5. Stack Your Skills

• Since you are not likely to be in the top 1% of any skill, consider acquiring more than one complementary skill. The prime example here is Scott Adams, the author of the Dilbert cartoons. He clearly isn’t a great artist, but he is good enough. His knowledge of the business world is very strong as are his sense of humor and irony. These skills have combined for his success.
• As a successful elementary principal, I had good leadership skills, but there were other principals I knew who were much more charismatic and better looking. What made me more special were my computer skills, which were very good for a school principal. I also could play guitar and banjo and sing fairly well. These skills added value for me as an elementary principal. Just make sure your multiple skills build on each other and are not too random.

6. Social and Physical Surroundings

• The people you interact with are important. You need to do what to can to spend time with positive people as you avoid those with negative attributes. Some organizations have official mentoring programs while many do not. If you aren’t assigned a mentor, look for one who shares your workspace. Mentoring can come in small doses so learn from as many people as possible, even public or historical figures. Mentoring others can also promote your own growth.
• Your environment matters too, so be sure to control it as much as possible. Place things you need to interact with nearby and make sure that distractions are not nearby and inconvenient to locate. Also, see my summary of The No Asshole Rule by Robert Sutton.

7. Manage Your Expectations

• You need to be as realistic as possible when it comes to thinking how fast you will learn a new skill. Since it’s not always possible to know exactly how far you are likely to get with a given effort you need to be able to deal with some frustration. If you can’t, you are likely to quit early most of the time you try something new. You will also probably encounter some level of confusion. You need to be able to endure confusion even when you aren’t trying to learn a new skill.
• You need to schedule the time you will spend learning a new skill. If you can’t find time during your work day, you will need to give up some of your leisure time. Be sure to be open to information you didn’t expect. This happens even if you aren’t learning a new skill.

8. Summary Guide

• The book ends with a 12+ page chapter that summarizes each of the other chapters. This is in addition to the chapter summaries at the end of each chapter.

Peter Hollins

• Pete Hollins is a bestselling author and human psychology and behavior researcher. He is a dedicated student of the human condition. He possesses a BS and MA in psychology, and has worked with dozens of people from all walks of life. After working in private practice for years, he has turned his sights to writing and applying his years of education to help people improve their lives from the inside out. Check out his website at petehollins.com. There is a free eBook here titled 9 Surprising Psychology Studies That Will Change The Way You Think.

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