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Why I Choose Career Suicide Every Day.

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Every day I commit career suicide in the eyes of many. Some would say I take a metaphorical dump on my own face each morning.

Why do I say that?

I say that because every day I do things that in the past would have been career suicide.

The things I do each day that people think are career suicide, which I believe are crucial for success in your career, are these:

Stir emotion.

Most people live their career in auto-pilot. They chase money and then wonder why they feel like sh*t later on. Auto-pilot forces you to forget about emotion and evoking it in others. Auto-pilot sucks the emotion out of us and causes us to wear a mask.

I choose to stir emotion in people because that’s what has taken me to new heights. When people feel emotion because of your actions they react in crazy ways.

An example from my own career is sharing emotional messages on LinkedIn. I share my deepest, darkest secrets, failures and emotional battles so others can benefit.

I continually get reactions that cause people to go crazy. This is why a lot of what I’ve said has gone viral many times over. The aim is not to be a social media star though; the aim is to stir emotion.

Emotion creates motion.

Emotion brings people closer to you which has incredible benefits in a business world that has lost a lot of human interaction.

Saying what you think.

I regularly tell people each day with politeness that “I’m not interested,” or “They’ve let me down,” or “I won’t be buying.”

Delivering these harsh messages is considered career suicide.

“What if someone gets upset?”

“What if they tell my boss?”

“What if I’m wrong?”

These are the questions that spin out of control in our minds when we say what you think. When you say what you think with politeness, you allow people to understand what you’re thinking.

This gives them an opportunity to change paths or move on to the next opportunity saving everyone time. Saying what you think is not career suicide; it moves business forward and it’s honest.

Choosing creativity.

We’ve all been enslaved for an hour by a PowerPoint presentation that has zero creativity. Creativity is career suicide in a lot of people’s minds because it’s expressing who you are.

Creativity is giving a non-typical answer to a problem.

Creativity is bringing your outside passion into the workplace.

Creativity is telling a personal story to change how people think.

Creativity is beautiful.

So many of your colleagues use no creativity in their work life and then they wonder why they lack passion.

Bringing up old failures.

We’re all selling every day whether we’re in sales or not – that’s the cliché we’ve all heard of, right?

When people sell you a product or service they rarely you tell you about its failures. If you knew those, then maybe you wouldn’t buy what they have to sell.

That thinking right there is flawed.

Talking about the failures looks like career suicide until you embrace the concept that most of us are wrong more often than we’d like to think.

We’re probably wrong more times than we’re right.

Talking about your failures in any context brings us in closer because we all share these same dirty little secrets. In fact, most of our failures look the same.

I talk about my failures all the time especially when people ask me about the big moments of success I’ve had. Someone asked me about the viral LinkedIn article I wrote recently and I told them about the one that was posted around the same time that pissed everybody off.

I wanted them to see what success really was and give them a backstage pass to the show that everybody pretends is not being performed every day.

Most of my blogging has been a failure except a few small parts. That is, until one day, it’s no longer a failure. Until I hit the tipping point.

Even once I reach the tipping point I’ll still continue to fail and so will you.

“Failure is not career suicide and you should talk about it more if you want to stop lying to yourself and everyone else. We’re all selling (I agree) so let’s start selling the truth”

Have a grand vision.

“That Tim guy talks a big game, doesn’t he? What a joke.”

That is the recurring thought that runs in people’s heads when I announce my grand plans and vision for almost anything I’m working on. Grand visions can make people think you are full of sh*t and have lost touch with reality.

This idea is nothing more than a limiting belief.

“Unless you start thinking big things in your mind you’ll never get close to anything of that nature. You’ll keep playing it small in the sandpit of a ‘realistic reality’ instead of a somewhat unreasonable vision for what you could be doing”

Grand visions are not about overselling what can be achieved; they’re about pushing boundaries and shooting for Mars and maybe landing on the moon instead which is still pretty freaking cool!

The practice of having grand visions is rarely practiced by many in the business world, so it’s a great way to stand out, be remembered and do something audaciously delicious.

Real Career suicide is having mediocre visions and not being the best you can be which may not even be imaginable yet.

Mention your health challenges.

I’ve had my fair share. From a near miss with cancer, to mercury poisoning, to stress levels that nearly crippled my career – I’ve seen it all and I’ve shared all of them.

I’ve noticed that my colleagues think talking about your health challenges is a sign of weakness because no one wants to work, partner or employ a human being who could be sick or dying.

The truth is the other way around: unless you talk about your health challenges, you’ll never have come face to face with your mortality which means you’ll take your time on this Earth for granted. That’s what will f*ck you up your career not some BS perception of weakness.

Knowing your mortality is strength in every aspect of your life and career.

“Weakness is followed by enormous strength”

It’s easier to be different than better.

