Relentless Attention

First, can we all just agree that relentless is a great word?

Seriously. Doesn't it just say so much in a mere 10 letters?

If you know anything about me, know that I am sucka for great quotes. I found one that uses the word relentless and thought I'd share:

"To devote relentless attention to doing one good thing after another, however small, is the only path to becoming and remaining a great boss."

But what I would like to suggest today is that you switch out the word boss with any other word that applies to you. Like friend. Or wife. Or parent.

Devote relentless attention. To whatever you are focused and passionate about. Surely words to live by.

A Tale of 2 Art Directors

This is a story about two art directors.

They went to the same graphic design school.

They graduated the same year. With the same degree.

They both got junior designer jobs right out of college.

They both have been in the business 18 years.

One makes $54,000. One makes $180,000.

Hmmmmmm. Word up with that? Well, pay attention because 18 years from now you may find yourself in the same kind of chart. On which trajectory do you want to land?!

The difference in these two folks is the skill and will to lead. Think about that. As you grow and develop in your career, perhaps choosing to learn more about managing and leading will change your trajectory.

Some say leadership is an innate skill, you either have it or you don't. I doubt that. I know you can learn to improve your people skills, you get practice at it daily from 9 to 5. Some people just pay more attention to the lessons they are learning. They apply the daily lessons, improve their abilities with every opportunity. Others, well, others just work from 9 to 5.

Exercise your leadership muscle at every turn. Offer to take on an intern and learn management fundamentals. Watch the senior folks in the office, take notes. Pick up their good habits and learn from their bad habits. Read books, watch TED videos, research past great leaders. Invest in your noggin.

Those who move up faster and further have a genuine desire to develop themselves AND others. Don't remain a party of one and forget to focus on what's going on around you. You can't just show up to work every day and expect a phenomenal career path. You need to put the time and effort into being more that you ever thought you could be.

Aspire. Act. Grow. Make $180K.