3-2-1: On Impressing Others, the Power of the Mind, and the Hidden Costs of Success
The things we do to impress others rarely impress them for longer than five minutes. But the things we do to provide value for others can last a lifetime. In the long run, one of the most impressive things you can do is provide exceptional value."
James Clear • 3-2-1: On Impressing Others, the Power of the Mind, and the Hidden Costs of Success
It is insane the amount of effort we, or at least I, waste on posturing and people-pleasing that will dissipate in the minds of people in seconds. One of my core values is to do things for the betterment of people, that is to add value to their lives.
There are so many areas this can be applied to in our interactions with people. Did it help someone feel better? Did I slow down and invest in their lives? Listening - actual, careful, active listening is expensive! What tremendous perceived value is contributed by listening to people without asserting our agenda. For transparency, I suck at this, but attempting to get better. I mean I have important things to say! More often than not, what I have to say is never nearly as valuable or important as what they have to communicate. I regularly need to remind myself to shut up!
I love the quote, I think by James Clear or maybe Shane Parrish, need to track it down. Stop being the most interesting person in the room and be the most interested person in the room.