Geoffrey James has a post
on the 8 Key Character Traits of Top Sales Pros.
One of those traits is
self awareness.
“Top sales pros have the ability
to understand
and control their own emotions,
regardless of what happens.”
I think self awareness
is a key success attribute
for every profession,
not simply sales.
Self awareness is not
the same thing
as being self centered.
Self awareness involves
being aware of bad traits
as well as good traits.
When we are aware of
our good points
and our flaws,
we can design systems
to work with them.
I know,
for example,
that I get distracted
by bright shiny ideas.
I have a system for dealing with this.
I list my new bright shiny ideas
in a notebook.
This gives me the satisfaction
of ‘taking action’ on the ideas
without taking so much action
that I derail my current projects.
I also have a few friends
assigned with the duty
of keeping me on track.
They remind me why I’m involved
with my current projects.
Become self aware.
Realize when you’re sabotaging
your own success
and put in systems to deal with it.