Committing career suicide as described by others, like I have, will make you different. You can try and compete with the perfect specimens who only show the highlight reel of their career or you can do what so many are not prepared to do and play a different game.

Combining vulnerability, authenticity, honesty and humility looks like career suicide until you understand that it’s what differentiates the Martin Luther Kings from the Bob Kings who you’ve never heard of or respected or been inspired by.

Why should you choose career suicide?

You should choose career suicide because it’s nothing more than a false perception.

Career suicide is now what it takes to have career success. The two go hand in hand. Choose career suicide so you can distance yourself from all the fakery that has left people scratching their heads and wondering why they were born in the first place.

Choose passion and purpose instead of hiding behind a mask that makes you angry with yourself in the long-term.

Career suicide is about choosing to be human.

Join me in committing career suicide.

I’m going to pledge right now to keep committing these horrible acts of career suicide. It’s what I believe will move the business world forward.

I want you to join hands with me (let’s not do the Kumbaya thing) and commit to career suicide. What you’re really signing up to is a career that you never thought was possible.

My career has gone down that road and I’m never giving it up.

I want you to feel the same joy I feel when I commit career suicide.

If you want to increase your productivity and learn some more valuable life hacks, then join my private mailing list on timdenning.net

Aussie Blogger with 500M+ views — Writer for CNBC & Business Insider. Inspiring the world through Personal Development and Entrepreneurship You can connect with Tim through his website www.timdenning.com

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Startups

15 Business Lessons From Napoleon’s Playbook

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Business Lessons and strategies from Napoleon Bonaparte for Entrepreneurs and CEO's
Image Credit | Joel Brown

Unleash your business potential by harnessing Napoleon’s strategic genius.

From dreaming big and thinking bold to moving fast and staying agile, these time-tested tactics are your blueprint for success.

Learn how creative leadership, detailed planning, and relentless execution can transform your business landscape. Boost morale, lead with clarity, and embrace hard work to conquer your industry.

Don’t just survive—thrive with the power of Napoleon’s lessons.

Here are 15 Powerful Lessons You Can Learn From Napoleon Bonaparte

 

1. Dream Big, Think Bold

Napoleon wasn’t just playing small; he believed that “Imagination rules the world.” In the business world, boldness and creativity are game-changers. Don’t just aim to fit in—push boundaries and set ambitious goals that make you stand out.

Think of Steve Jobs, who didn’t just want to make computers; he wanted to revolutionize entire industries. Your vision should be so grand it almost feels unreachable. When you dream big, you inspire those around you to believe in the impossible and work together to achieve extraordinary outcomes.

2. Move Fast, Stay Agile

Napoleon’s quick and secretive moves gave him an edge. In business, you gotta be nimble. Adapt quickly, move fast, and you’ll often find yourself ahead of the game, capturing opportunities your competitors miss.

Companies like Amazon and Tesla thrive because they constantly innovate and pivot when needed. Speed is your friend; it allows you to react to market changes and customer demands faster than the competition, ensuring you remain relevant and ahead of the curve.

3. Creative Leadership

Napoleon thrived on chaos and wasn’t afraid to switch things up. Unlike rigid leaders, he was flexible and adaptive. In business, embrace change and let chaos work for you. Being adaptable can turn unpredictable situations into opportunities.

Think of how Netflix transitioned from DVD rentals to a streaming giant. Flexibility and creativity in leadership allow you to navigate through turmoil and emerge stronger, transforming challenges into stepping stones.

 

4. Organize Like a Pro

Napoleon’s mind was like a supercomputer, processing vast amounts of info to make smart moves. Businesses should do the same—stay organized, use real-time data, and adapt strategies based on fresh insights to keep that competitive edge.

Utilize modern tools like CRM systems, analytics software, and AI to manage information efficiently. Staying organized and informed means you can make better decisions, foresee potential issues, and react promptly.

 

5. Keep It Simple

Napoleon knew the power of simplicity. Overcomplicating things can bog you down. In business, streamline processes and focus on what truly matters to hit your goals efficiently.

Apple’s product design philosophy under Jobs was about simplicity and user-friendliness.When you remove unnecessary complexity, you reduce errors, speed up processes, and make it easier for your team to focus on what’s important, driving efficiency and effectiveness.

 

6. Execute Relentlessly

Once Napoleon decided on a course of action, he went all in. In business, once you pick a direction, pursue it with full commitment. Execution is where success is truly made.

Look at how Elon Musk commits to his vision for SpaceX and Tesla. Relentless execution means overcoming obstacles, staying focused on your goals, and not getting distracted by setbacks. It’s the determination and persistence in execution that ultimately leads to triumph.

 

7. Play to Your Strengths

Napoleon only fought battles he knew he could win. In business, focus on your strengths and avoid head-to-head fights in areas where you’re weak. Know your advantages and leverage them.

