How embracing your emotions will accelerate your career | Joe Hudson (Art of Accomplishment)

What is the critical voice in your head and how can you change your relationship with it?

The critical voice in your head often tells you negative, repetitive, and inaccurate thoughts. It insists you need its guidance to be productive, but this is far from true. This internal dialogue isn't just critical; it's often flat-out wrong and contradictory.

Why the Critical Voice is Often Wrong:

• The voice in your head is frequently abusive and mirrors past negative influences like parents or teachers.
• It includes thoughts that repeat unnecessarily, such as "You need to work out more," without offering constructive solutions.
• This internal critic can significantly affect your enjoyment and success since it never allows you to savor your accomplishments.

How to Respond Differently to the Critical Voice:

• Acknowledge the Fear: Instead of fighting the voice, recognize its underlying fear. Say, "I see you're scared. Don't worry, I'm right here with you."
• Experiment with Responses: Try different ways to interact with the voice. For example:
  • Sing a musical to it.
  • Simply say, "I don't believe you."
• Shift the Relationship: Aim to change your response daily. By adopting an experimental mindset, you can break free from the critical voice and discover more liberating ways to think.

Practical Steps:

1. Identify a repeating critical thought.
2. Respond to it differently each day for a week.
3. Reflect on which response lessens its negative impact.

Changing your relationship with this inner critic offers newfound freedom and paves the way for emotional and professional growth.

Why is embracing all of your emotions important for career growth?

Embracing the full spectrum of your emotions is crucial for career growth. Emotions guide decision-making and productivity, making emotional fluidity essential.

Significance of Emotional Fluidity:

• Emotions influence every decision. Without them, choices become nearly impossible.
• Emotional repression can hinder productivity and collaboration.
• Fluid emotions enhance creativity and problem-solving.

"If you are like, oh, I can't feel like a failure, well, then you're probably not going to take certain risks," explains Hudson.

Impacts of Avoiding Emotions:

• Decision-Making: Dodging unwanted emotions can restrict solution sets. For example, avoiding conflict may prevent you from addressing necessary workplace issues.
• Productivity: Emotional baggage can stifle your performance. Releasing it can free up mental and emotional space for better focus and efficiency.
• Collaboration: By not feeling emotions fully, you may fail to communicate effectively, thereby straining team dynamics.

For those struggling with managing emotions in the workplace, falling in love with each emotional experience can open up entirely new pathways both personally and professionally.

How can you question assumptions and improve self-perception?

Questioning assumptions and improving self-perception can break outdated beliefs and unlock new perspectives. Follow these steps for a clearer, more accurate self-view:

1. Identify Core Assumptions:

   • Pinpoint long-held beliefs about yourself.
   • For instance, "I'm always bad at presentations."

2. Examine the Evidence:

   • Gather actual experiences.
   • Note instances where you performed well contrary to the assumption.

3. Challenge the Assumptions:

   • Ask yourself: "Is this belief absolutely true?"
   • Consider alternative explanations.

4. Seek Feedback:

   • Ask trusted individuals for honest feedback.
   • Use their insights to refine your self-view.

5. Update Your Self-Perception:

   • Replace outdated beliefs with evidence-based ones.
   • For example, change "I'm bad at presentations" to "I can improve with practice."

Example: Assumption: "I'm not creative"
Challenge: Recall moments when you provided innovative solutions.
Outcome: Recognize your creativity under different circumstances.

By frequently questioning your assumptions, you enhance self-awareness and foster personal growth.

What are the benefits of enjoying your work 10% more?

Finding joy in daily tasks can profoundly enhance productivity and the quality of your work. By increasing enjoyment, you unlock a host of benefits that contribute to professional success.

Enhanced Productivity:

• Enjoyable tasks feel less like chores and more like engaging activities, increasing overall efficiency.
• You’re less likely to procrastinate when you look forward to enjoying your work.
• Higher enjoyment levels often result in quicker completion times and better outcomes.

Improved Quality of Work:

• Enthusiasm boosts creativity, leading to innovative solutions and higher-quality results.
• Joyful engagement enhances attention to detail and accuracy.
• Satisfaction in work can lead to a higher level of craftsmanship and pride in what you produce.

Practical Methods to Increase Enjoyment:

• Set Small, Achievable Goals: Breaking tasks into smaller, manageable pieces provides a sense of accomplishment as you complete each one.
• Create a Pleasant Workspace: Ensure your work environment is comfortable and inspiring.
• Incorporate Breaks: Short, regular breaks can rejuvenate your mind and keep you engaged.
• Celebrate Small Wins: Acknowledge your achievements, no matter how minor, to foster a positive outlook.
• Practice Gratitude: Express gratitude for your job and the tasks you do, which can shift your mindset toward positivity.

Increasing joy in your daily tasks not only makes work more pleasant but also drives better performance and outcomes.

How can you create effective and enjoyable team meetings?

Transforming team meetings into enjoyable and productive sessions can significantly boost your team's effectiveness. Implementing the concept of five-star meetings is a game-changer.

Strategies for Effective and Enjoyable Meetings:

• Set Clear Objectives: Begin every meeting with a defined purpose. Knowing the agenda ensures everyone is focused and contributes meaningfully.

• Encourage Open Communication: Allow team members to voice concerns and ideas without fear. Starting with questions like "What are you scared to say?" can open up honest dialogue.

• Promote Engagement: Make the meeting interactive. Use activities or discussions that invite participation from all team members.

• Monitor Meeting Length: Keep meetings short and to the point. Long meetings often lead to disengagement and burnout.

• Regular Feedback: Conduct quick reviews at the end of each meeting. Ask for feedback to continually improve the meeting experience.

The Five-Star Meeting Concept:

To achieve five-star meetings, focus on the enjoyment and productivity of the session. Ask yourself, "How can we make this meeting 10% more enjoyable?" Small changes like incorporating breaks, energizing activities, or even a comfortable workspace can make a significant difference.

Remember, well-structured meetings are the atomic structure of a successful team. They bring issues to the surface, encourage collaboration, and foster a productive work environment.

Implement these strategies and watch your team meetings become more effective and enjoyable.

What is the power of a daily gratitude practice?

Engaging in a daily gratitude practice can transform your life. Focusing on thankfulness shifts your mindset, fostering personal and professional growth.

Daily Gratitude Practice Steps:

• Find a Partner: Do gratitude exercises with someone else. It enhances the experience and keeps you accountable.
• Set Aside Time: Dedicate at least seven minutes daily for this practice.
• Feel the Gratitude: Avoid just listing items; immerse yourself in the feeling of gratitude.

Benefits:

• Enhanced Well-Being: Reduces stress and increases happiness.
• Improved Relationships: Expressing gratitude strengthens bonds.
• Boost in Productivity: A positive mindset energizes and motivates you.

Practical Tips:

1. Call a Friend: Discuss things you're grateful for, fostering connection.
2. Gratitude Journal: Write down what you appreciate each day.
3. Express Thanks: Regularly thank colleagues to create a positive work environment.

For example, if you feel a lack of resources, focus on what you do have. This shift not only changes your outlook but can significantly alter your circumstances, evidenced by Joe Hudson's story of financial turnaround.

Incorporating a daily gratitude practice isn’t just beneficial; it’s transformative.