Be the Best Version of Yourself

My new manger laid out in no uncertain terms what the group norm was and I went back to my desk, disappointed but also resolute that the company/team culture was no longer for me.  I left the company on good terms pretty soon after.  Without realising it then, it was simple; I subconsciously could not reconcile who I needed to become to fit in and who I wanted to be.  So I exited myself from the situation.  This was the first time I ever left a job and put me onto the path that took me to where I am now.

My tips to be the best version of yourself: 

·   Be Mindful: Be honest, evaluate those you spend time with and decide if it is a positive experience for one, both or neither.  You need to be able to pause and think objectively about your situation.  You need to decide for yourself who is influencing you and be aware of “Ah Ha” moments when you notice you have changed your perspective.  Was it a good or a bad perspective adjustment?

·    Be Karma Focused:  I am not telling you to evict everyone from your life that does not make you a better person, by helping others you are in fact growing yourself.  So do the right thing even if it is the hardest path, be honest and have integrity, tell people how it is, don’t put off the hard decisions and conversations.

·    Be a Mentor: Find someone you can help, it is pretty easy, people probably already come to you for help or advice, instead of just glossing over the help, put some effort in, think about it, get out of your own head and really listen.  Help them plan an approach, invest some time

·    Be Time Sensitive: If you are in a situation where you are stuck or linked with someone who is a bad influence, the first step is to acknowledge it, talk to them, and be honest.  If all else fails, exit.  Honestly there are a couple of people that I am not my best around, I am self-aware, as such I minimise my exposure to them, to minimise the impact.  Don’t waste time in bad situations.

·    Be Generous: When I meet someone, I am very optimistic and trusting.  I liken it to giving every one bonus points to start with, a generous amount.  Then as time passes and over multiple interactions, I either give or take away points in my mind.  Supporting people to get bigger scores (more points), pushing people through levels where I can, solving puzzles.  This takes investment and exposure on my behalf, but growing the people is what makes them better and therefore you better by spending time with them.

Choose: To me, choice in your personal life on who you socialise with is mandatory,  at work it can sometime be difficult to decide who you sit next to (sure some people may argue as I have above about changing jobs as well, but in all honestly it can be more difficult depending on your circumstances, just don’t stay in a toxic environment or if you do, choose be the person that leads the change).  I choose to engage with great people in my own time, positive people that I can support and support me.

Be Empowered:  If you still don’t feel like you can do anything then you need to be of strong will and character.  I do believe there is a small percentage that can turn any situation, look for the way, speak to someone and get help planning, you will be amazed who will help if you reach out. 

I asked my team member this morning:  what was the most important impact I have had on them to make them a better person since we have worked together?  He said, “You have allowed me to be myself without judgement”.

What would your team mates say?