As a continuation of my post from last week “10 lessons from Michael Port (Part I)”, I want to continue sharing with you the FOLLOWING 5 IDEAS THAT I TAKE AWAY FROM MY GREAT MEETING WITH HIM
- CELEBRATE YOUR SUCCESSES. Many professionals are so busy that they forget to celebrate their successes. And according to Michael Port, it’s a big mistake. Bet on celebrating each of the successes that are achieved. In this way, in addition to having a good time, you will get more motivation to achieve new successes. Although he admits that many times, it is difficult for oneself to “remember” to celebrate his successes. For this reason, he recommends having someone nearby who reminds you of the importance of celebrating each victory.
- FOCUS ON FEWER THINGS. Port is committed to stopping doing those things that you are not very good at and recommends putting all your effort into performing those actions that you are really good at. Be selective and choose what you are going to dedicate yourself to and what not. Eliminate some activities, delegate them to other members of your team or outsource them. Focus on your strengths and the activities in which you add the most value and forget about the rest.
- WINNERS QUIT ALL THE TIME. For Michael it is one of the most important ideas. He claims to have listened this quote to Seth Godin. He says that many times we hear or read about the importance of persevering, fighting till the end and never giving up, but he observes how the real winners have abandoned many projects. Knowing how to give up, quit on time and look for new challenges is a common characteristic among the most successful people. He cites Lance Armstrong as an example when he began his sports career as a good triathlete, but it was not until he abandoned swimming and athletics and focused all his efforts on cycling that his career took off. To achieve great achievements, many times you must know how to quit on time.
- STOP DECIDING AND START CHOOSING. Michael Port affirms that many people have great doubts when making big decisions. He says that the word decision is perhaps very strong, very aggressive. Bet on lowering the pressure and focusing on small elections. He clearly advises to “choose early and often”, instead of making big and momentous, make small choices. Dare to make small choices and make them often.
- LIFE DOES NOT GET IN THE WAY, LIFE IS THE WAY. Many people make plans and projects and usually complain about the unforeseen, that they have made plans and life and their circumstances have gotten in the way. Port affirms that life does not cut plans or get in your way, because life is the way. It reminds me a lot of John Lennon’s famous quote “Life is what happens while you’re busy making other plans”.
And I end with a quote from Michael Port himself, which perfectly sums up his philosophy of work and life. “Small thoughts fear the future; great thoughts are the future.”