Microsoft leverages its strength in software development and cloud services rather than trying to compete directly in hardware. Understanding and maximizing your strengths ensures you play a game you can win, using your unique capabilities to outshine competitors.

 

8. Plan in Detail

Napoleon planned for every possible scenario. Businesses should do the same—conduct thorough planning and prepare for various outcomes.

Detailed planning helps you stay ready for anything. Scenario planning and SWOT analysis are tools that can help you foresee different futures and prepare accordingly. When you’re prepared for multiple scenarios, you can adapt smoothly and continue to drive forward, no matter what challenges arise.

 

9. Seize Opportunities

Napoleon saw luck as the ability to capitalize on accidents. In business, be prepared and ready to grab unexpected opportunities. Agility is key.

Companies like Uber and Airbnb seized gaps in the market by being ready to pounce on opportunities when they arose. Always be on the lookout for opportunities, and when they come, don’t hesitate. Preparation and readiness to act quickly can turn unexpected moments into major breakthroughs.

 

10. Learn from the Past

Napoleon studied the greats who came before him. Entrepreneurs should always be learning from the successes and failures of others. History is full of lessons waiting to be applied.

Warren Buffett is famous for studying businesses and market histories. By learning from the past, you can avoid repeating mistakes, understand what works, and build on proven strategies. Continuous learning from history helps refine your strategies and improve decision-making.

 

11. Boost Morale

Napoleon knew how to keep his troops motivated. Business leaders should do the same—keep your team inspired and engaged. High morale leads to high productivity.

Companies like Google and Salesforce invest heavily in employee well-being and motivation. When your team feels valued and motivated, they are more productive, innovative, and loyal. High morale fosters a positive work environment where people are excited to contribute and excel.

 

12. Lead with Clarity

Napoleon believed in the power of a strong, decisive leader. In business, clear direction and strong leadership are crucial. Ensure everyone knows the plan and follows it.

Leaders like Jeff Bezos provide a clear vision and direction, ensuring their teams know what they’re working towards. Clear, decisive leadership aligns your team, fosters trust, and drives coordinated efforts towards achieving your business goals.

 

13. Reflect on Failures

Napoleon analyzed both his wins and losses. Businesses should review their successes and failures to keep improving. Learn from mistakes to avoid repeating them.

Ray Dalio of Bridgewater Associates emphasizes the importance of learning from failure in his book Principles. By conducting post-mortems, you can understand what went wrong, make necessary adjustments, and continuously refine your strategies to avoid future pitfalls and drive success.

 

14. Action-Oriented

Napoleon was all about turning thoughts into actions. In business, decisiveness and execution are vital. Don’t just plan—act on those plans with energy and determination.

Entrepreneurs like Richard Branson embody this principle by constantly moving from ideas to actions. Action orientation ensures that you don’t get stuck in analysis paralysis but instead drive forward, making things happen and turning visions into reality.

 

15. Embrace Hard Work

Napoleon lived and breathed work, saying, “Work is my element; I am born and built for work.”

In business, a strong work ethic and relentless dedication are key to success. Think of how Howard Schultz rebuilt Starbucks through sheer hard work and determination. Embracing hard work means being willing to put in the necessary effort, staying dedicated to your mission, and continuously pushing towards your goals, no matter the challenges.

 

By implementing these lessons from Napoleon, businesses can sharpen their strategies, strengthen leadership, and execute with precision, driving sustained success.

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Startups

How to Manage Your Startup’s Finances More Efficiently

No matter how groundbreaking your product or service, your startup could quickly be on shaky ground without proper financial management

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managing your startups finances

Running a triumphant startup requires juggling numerous responsibilities. From managing operations and coordinating with team members to developing innovative marketing strategies and nurturing relationships with clients, the to-do list seems endless. (more…)

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5 Strategic Power Moves to Successfully Build Your Empire

Transitioning from idea to empire is a journey of strategic planning, execution, and constant evolution

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how to build your empire

The journey from a fledgling idea to a thriving empire is both exhilarating and daunting. The Startup Launchpad is not just a process but also a strategic framework that enables visionary entrepreneurs to become market leaders. This framework comprises five power moves, each a critical steppingstone in building a successful business.

These moves—Ideation, Business Plan, Online Presence, Strategic Marketing, and Launch and Growth—are the blueprint for turning aspirations into achievements. (more…)

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How to Avoid Startup Clichés and Buzzwords When Pitching Investors

Using jargon can make you sound like you’re trying to fill space instead of providing meaningful data

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How to pitch investors better

Entrepreneurs frequently seek startup funding through a variety of channels. Yet, none seem as challenging as successfully pitching to experienced investors. After all, investors are pressed for time and eager for opportunities. These characteristics make it challenging to motivate them, especially if you’re bombarding them with a pitch full of jargon. (more…)

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