so many people fail * Don’t risk career suicide with your professional brand* Invest in yourself before failure occurs* Perfectionism will destroy your career* You can rebuild your life after failure* Should you keep investing or cut your losses?Remote Work* How to work from home* How to take care of your career during quarantine* Will you need to pivot your profession?* Remote work forever - Now what?* How to survive the chaos of working at homeJob Search and Interviews* How can you stand out in the market?* How to tap into the hidden job market* How to do a remote job interview* One way to make job interviews easier* The best way to get a better job offerCover Letters and Resumes* How to write an intriguing cover letter* Your resume is a necessary evilDealing with Layoffs* How to tell when a layoff is coming* How to stay off the layoff list* Laid off? What to do in that first week* The best warning sign of a failing companyIntroversion and Extroversion* Do you need to be extroverted to succeed?* Why is introversion suddenly sexy?Networking* Do business cards still matter?* Find a realistic career hero* How to socialize in a brave new remote worldWork Relationships* How to handle conflict at work* My boss is stealing my ideas!Communication* How to make requests that don’t frustrate people* Ghosting will destroy your reputation* How to improve your communication skills for workLeadership* Seven simple steps to better leadership* Would you be a great boss?* Are you a leader worth following?Professional Challenges - premium posts** Identify 10 people on social media* The first step to light up your network* Reconnect with your network* Make your career and business antifragile* Share your professional wisdom online* Attract an audience that will grow your career* Becoming an idea machine* Inspiration and motivation are overrated* Planning the business of your career* Consider the world of opportunity* What is your value proposition?* Identify your ideal employer* Connect with your key partners* Connect with your communities* Find your financial independence crossover point* Choose your primary channel* Update your elevator pitch* Find a panel discussion* Find an internal speaking opportunity* Be a guest on a podcast* Get in your green exercise* Schedule daily exercise* Find an accountability partner* Add a daily goal-directed habit* Ask for feedback from your coworkers* Ask your boss for feedback* Review your own performance* Identify the bottom of your funnel* Where do you want to live?* What has failure taught you?* Make Twitter your career tool* Face your biggest fears* What if your dream comes true?* What stands between you and your vision?* Attend my professional meetup* What are you thankful for?* Make your final push* Schedule time for friends and family* Make time for you* Capture your achievements for the year* Reflect on the yearQuick Tips - premium posts** Redesigning your environment for success* It’s hard to leave a good team behind, but they’ll be OK* Get your requests in early next year before budgets disappear* The power of passive income* How to find a trusted mentor* Get close to the money in your company* The benefits of getting out of your office* Understanding performance in your new job* Making a great first impression in your new job* How to make your business card more memorable* Why you should make your boss’s life easier* How to pin down your manager to get promoted* Don’t wait for failure to occur in your career* Leave your phone and laptop behind to be more productive* Control your work reputation* Remove fear and dream bigger* Your resume won’t get you a job* Deflecting anxiety makes it worse* Take time to let off steam* Reignite old connections in your network* How to protect and focus your time* The power of tiny gains* Learn from the past* How to escalate appropriately* Pay attention to the culture before taking a job* Record your voice for interviews and talks* Record yourself on video too* Build alliances before an important meeting* Create antifragile sources of income* How to make remote work work* Create a memorable email for introsYour subscription helps!In 2021, I’m looking forward to writing more articles and recording more podcasts for you. I have no employees, interns, or even an assistant. This is a one-person labor of love that is my passion and a part of how I make a living. If my newsletter has been helpful for you and you’d like to help support my efforts to create it, please consider subscribing to the premium weekly version. Thank you for being a loyal reader and I appreciate your support! This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit newsletter.invinciblecareer.com/subscribe

