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The 7 Rules to Live By For Career Success

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Sometimes, life surprises us with moments of reflection. I remember vividly having a captivating conversation with a taxi driver. While stuck in traffic on my way to the airport after hosting a South by Southwest meet-up on neural diversity hiring, he curiously asked about the key to my success. His question inspired me to jot down my seven rules to live by. I’m sharing them with you in the hope that they’ll assist you in achieving personal and professional triumphs.

1) Stay connected to the people who matter most.

Keep in touch personally, not just electronically. Nurture deep relationships with loved ones.

2) Listen more, talk less.

Be genuinely interested in others, actively listen, and ask questions—end conversations by offering help.

3) Make commitments you’re genuinely committed to.

Don’t make false promises. If you can’t deliver, be honest and find alternative solutions.

4) Don’t get caught up in credit.

Credit will find its rightful owner. Embrace teamwork and acknowledge others’ contributions.

5) Acknowledge and encourage others.

Success is a result of collective effort. Express gratitude and provide words of encouragement.

6) Handle criticism with compassion.

Pause before responding. Count to ten or wait a day. Choose compassion over rudeness. Seek advice before reacting.

7) Set priorities based on the “5 Fs.”

The Five F’s are Faith, Family, Friends, Fitness, and Finance. Filter demands based on these priorities.

Conclusion

Defining a set of rules to live by is personal and essential. The rules you choose to live by should be thoughtfully created and tailored to suit your own individual needs. They should reflect your values, goals, and personal development objectives – all while giving structure to how you navigate life.

No matter how long or short of a list you decide upon, each rule should serve an overall purpose in keeping your focus placed on the things that will help you to reach success and maintain balance. Your rules can be amended over time as your circumstances and values change, so reviewing them regularly is essential to ensure they serve their purpose best.

To learn more about rules to live by, listen to this week’s show: 7 Rules to Live By.

Author

  • Phil McKinney headshot

    Phil McKinney is an innovator, thinker, creator, author, and speaker. He is the former CTO of HP who has built teams that have innovated award-winning technologies and products currently used by half-billion people worldwide. Fast Company and Businessweek named these teams as being among the “50 Most Innovative”. As host of the award-winning podcast, Killer Innovations, he shares his insights on creativity and innovation to help listeners develop their ideas into actionable plans for success. Launched in 2005, the podcast is the longest continuously produced podcast in history. In 2011, Phil authored Beyond The Obvious – a book on innovation and creativity. The book is available in hardcover, digital, and audio. Media recognition includes Vanity Fair as “The Innovation Guru”, MSNBC and Fox Business as “The Gadget Guy” and San Jose Mercury News as the “Chief Seer”.

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