It sounds easy. It looks gentle. But it changes the entire dynamic of how people approach you, how they think, and how they grow.
So what do you think you should do?
It Builds Confidence
Many people come to you with a problem because they believe your answer is better than theirs. As soon as you ask this question, you hand the thinking back to them. You let them see that their judgment matters. Confidence does not grow from outsourcing decisions. It grows from making them.
It Trains the Mind
Most problems are not solved by knowing every fact. They are solved by understanding the options, the tradeoffs, and the impact. When you ask this question, you force the person to walk through these steps. They learn to think through consequences. They learn to compare paths. They learn to slow down and choose.
It Reduces Dependence
If you answer every question, people stop thinking for themselves. If you ask them what they would do, they begin to trust their own reasoning. Over time, you spend less time firefighting and more time guiding. The person becomes someone who brings you solutions, not crises.
It Reveals Their True Concern
Sometimes the problem they share is not the real issue. When you ask what they think they should do, you uncover what they are afraid of, what they are unsure about, or where they are stuck. You hear their reasoning. You see the gap. You know exactly where to help.
It Creates Ownership
The moment someone says what they think the next step should be, they take responsibility for it. They are no longer waiting for your instruction. They are taking action. Leadership is not given. It is practiced. This question helps people practice.
One sentence that captures the idea: When someone brings you a problem, the smartest thing you can do is ask the question that sends the thinking back to them.
Not to avoid solving, but to help them grow, to help them reason, and to help them become the kind of person who knows what to do next time.
In the pursuit of success, we often find ourselves seeking major breakthroughs or grand gestures that will propel us to the top. However, a concept borrowed from the world of sports and business, known as the “aggregation of marginal gains,” suggests that it is the accumulation of small, incremental improvements that can lead to significant overall success. As Dave Brailsford, the former performance director of British Cycling, once said, “The whole principle came from the idea that if you broke down everything you could think of that goes into riding a bike, and then improved it by 1%, you will get a significant increase when you put them all together.” Companies that excel at doing many small things well often prove to be harder to beat, and the same principle can be applied to our career growth. Here is a great insight into how we can use the philosophy of incremental accomplishments to reach our own career milestones. Having an understanding of this philosophy can significantly enhance our chances of success.
1. Embracing Continuous Improvement:
The aggregation of marginal gains centers around the idea of continuous improvement. Rather than focusing solely on making sweeping changes, it emphasizes the importance of constantly seeking small, manageable improvements in various aspects of our professional lives. This could include enhancing our skills, expanding our knowledge, building relationships, improving productivity, or refining our communication abilities. By making consistent progress in these areas, we gradually enhance our overall competence and become more effective in our careers.
2. Setting S.M.A.R.T. Goals:
To implement the concept of marginal gains effectively, it is crucial to set Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound (S.M.A.R.T.) goals. Identify areas where you would like to see improvement and establish specific objectives that align with these goals. For example, if you aim to improve your public speaking skills, you could set objectives such as attending a public speaking workshop, practicing presentations regularly, or joining a Toastmasters club. By breaking down larger goals into smaller, actionable steps, you create a clear roadmap for progress.
3. Developing a Growth Mindset:
A growth mindset is essential for embracing the concept of aggregation of marginal gains. Embrace the belief that talents and abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work. View setbacks as opportunities for learning and improvement rather than as failures. Cultivate a mindset that values perseverance and continuous learning. By adopting this perspective, you can maintain the motivation and resilience needed to persistently pursue incremental improvements throughout your career.
4. Building a Supportive Network:
Just as successful companies rely on effective teamwork, individuals seeking career success can benefit greatly from cultivating a strong professional network. Surround yourself with like-minded individuals who share your ambition for personal growth. Seek mentors who can provide guidance and advice, and offer support to others who are also striving for improvement. By creating a supportive network, you gain access to diverse perspectives, valuable insights, and potential collaboration opportunities that can accelerate your progress.
5. Cultivating Discipline and Consistency:
Implementing the aggregation of marginal gains requires discipline and consistency. Commit to a regular routine that allows you to dedicate time and effort to your professional growth. Set aside dedicated blocks of time each day or week to focus on specific areas of improvement. Whether it’s reading industry-related articles, practicing new skills, or attending relevant workshops, consistent effort over time will yield significant results.
Achieving success in your career can be overwhelming but looking at it from the perspective of aggregation of marginal gains makes it much easier. Taking small steps and making incremental improvements is key for success. By focusing on the small wins and not getting overwhelmed by large tasks, you can make sure that you are taking the right steps to achieve success in your career. This approach will help you break down bigger goals into smaller ones which will enable you to stay motivated and focused on achieving success.
Taking criticism personally is a common reaction that many of us have, but it is also a sign of immaturity. Truly confident people understand that there is nothing they can lose at the psychological and spiritual level when faced with criticism. They also recognize that others cannot affect their self-esteem because it is merely an illusion. By maintaining a calm, light, and graceful demeanor, these individuals inspire respect from those around them. In this blog post, we’ll explore the benefits of not taking criticism personally and how to cultivate this essential quality.
The Illusion of Self-Esteem
Self-esteem is often seen as a measure of our self-worth, and many people believe that it can be influenced by external factors such as others’ opinions. However, self-esteem is, in reality, an illusion. Our true worth comes from within, and it cannot be diminished by the words or actions of others. By recognizing that self-esteem is a construct, we can begin to detach ourselves from the need for validation and focus on developing our inner strength.
The Benefits of Not Taking Criticism Personally
Improved personal growth: When we don’t take criticism personally, we can evaluate the feedback objectively and use it to grow and improve. This mindset allows us to learn from our mistakes and become better versions of ourselves.
Enhanced relationships: By not taking criticism personally, we can communicate more effectively with others. This prevents misunderstandings and fosters healthier, more supportive relationships.
Increased resilience: Developing a thick skin and not taking things personally makes us more resilient to life’s challenges. We become better equipped to handle setbacks and persevere in the face of adversity.
Reduced stress and anxiety: Taking criticism personally can lead to stress and anxiety. By letting go of the need for approval and embracing constructive criticism, we can enjoy greater mental and emotional well-being.
How to Cultivate the Art of Not Taking Criticism Personally
Practice self-awareness: Develop a deeper understanding of your emotions and thought patterns. This will help you recognize when you’re taking things personally and allow you to adjust your perspective accordingly.
Seek self-improvement: Focus on becoming the best version of yourself. When you’re committed to personal growth, you’ll be more open to feedback and less likely to take criticism personally.
Develop empathy: Understand that everyone has their own perspective and experiences that influence their opinions. When you develop empathy for others, you’ll be less likely to take their criticism personally.
Adopt a growth mindset: Embrace the idea that you can always learn, grow, and improve. By adopting a growth mindset, you’ll be more open to criticism and able to use it as a tool for personal development.
Surround yourself with supportive people: Choose to spend time with individuals who lift you up, rather than those who drag you down. A supportive network can help you maintain a healthy perspective on criticism.
Taking criticism personally is a sign of immaturity, and it hinders our personal growth. By recognizing that self-esteem is an illusion and embracing a growth mindset, we can learn to face criticism with grace and confidence. This shift in perspective enables us to foster healthier relationships, become more resilient, and ultimately lead happier, more fulfilling lives. It’s time to stop taking things personally and start embracing the power of constructive criticism.
Maverick 