Be Your Best Cheerleader

At the beginning of our career, it is not too difficult to receive positive reinforcements since we are surrounded mostly by people more senior than us.  As we move up in the career ladder, we start to play more and more of a cheerleader role for others instead.  One day we may find that no one's there to give us a pat on the back any longer.  We are on our own!

This presents an interesting situation for those of us who grew up in traditional Chinese families.  We tend to self-depreciate and seldom believe that we deserve the complements we receive.  So, how do we be our best cheerleader when no one else is around?

Doing the following helps me:

1)  Exercise -- A 30-min on the treadmill,  a 60-min. stretch routine, or a long walk to the beach can do wonders.  Since Chinese women do not like sun exposure, make sure you put on plenty of sun block for protection.

2)  Account for Achievements -- Keep a journal of achievements, no matter how small.  You'll impress yourself later on.

3)  Share Results -- Brag about your achievements to your loved ones.  Ask for permission if necessary.  Make it fun and light.

4)  Choose Positive -- Make a conscious choice to use only positive statements on EVERYTHING.

5)  Persist -- Keep pressing on rain or shine.

In the February 2015 edition of National Geographic magazine, an article on super battery talks about John Goodenough who's practically the father of today's major lithium ion batteries.   He was literally abandoned by his parents and suffered dyslexia.  It seemed like all odds were against him.  However, he grew up to be extremely warm, self-confident, and funny, and became extremely successful.  He must have figured out early on how to be his own best cheerleader.  If it is possible for him, it is possible for anyone.