It is not easy to take a stand, especially when the stakes are high. Knowing ourselves enough to know what works for us and what doesn’t, and integrating those things into our daily practices is what helps us recognize unhealthy compromise when it comes knocking.

Persuasion—the ability to win people to our perspective—comes down to an ability to adjust. We adjust ourselves to provide the right message, to the right people, at the right time in order to more effectively connect and drive results with others. Developing these skills develops ourselves—specifically, our self-awareness, unique knowledge, and belief in what we’re saying.

Like a seed, we are equipped with everything we need to succeed. We don't require perfect conditions. In fact, persistence amidst challenge and change is what serves as the catalyst for growth.

Motivation is not a constant thing that is always there for us. As it comes and goes, managing the in between time feels insurmountable because we think the goal is to maintain a constant state of high motivation. In fact, the goal is to maintain the in-between space more effectively. Managing our feelings helps us maintain an emotional equilibrium giving us a greater connection to the feel of our work.

The word “iterate” is one of the most overused jargon, but it is effective in pushing our learning, leadership and overall development forward. Focusing on the small wins helps combat the all or nothing mentality that creeps in when we are overwhelmed, looking for direction, and determining what reasonable next steps should be.

We make decisions more than anything else. Filtering information effectively forces us to learn crucial skills of prioritization and delegation—skills that enable or block our advancement. When the stakes are high and the pressure is on, learning how to embrace a daily practice increases our chances of not only survival but effective performance. Learning how to prioritize and delegate information for ourselves, first, helps us drive results more effectively with others.

Being right, often, can be both a blessing and a curse.   This is a good time for asking questions—but be strategic. Our hastiness to be right or to dominate comes at a cost. We miss an opportunity to develop others, as well as ourselves.

We have worries. We also have solutions. Our challenge is to trust that we can solve a problem with creativity and considered response instead of reactivity.

For whatever reason, there are people in our lives that we experience as difficult, don’t respect, or that chafe us in some way. To remain effective in our work, these are the individuals who teach us humility, patience, empathy, and compassion.