Welcome to the last episode of November.  If you celebrated Thanksgiving, I hope you had a wonderful holiday with family and friends.

As you know, we have spent this month learning about the “Earning It” Mindset.

We have identified what it is, why it matters, how it has helped us succeed, and yet how it can hold us back and damage our executive careers if we aren’t intentional about how and when to apply this mindset.

It's time to close out this mini-series with the last key aspect of this mindset; finding the balance.

The secret is not to eliminate the mindset but to make a few adjustments.

Pivot the definition of this "rule."

Instead of thinking, "I must do something," shift it to "I must add value."

Instead of "do" it is "add."

If we shift our definition, it doesn't mean that we don't strive, work hard, or perform.

It simply means that we do all of those things in a way that allows us to compete with ourselves and provide more thoughtful, intellectually focused contributions instead of physical contributions.

When we are focused on adding value, there is no measuring stick for which we can compare ourselves to others.

Meaning, we can't get frustrated when someone doesn't carry their weight, because how do you measure your "value-add" vs. someone else's?

Everyone plays a different role, has different gifts, and may have been asked by the company to add value differently.

This new definition frees you from comparing yourself and measuring your performance to others.

When it comes to adding value, you will generate your specific results and earn your reward for it. Moreover, you will know you earned it because you know you added value in a way that is unique to you.

Adding value will ensure you focus on doing the right work for the role, feel worthy of the reward, and will allow you to succeed in the role overall.

In other areas of your life, housework, yardwork, etc. adding value will still mean physical labor.  But as an executive, adding value will mean mental work.

Make the shift. 

Change the definition of the function you perform (adding value).  This is how you reap the benefits of the “earning it” mindset in all areas of your life.

Would you like for the team to learn more about the "earning it" mindset? Send an email to [email protected].

Be Legendary.