This post may come off as me tooting my own horn, but since when have I been concerned about anything I do coming across as such? Strike up the band! This is actually more of a gentle guide for anyone who needs it, as I had a brief recollection of a question I used to ask people when I was 21 years old. At that time in my life, I just wanted to know the secret to adulthood, and I whittled it down to one question I would ask everyone I met who happened to be over 40 years old. Now that I’ve passed that demarcation, it’s only fair that I answer to the best of my ability. Here is what I wish I’d known two decades ago, as it might have set my mind at ease and lessened the constant worry and fear I carried with me for much of my working life. It’s a simple percentage of what needs to be done to maintain a job, and the rules apply for just about every position I can think of:
– 70% is showing up.
– 20% is dressing up.
– 10% is shutting up.
Showing up: 70%– This was a lesson I learned in one of my first college courses. One of my professors made it known early on that just showing up to class would go a long way toward passing it, and being that physics played a larger role in that Astronomy class than I counted on, my presence was my only chance of making it through. Since then, I’ve seen far too often that showing up on a consistent and timely manner is more important than being the best at anything. I’ll take a semi-decent performer who’s there every day over a stellar performer who only deigns to appear now and then.
Dressing up: 20%– The old adage that one should dress for the job one wants is old for good reason. For the most part, dressing up only enhances opportunity to be taken seriously and advancing. People can argue (not wrongfully) that what one wears should not be a factor in how one performs, but the reality is that it does matter. To ignore it and claim that without a dress code anything goes is to make a fatal error in getting ahead. Just because you don’t think it should matter doesn’t mean it won’t. To put effort into one’s wardrobe and appearance is a show of respect to everyone who comes into contact with you, and that sort of thing makes a good impression on bosses and supervisors.
Shutting up: 10%– Despite the bravura of my voice here, I’ve always known when to shut my mouth and remain silent. It is often better to keep quiet and not say anything about the tiny trivial matters that bother you during the day. If one makes a habit out of saying everything all the time, when the moment comes for something important to be told, why would anyone even bother to listen? Too many people talk far too much, and most of the time it’s to their detriment. Listening – that’s the real secret to making one’s way in the world.
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