...No really...It's Jnr

…honesty is the best policy…not always

I wrote this before things in my world changed…I’m posting this because it was true at the time…and large parts still are

I have always been told to be as honest with people as you can be, but you should never tell the whole truth and nothing but the truth. Unless you are in front of a judge.

The truth is not always as sweet and innocent as it sounds. If you are ever arrested, a police officer will read you your rights. Any smart person knows during this time and thereafter you say nothing, unless you are answering a question.

This is true with people. However you or I may feel about someone, can be verbalised. Though only under extreme circumstances. If you can avoid it please do. Telling the truth in these situations can cause irreparable fractures. Once these fractures appears the deterioration into a broken workplace, friendship or relationship is the equivalent of straying to close to a black hole. You may escape but once you have looked into the abyss, that’s it.

I am by no meanings telling you to fake your way through life or become an Oscar winning performer. Be smart, weight up the situation, does it really need an acid tongue or a cool head. Think about the repercussions of your actions. You may need that persons help one day, so throwing lighter fuel over a bridge and casually throwing a match may not be the most productive thing to do.

Depending on the variety of situations that may lead to the potential to ‘give someone a piece of your mind’, how many of those end well. You may be saying what everyone is thinking but matter what this person has done, you will come of the bad guy.

When it comes to loved ones more tact and resilience is required.

Just remember, how you feel about someone may be how someone else feels about you.

This isn’t about getting one over on someone, winning or putting someone in their place. Essentially it’s about how you want to live your life. Occasionally being honest is fine, but do it too often and the tables will turn.

If the situation ever arises though. Remember be smart, say what needs to be said and no more. Take personal feelings out it. Don’t be too cold. You are talking to someone with feelings after all. Some things can be left unsaid. Making it clear that you have restrained yourself is important. Never be smug.

Humans as a species are social creatures. If someone unbalances the equation in our lives, we will address this. It’s been done before, sacrifice one to save many.

Getting the job you want/ think you want after university …

Hell, I am still trying to find out what I want to do. That is apart from raising a five-a-side team that terrorises a small neighbourhood on weekends, until the call for dinner causes them to retreat in a hyena like fashion back to the homestead.

Honestly if you had asked me this question a few months ago, if getting the job you want after university was possible I would have told you I am still working on it. The response would have continued with, I will get back to you in three to five years.

As of today that is no longer the case. Though this isn’t completely about me. In honest to true form I would have told you to keep fighting and pushing. So that when you achieved your goal and I achieved mine we could go celebrate. Well in terms of that I feel I am one step closer to being able to say to, yes you can.

I was raised in a environment where I was told as long as you work hard you shall achieve. It was great advice then and it’s still great advice. What is important is that you don’t lose focus.

Staying focused is sometimes so difficult. Distractions arise from everywhere, your friends, family or yourself. I for one know that procrastination is one of my biggest enemies. These are not the only things that distract and divert your attention. Think about your current role, is it what you want? Are you n the place you want to be? Don’t worry my advice is not to just quit and aim for what you want, but focus on the end goal. I don’t want a lot in life. The people who know me may read this may roll their eyes but it’s true, I don’t.

I have a few pointers. They aren’t bullet points, but more things that have helped me.

Set yourself achievable goals. Don’t say I want to be a CEO in 10 years, unless you are already positioned for this role, which few of us are. Say I would like to be an executive/ middle management in five years. If you end up the CEO then that’s a bonus.
Don’t doubt yourself, trust your gut. It’s amazing how many times people moan about things they think they can’t change, but in their heart they know they can.
Be smart about everything you do. If you think you are making a stupid move, you probably are.
Be honest with yourself. It doesn’t matter what you tell other people, just remember what you tell yourself is the truth. If you lie to yourself, you will end up in denial and even worse than that famous Egyptian river, you will end up in a rut. Being stuck in a rut is the worst place to be.
Keep going. There is light at the end of the tunnel. Just keep going, when you stop trying, you stop moving pretty simple. The only way you get anywhere is with persistence. I understand fully that sometimes it can feel like a massive task but persevere and you will make it. Yes it is true what they say, god loves a trier and so does the rest of the world.
Make sure you have support. In the form of friends, family, your neighbour, the gerbil or the house plant you sing to. No man is an island, we are by our nature social creatures. Use this natural resource to your advantage. Network, Skype and chat your way to where you want to be.
Be proactive.
Be cheeky, apply or look in places you wouldn’t normally look. If you have seen Aladdin, just remember the words, diamond in the rough.
Keep fit, it sounds pathetic but you are more likely to deal with challenges when you feel good about yourself.
Smile. That’s all, keep smiling.

In terms of getting the job you want, that is down to you. Hopefully I have helped.

For once I have taken my own advice and look where it has got me…

This blog is dedicated to Mr Liam Gamble…