Why Your Attitude is More Important Than Your Intelligence

Why Your Attitude is More Important Than Your IntelligenceSometimes it seems like the fruchtwein successful people must be the smartest ones in the roomafter all, how else would they have achieved that level? And how can you compete if youre not a double major in French and biology at an Ivy League school, with a minor in rocket science? googletag.cmd.push(function() googletag.display(div-gpt-ad-1467144145037-0) ) The reality is that those traditional hallmarks of intelligence and success dont mean as much to your career as you might think (no offense to you French-speaking biologists in Harvard sweatshirts). In reality, your IQ may not mean as much to your career trajectory as the motivation and attitude you bring to your job.Its All a Mind GameIn a Stanford study, psychologist Carol Dweck found that career success was tied more closely to an employees mindset over his or her IQ. She found that employees tended to fall into one of two mindsets fixed and growth. People with fixed mi ndsets believe that your self is set, and wont be changed by the everyday work experience. Those with fixed mindsets tend to have problems with obstacles or challenges, regardless of their IQ.Conversely, people with growth mindsets see challenges as learning opportunities, and believe they can grow with each obstacle they navigate. These growth-minded people tend to outperform their fixed peers, no matter whose cousine IQ was higher.How You Can AdaptSo how can you make this work for you? In short, start thinking like a growth mindset-haver, if you dont already. The best way to do this is start approaching your professional challenges (both big and small) in a more productive way. When presented with an obstacle, try these strategies to change your mindset.1. Dont panic.You made a mistake? Someone just handed you a huge task, with a tight deadline? Someone else didnt do something they should have? Its important not to freeze, and throw your hands up in despair.2. Be proactive.Ask que stions about next steps if youre unclear about what to do. Think about what you can do in the short term, and what your plan is for the long term, then take concrete steps to achieve that particular goal. After youre past the challenge or obstacle, take time to think about what led to the situation, what you did to resolve it, and what you would do if it happened again.3. Learn from it.Maybe you had an issue because you didnt have a certain kind of skill. Or maybe someone else has expertise you need to be better at your job. Whatever can help you expand your horizons after youve dealt with the obstacle, take it as an opportunity to squirrel away knowledge for the future, or set mini goals for yourself in the short term to be better.Like an optimist, someone with a growth mindset tries to see around obstacleswhat they can do in the short term, and what they can take from the situation. Giving up in the face of adversity makes you rigid, and unable to deal with curve balls. And what i s professional life, if not a series of curve balls thrown directly at you?The most important thing is to be flexible and willing to adapt. You dont need to be the person with the highest test scores, but if youre the one whos most willing to try (and even fail) in the interest of becoming smarter and more experienced, IQ is nothing but a number.

How I Realized My Career Had Plateaued (And What I Did About It)

How I Realized My Career Had Plateaued (And What I Did About It) When you started working, did you know that there is such a thing as a mid-career crisis, otherwise known as a career plateau? I didnt. At least, I had no idea that there would be a time in my life that I would begin to realize that sometimes what works for you in the beginning of your career may not work for you as life progresses onward.The realization of a career plateau can sometimes be overwhelming, but thinking through things and formulating a plan of action can help curb any issues that come out of the situation.When I was 24-years-old, I landed a rockin job as a absatzwirtschaft specialist in ed-tech.I had spent many a year after college just floating by, trying to find that job that gave me financial stability, insurance, and an ever-coveted 401(k). It was a start-up company with great revenue fhigkeit and a rapidly expanding market that swept me off my feet. My role was part of a small marketing team that supp orted sales in several ways, which meant we were in constant motion as business grew and demand spread. From traveling to conferences to being involved with overall branding, no two days were alike. And it was invigoratingBut, as time went on, my personal situation changed.I was no longer a 24-year-old single individual in the bustle of the city, but rather a 28-year-old expectant mother noticing that the lack of promotion and raise potential in my current role was now an issue as my responsibilities grew from caring for one to caring for two. It was then that I also realized that I had been in a role for nearly four years and things had grown stagnant. I was clocking in and out without a feeling of satisfaction for who knows how long. What else had I not noticed?The answer came when I asked myself the following questionsAm I fulfilled and do I feel challenged?Does my position have incentives that would keep me in my role?Is it the role in the company that Ive outgrown or have I sim ply outgrown my environment?If I walk today, would I miss what I have been doing?Once I had the answers in mind, I realized what I really needed and what I was willing to do to reach my overall goals.I knew I had felt unfulfilled for awhile in my day-to-day tasks and had strived for more, but was never able to take on more responsibility because my role had become more structured. I knew that because of this, I would only be able to get the general adjustments to pay each year, which I could not live off comfortably with a new child. I also realized that my lack of fulfillment came with boredom. And at times, I just didnt want to be in the office, at my desk, and looking at the saatkorn people everyday.So, after four years, I decided to take some time for myself.I took on freelance roles for different small businesses, something I always enjoyed doing even when I had a full-time position. I spent time with my newborn. As a first time mom, I knew I would never have an opportunity to bond with my son like that again, despite the strain of finances. I researched and took my time to find a new and permanent role and it was the best thing I ever did.I realized that my idea of having a job had changed throughout the years.When I was younger, it was just about landing a job with benefits and being able to get by and pay bills. As an older adult heading towards my thirties, I realized I wanted more and had a lot to offer to a new venture. Now, as a full-time business developer and specialist, I get to work in tech once again. But this time, I work with a passionate bunch of people that promote diversity and inclusion for education and business. My past experiences are helping shape my role as I learn the strategies and goals for a new company. As a bonus I work from home, which helps me balance my roles from mommyhood to business.Ultimately, leaving my job even though nothing was wrong worked in my favor. Life is short, but your time working is long. So, do yoursel f a favor and figure out what works best for you.--Marissa Ackerman is a WFHM educating the masses on the importance of diversity and inclusion as a business developer for a diversity learning organization, a published writer supporting STEM education, and prides herself for being a life-long learner.