What if I told you that a podcast brings in $2-4M in annual revenue on Patreon? No, that’s not my Patreon page (I wish!).Did you know that the top streamer on Twitch pulls in over $5M a year? Yeah, I was surprised too. Whether you call it the “passion economy” or the “creator economy,” something fascinating is happening for people who crave freedom in their work and lives. More services and platforms have been springing up over the past few years that enable you to make a living simply from who you are and what you can do.This goes way beyond making money from your voice, which I talked about recently. This is also not about using your talent and skills for an employer, which most of us do — or have done — for most of our working lives. One example is True Crime Obsessed, a popular podcast that takes a deep dive into longer true-crime docu-series (e.g., Serial, The Staircase, Making a Murderer). They have 38,680 patrons on Patreon. Their tiers range from $5 to $20 per month. I don’t know their exact monthly subscription revenue (i.e., it isn’t published). Even if everyone is only at the $5 tier, that means they’re generating at least $2,320,800 in annual revenue from their Patreon account. I’m only using the following to show what is possible with a loyal fan base. Most people won’t achieve the level of income of these top earners. But, I was pleasantly surprised to see many creators earning six figures, which could be enough to make a living (in most places). * All Gas No Brakes shares exclusive interviews on Patreon. They bring in $1,079,040 per year.* Bill Bishop writes the publication Sinocism on Substack. Estimates put his annual revenue from the newsletter at over $1M. Note: the top 10 writers on Substack collectively bring in more than $10 million per year.* Podia is a platform for video courses and digital memberships. The top creator there makes more than $1M a year.* Beardbrand is a merchant on Shopify and grew to $120k in monthly sales in less than one year.* Richard Blevins is a gamer better known as Ninja. He earns $5.4M per year from streaming on Twitch.There are over 50M content creators in the world. But, there are probably only ~2M that make a living by doing it full time. What is the Passion Economy?Our current economy has been based on scale, reach, automation, and deep pockets. Large corporations like Amazon, Google, Netflix, YouTube, and Apple have dominated the marketplace. Walmart, Amazon, Costco, Flipkart, etc., have flooded us with mass-produced goods and competed for our wallets with ever-lower prices.Massive social media sites like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter have overwhelmed our attention span and tested our patience with others. More and more people are taking “social media detox” breaks, or delete their accounts entirely. Yet, people have said that they would be interested in a new platform dedicated to one of their personal passions. Adam Davidson coined the phrase “passion economy” in a book called The Passion Economy. You can think of it as the ultimate “shop small” philosophy. It’s based on three key components coming together:* Creators who are building a business around a unique talent, skills, ideas, topic, or passion.* Audiences who are interested in the goods, services, or experiences the creators have to offer. * Online platforms that host the creators and their offering and connect them with their audience.The passion economy is enabled by various digital platforms and services that have been created over the decades (e.g., blogging, messaging, photo and video hosting, podcasting, e-commerce, online payments). In some ways, it feels like a response to the commoditization that has occurred with goods and services — and even employment. Buyers, audiences, and fans are seeking:* Higher-quality goods they can trust* High-touch personalized services* One-on-one connections with experts* A stronger sense of community* Connecting with people around niche interests* More intimate relationships with fewer people* Unique and interesting experiences* More targeted and valuable informationCreators are seeking:* Freedom from employment in jobs that don’t fulfill them* A chance to live up to their full potential* Fair compensation for their talents, skills, and knowledge* An opportunity to make a living doing what they love* A shot at turning a passion into a way to make a livingHow is this different than the gig economy (e.g., Uber, Lyft, Doordash)? With a gig, you provide the service that the platform demands (e.g., giving someone a ride from point A to point B). They set the rules and control pricing. If you want to earn more, you have to hustle faster and work longer hours. The gig economy is based on convenience, consistency, and competitive pricing. The passion economy rewards individuality, creativity, relationships, and excellence. With the passion economy, you work for yourself. You decide what you are selling. You set your prices. You decide when you want to “work.”A very entertaining Uber driver can’t suddenly decide that a ride to the airport is worth $400 because he’s an excellent storyteller. Uber controls the pricing. But, an artist on Podia can charge whatever she wants for access to a painting lesson. If she’s an amazing artist in high demand, she can charge a lot more than another artist who doesn’t have a fan base. You will never get rich in the gig economy. But, the passion economy has the potential to make you wealthy if you are damn good at what you do and your fans love you. What can you sell?Your imagination is the limit. No, really, it is. Every day, I come across a new creator that has come up with something I had never considered. Some people are incredibly creative, and I’m always surprised that an audience is hungry for what they have to offer (e.g., “People will pay for that?”). Here are some simple examples to give you an