I came across this post on LinkedIn that was appropriated from a Facebook post that was titled “RULES FOR MY SON.” It moved me to share my perspective on some of these rules. Here’s a continuation from part 1:
#5. Don’t fill up on bread
When you fill-up on bread, you may not be able to enjoy the full essence of my entree. The entrée is why you get dressed up. It is the main course, it is the yum in yummy, and it is why you are seated at the table to have someone from the wait staff serve you a well-appointed plate of food. To enjoy the essence of the meal, don’t fill up on bread. Know when to decline the bread. There is nothing wrong with a small piece of bread, but it should not be at the risk of enjoying the meal.
#6. When shaking hands, grip firmly and look him in the eye
You are letting someone know that they matter to you. It demonstrates that you are focused on them. Let the person know that you appreciate them enough to shake their hand. Look them in the eye and show that you want to connect with them human to human. Outside of a hug, shaking hands is the ultimate gesture when meeting someone for the first time. Have them walk away from meeting you with a smile on their face and look forward to the next encounter with you.
#7. Be like a duck. Remain calm on the surface and paddle like crazy underneath.
Look at a duck while it is in the water. Smooth sailing. Underneath, that duck is paddling like crazy. That duck is trying to get to where it wants to go. That duck has a goal and to make it happen he must paddle like nobody’s business. Don’t let people see you are in distress. It is ok for your closest confidantes to see, not the haters and individuals that feel it is their appointed duty to take you down. Stay calm, and if necessary, lean on your mentors and people you trust to help you paddle through.
8. Experience the serenity of traveling alone.
Traveling alone is another opportunity to get to know who you are without the distractions and input from others. Having people in your ear can keep you unfocused, and off track and prevent you from stepping into your genius.