New skills take time

Ever get frustrated while trying to do something new? Yeah, me too.

Give yourself a break. It takes time.

One of my favorite parts of the movie “The Matrix” is how they download new skills to their brains. Need to fly a military helicopter? No problem! Just wait 10 seconds for the program to load. Jujitsu? Done.

Oh, if only it were that easy.

I think most of us can accept this concept when it is a physical skill. Sports are a good example. Most of us realize that it will take time for our bodies to develop the muscle memory required to swing a baseball bat, or a golf club, or a tennis racket.

But, when it comes to developing new mental skills or instituting behavioral changes, we somehow expect ourselves to be transformed overnight.

Just like learning to play a musical instrument, or a new sport, it takes time for our minds and our bodies to form the muscles and muscle memory to execute the fundamentals. Likewise, practice and repetition are the keys to ingraining these new skills.

So, keep practicing. Measure your progress. And give yourself the necessary time.

Don’t work for a jerk

Have you ever worked for a jerk?

I can honestly say that I have never reported directly to a jerk boss. I have, however, reported to a boss who reported to a jerk. And I have certainly been around enough jerks in a managerial role and had to deal with the fallout of their behavior.

Life is too short to work for a jerk. Refuse to go there.

I have long maintained that any job interview should be a two-way conversation. When interviewing for a job, remember to ask questions and determine whether the role and the environment are good fits for you.

An individual cannot be fully successful in a role where they are unable to get along with their direct boss. Sure, you might be able to get the job done. But, you will never reach your potential with an idiot holding you back.

If you find yourself working for a jerk, quit. Don’t hesitate. Walk away.

Trust me on this: You will never correct a jerk boss’ behavior. You can choose to tolerate it, or you can move on.

It doesn’t necessarily require quitting the company. But, act quickly. Find a way to report to someone else.

A word of caution… Before you jump, take a look in the mirror and make sure the jerk is not staring back at you.