idea of what you might have to offer:* Your knowledge and advice (e.g., newsletters, articles)* Your words (e.g., short stories, poetry, fiction, nonfiction)* Courses you create* Live courses* Live webinars* Live coaching sessions* Exclusive podcasts* Photography* Videos* Illustrations* Designs* Comics* Watching you play games* Artwork* Pottery* Physical products* Access to you* Access to communities* MusicMonetization modelsI’m a little overwhelmed by all of the creative ways people have monetized their personal passion economy “businesses.” You may already be familiar with social media influencers who get paid by sponsors to showcase products to their large audiences of followers. One of the most popular influencers, Kylie Jenner, has an ad equivalent value of $1M+ per post across her social media portfolio.But, the rest of us mere mortals generate income from sources such as:* Ad revenue sharing* Sponsored content* Affiliate revenue* Tipping* Paid subscriptions* Direct sales of physical and digital goods* Tickets for live and virtual events* VIP meetups* Fan club membershipHowever, all of this boils down to four primary models:* Subscriptions for access to exclusive content* Freemium with upsells to premium content* Direct sales (e.g., services, digital goods, physical goods, events, experiences)* Ads and SponsorshipsI know that this can seem out of reach if you have a small audience of followers and fans. But, it doesn’t take much to get started with a passion economy business. You can also build your audience on the side while you’re earning income from your primary job.Kevin Kelly’s famous “1,000 True Fans” concept should give you hope if you’re interested in making a living from your passion, knowledge, and talent. “To be a successful creator you don’t need millions. You don’t need millions of dollars or millions of customers, millions of clients or millions of fans. To make a living as a craftsperson, photographer, musician, designer, author, animator, app maker, entrepreneur, or inventor you need only thousands of true fans.” — Kevin KellyPassion Economy PlatformsHere are just a few of the platforms and service providers that power the passion economy. Some of these are my referral links, so thank you for your support! Check them out if you want to learn more.Newsletters* Substack * Revue * ConvertKit Writing* Medium* News Break (this is my News Break profile)* Kindle Direct PublishingDigital Goods* Gumroad * Podia * ShopifyMusic* CD Baby* Amuse* SoundCloud* BandcampPhysical Goods* Shopify* Teespring* Zazzle* CafePressArt* Redbubble* Fine Art America* ArtPalCourses* Podia * Teachable * Kajabi Memberships and Fans* Patreon (BTW, I’m on Patreon if you’re interested)* OnlyFans (No, it isn’t just for that kind of content. Michael B. Jordan said he will be creating an account.)* Buy Me a Coffee * Ko-fiEntertainment and Video* Cameo * Vimeo * Twitch A new path to freedomI find all of this very exciting! It gives all of us more flexibility in how we decide to work and live. With a passion economy business — especially one with digital goods and services — you can live anywhere in the world and work whenever you want.Most of us will follow a traditional career path of climbing the corporate ladder. It can be gratifying and lucrative, as well. I did it for about 17 years, learned a lot, and had many wonderful experiences. The economy of the past century rewarded fitting in and being what a company wanted. Get your standardized education, put on your professional clothing, land a job in an office, fit into the corporate culture, don’t make too many waves, and you’ll be OK.But, a better strategy for the economy of the next century is to be you — unashamedly yourself — and capitalize on how different you are from everyone else. Focus on your unique story, your personal brand, how you can stand out, and the personal value that no one else can copy. That’s where future success will lie.As you know, I also recommend having backup plans and multiple income streams. Owning your income and destiny makes you invincible. It’s wonderful to know that you could ramp up your side hustle to pay the bills if something happened to your primary job (e.g., an unexpected layoff). You can always test the waters with some of the platforms that I discussed here. If you’re enjoying it and making some money, see where it takes you! That’s how it began for me when I started writing on Medium.You never know. Some of the more successful creators had no idea that things would turn out so well that they could quit their 9-5 jobs and go all-in on doing something they love. If you do decide to try it out, let me know! I’d love to support you.This week’s professional development challenge⭐ Capture Your Achievements for the YearDespite all of the uncertainty, chaos, and setbacks, you’re still here and moving ahead. You accomplished more things than you give yourself credit for doing.Larry Cornett is a leadership coach and business advisor. He lives in Northern California near Lake Tahoe with his wife and children, and a gigantic Great Dane. He does his best to share advice that can help others take full control of their work and life. He’s also on Twitter @cornett. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit newsletter.invinciblecareer.com/subscribe