As an MBA student, I am surrounded by advice from people who seem to know just how to make those lasting impressions and climb the corporate ladder. In such a hyper-competitive world, juggling your role as your loudest cheerleader with being present for your team can be overwhelmingly daunting. A significant part of this challenge is managing our time — after all, how we spend it profoundly affects our emotions and energy levels.
One insightful piece of advice I received from a mentor resonated with me: “Take your time. It’s not your enemy.” This perspective reminds us that time plays a crucial role in our happiness and life’s trajectory. The trick lies in how we choose to spend it, especially when we’re eager to achieve so much in what feels like so little time. It’s important to shift that mindset and remember anything worthwhile takes time.
Why Taking Your Time Matters
Living in New York City, I experience the hustle and bustle firsthand. The moment I step outside, it’s as if everyone is racing toward some destination. The adrenaline is palpable at every street corner, yet this relentless pace can quickly become exhausting. In our fast-paced lives, learning to slow down can be just as vital as knowing when to speed up. As they say, rest = fuel and in your career, that can be a major advantage over time.
One of my goals this year has been to learn how to rest well. Sometimes, I feel like my mind is on overdrive and my body just can’t seem to find one moment to be still. That is exactly how I have been feeling for quite some time now especially since starting part-time school.
Contrary to what the virtual buzz may hint at, anything worth achieving requires a process in time and demands patience and perseverance. You will not be successful overnight but through day-to-day relentless effort and commitment it will come.
The Power of Quiet Contribution
You will never have to be the loudest voice in the room or the first to make a meaningful difference. Being personable, knowing just what to say and when, and having a thoughtful conversation far outreaches impressive credentials or dominating discussions over time.
Brushing up on a few topics of conversation and staying familiar with current events are undervalued skills that can help you more than you might expect, especially when you can read the crowd.
Actions truly speak louder than words. It’s not just about what you do, but how you do it that makes a difference. Being mindful of your contributions and how you make others feel is essential, especially in a world where business is inherently personal.
Being a great storyteller and adopting a mindset of making content as opposed to just consuming is very effective as well. It showcases your entrepreneurial spirit and initiative, which are key signals showcasing that you are focused, capable of juggling multiple tasks, and able to put meaningful contributions into the world.
At the end of the day, people remember you for how you make them feel — not just for what you say or do. This realization has taken me some time to fully embrace, but it’s a vital lesson in today’s interconnected workplace.
Conclusion
In a world that often rewards loudness and instant recognition, let’s choose to be smart and intentional in our approach. Take your time building a community of value-based relationships and working on real contributions. By taking the time to do so, you will stand out for all the right reasons and develop a more rewarding, impactful professional path.