5 Ways To Be A Stand-Out Leader And Excel In Your Career

1) Fall off the bicycle

Remember how thrilling it was to get on a bike for the first time, even though you knew the chances of falling were fairly high?” She asks. “We got on anyway, took a few falls and have been riding ever since. You need to approach professional opportunities with this same mindset—regardless of how big or little that opportunity might be. Don’t be intimidated to speak up at the next meeting, present a unique idea or offer to take the lead on a project because you haven’t mastered your craft. Keep trying new things and keep falling off the bike. Often the best solutions to complex problems are brought to the table by complete non-experts (and to that end, everyone is a non-expert. If people look like they aren’t falling off of any bikes they probably aren’t trying to ride anything new)

2) Boost others

Our brains believe the world is a scarce and dangerous place, which is why so often you see intense competition and cutthroat behaviors in the workplace,” the author explains. “The reality is, we live in a deeply connected, safe and abundant environment where there are plenty of resources for everyone. To have a fearless career, be sure you are constantly praising those around you. It is equally as important that you get that same praise in return, so consider getting a ‘brag buddy’—someone who lifts you up, celebrates your accomplishments, reminds you of your worth and encourages you. You’ll soon watch the rising tide raise all ships.”

3) Say no

We often feel obligated to say ‘yes’ to tasks that distract us from our bigger goals,.” And quoting Warren Buffett, she adds, ‘The difference between successful people and really successful people is that really successful people say no to almost everything.’ Don’t be afraid to set and hold boundaries to keep you focused on the tasks and goals that are most important to you. You’ll ultimately be more respected for it and will have less chance of burnout from trying to manage everything.”

4) Have adventures rather than ordeals

Lean into the stress. Too often, people try to minimize or avoid stressful circumstances but in fact, they’re doing themselves a disservice,” she advises. “What research shows is that people who have the most stressful lives also report having the most meaningful and purposeful ones. Rather than trying to avoid stress (which, let’s face it, is unavoidable), try to change your relationship with it so that you see a challenge rather than a threat, and an adventure rather than an ordeal. Your life and career will have more meaning as a result.”

5) Consider the cost of inaction

We’re quite good at predicting and measuring the costs of our actions,” she reminds us. “‘I might look foolish. I might fail. I might be rejected.’ Too often what we neglect to measure are the costs of our inactions—how us not showing up or asking the question ultimately costs us more than any cost of action. Go big and play all-in. Regrets are far more painful and offer no lessons to grow.”