Acquire the skills you will need to succeed

Acquire the skills you will need to succeed. You aren't likely to be motivated and enthusiastic about your work unless you are competent.

Ask what skills will be needed. Learn the skills before they are needed. Examples: decision-making, stu 23223s1815x dy, scheduling, communication, assertiveness skills (chapter 13).

Beyond special skills, learn the fundamentals of whatever you are doing. First, in school, by realizing that general knowledge taught is school provides the foundation for all other useful, practical information. So, learn to comprehend what you read well; learn to speak and write well; learn math and history and psychology... Second, on the job, no matter what level you start at, get experience at the lowest level. Don't be in a rush to advance; if you are working your field, get to know everything about it. If you know what you are doing, you will be more at ease, more secure, and more passionate about the work.

It is eye-opening to realize that Howard Gardner describes seven intelligences. Schools only teach two: math and language. There are five more: spacial orientation and art, psychomotor skills and athletics, musical talent, an understanding of others and an ability to work with them, and an understanding of yourself and the ability to handle your own problems. Develop all your intelligences. This is the highest level of motivation--self-actualization.

Look for and hone any special talents you have. If you are a good teacher or speaker, get experience. If you relate well or have a talent for drawing or whatever, polish those skills and look for opportunities to contribute your talents to good causes. Experience the joy of using all your potential. We are driven to be outstanding, not to be mediocre.