My Reality Check Bounced! - Jason Ryan Dorsey [76]
You may be wondering what you should focus on when you set aside your dedicated me time. After much research and conversation I’ve identified ten life balance areas that most benefit twentysomethings. To get you started, I’ve posted the best of the best resources by subject area on my Web site (www.myrealitycheckbounced.com).
1. Conflict resolution. On your path toward your Future Picture, you’ll somehow get pulled into or start a conflict. These conflicts could happen at work, in relationships, with your family or elsewhere. Knowing how to resolve these conflicts benefits everyone involved, including you, and leads to a world with less pain and more peace. My friend Adam focused on this area and was finally able to reconnect with his dad after four years of not talking.
2. Creativity. You’re making your mark on the world in a time of rapid change. To learn how to ask better questions and seek new solutions to old problems, develop your creativity. This mental muscle can be trained to become a major asset for your lifelong journey. For example, the more you practice solving tough real-world scenarios, the easier it will be for you to take over a team or organization in a time of extreme challenge, competition, or crisis.
3. Financial literacy. Social Security will not exist when you reach retirement age. If by some amazing chance it does, it probably won’t support the lifestyle you want. To become financially free, you must educate yourself early on how to create your own personal balance sheet, cash flow statement, and investments. Time is on your side if you’re wise enough to act now to create wealth tomorrow.
4. Leadership. Do you want to move up in your career, influence your community, start your own business, or more actively shape your future? If so, you will benefit from developing your leadership skills. How will developing these skills speed up your success? These skills pull success to you by putting you in charge.
5. Health and wellness. As a human, your quality of life is directly linked to your lifestyle. Yes, you’re living during a time of amazing health care and cutting-edge medicines. However, the most advanced medical treatments can’t undo all the harm you can inflict on yourself. When it comes to your health and wellness, education and prevention are often the best medicines.
6. International relations. We share one planet, which constantly feels smaller thanks to such connectors as cell phones, influenza, pollution, and broadband. As more and more people share the same spinning ball of earth, we must learn to work as one team, not free agents with hidden agendas. Educating yourself about international relations can help you to play a role in global developments. Jen and Michael, two twentysomethings living in Canada, were concerned about what was happening in the world, so they started a nonprofit Web site for young adults around the world to talk about global issues. Now over a million people a week log on to their site (www.takingitglobal.org) and share their comments.
7. Motivation and resilience. Life is going to throw curveballs and sucker punches at you no matter your background, education, or dreams. You must keep replenishing your energy by learning motivational teachings and techniques. The more inspired and resilient you become, the more likely you are to reach your Future Picture.
8. Public speaking. Talking in front of a large group of people is often touted as more terrifying than death. All the more reason to have excellent public speaking skills in your bag of real-world tricks. Knowing how to effectively communicate your message to a room of decision makers can make the difference between your biggest setback and your biggest breakthrough.
9. Problem solving. In my interviews with executives and leaders, problem solving is the number one skill they look for in rising stars. Any employee can point to a problem, but only the most talented see the problem and offer solutions. Improving your problem-solving skills will help you solve the puzzles that trap your competition.
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