The Social ROI of Transparency and Honesty

They say trust is a two way street. 

When meeting new people we only have that one first impression to give, so how do we make the most of it? In this tweet by @_mariajuan, we see "radical transparency breeds radical trust." Do we need to be radically transparent right off the bat? Maybe not, but we do need to make an effort to be genuine in who we are.

Being genuine immediately not only makes life easier by eliminating the efforts put into a façade, but also invites others to be genuine with us. It definitely builds that trust and breaks down barriers between individuals. We form quicker, stronger bonds with people who we're meant to, and maybe it allows us to weed out people we're not meant for. (Can't win 'em all, right?) Being transparent in motives and goals ensures that those who have given you their trust will get only the best version of you, with no hidden surprises. Can you imagine working on a team where everyone is holding back information? In business or personal relationships, there are no downsides.

While there may be initial pay-off in acting like someone other than who we are, the benefits fade away the longer we pretend. Not only that, but people are pretty good at recognizing if something's off, and that camaraderie that was built quickly fades. Why risk it?

Be you. It invites others to do the same, and when we're all real (transparent) we're able to work more fluidly and successfully because we all understand each other so clearly. Radical transparency builds radical trust, because truth can be rare and refreshing.

Hard Work vs. Talent

I chose this #tweet2paper for a very simple reason: I had just watched "A Bug's Life."

A major theme of the movie was that, while seemingly diminutive, a seed has the capacity to grow into something amazing and mighty. When I saw this tweet, by@ilovecolor, I immediately thought of that seed. (In the movie it was a tiny rock... and having a rock that represented a seed confused everyone who wasn't an ant... the whole thing was a mess... but that's besides the point.)

On its own, a seed lies dormant, never even beginning to grow toward its potential. Like the talents we are all born with, this seed has everything it needs to start. No more. No less. Some seeds are more likely to grow tall, some will produce trees with more leaves, some will make pinecones.

Some seeds will straight grow up to be rocks.

So how does hard work beat talent?

Simple. It's just human nature that some of us are born to grow taller, or have more leaves, or be naturally awesome at rocking out, but one who is putting in work has recognized their own talents and ambitions, will come up with a plan to nurture them, and execute with determination. If  "raw talent" has been sitting dormant, not learning or growing, that individual has literally been left in the dust. Any advantage it once had is lost, as "hard work" has found ways to grow and surpass it.

I truly hope you've found your talent and are nurturing it. If you have- let me know, in the comments below, how you were inspired to nurture that talent, and where it's taken you!

If you haven't started yet, there's no time like the present! Just by starting to nurture that talent, you've got a new advantage over less decisive individuals. And hey- it's never too late. Some seeds wait thousands of years before germinating!

Climb That Mountain!

An Object In Motion Tends To Stay In Motion

Why do we choose to put one for in front of the other? Where is your path headed? If it's not toward a conscious goal, then we're wasting a lot of time and energy.

I chose this #tweet2paper quote for a couple of reasons. One, it was Dr. Seuss' birthday this weekend, and two, it's never too late to start your journey, but every day you wait is a day wasted. How many times have we asked ourselves "why didn't I start this ages ago?!" This rang true during those college all-nighters, and it rings true today in various ways.

When we do start a new journey, it needs to become habit. An object in motion tends to stay in motion. Our momentum carries us through minor setbacks- whether it's a day of doubt, a project gone bad, or other negativity. It's up to us to walk our path and build our momentum. No one will do it for us.

"You're off to great places! Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting, so get on your way!" ~ Dr. Seuss

The mountain, itself, and your days belong to you. Choose your mountain and use your days wisely. Begin building your momentum today!

What is your mountain? What habits have you built on your journey? I'd love to hear about it in the comments below!

Are you doing what you love?

Are you doing what you love to do? Are you doing something you even like to do?

If you look back on your past day, week, or month, how much would you consciously say you liked or loved doing?

I chose to draw this tweet because it really highlights the joy some people find in their day-to-day lives, but that most miss out on for one reason or another. Some people say "life is short." Others say "it's literally the longest thing you'll ever do." Either way- it's finite... so why not spend it in that pursuit of happiness?

Spend it in a way that, when looking back on those hours, weeks, and months, we can reflect and honestly say, "my decisions are making a positive impact on how I live life every day." This is your life... Love how you live it.