In our daily lives, we are bombarded with demands, especially if we are looking for work. We jump from one thing to the next, without taking much time to think about the bigger picture.

Sometimes, however, we do need to stop and take stock of things, to think about the best way to do things, and about the best way to be. Here are few words of advice from author and business advisor Tony Schwartz, a few principles to help guide us on the way.

The first precept is to watch overconfidence, and the way overconfidence usually manifests itself – as an overriding feeling of certainty. When you are sure that you are right, stop and think about what you might be missing. Ask yourself what more you could do, what can you yet learn.

Another thing to keep in mind, Schwartz says, is to remember that achieving excellence at anything takes continual, perpetual effort — just plain hard work. But excellence really is the best way to a fulfilled and satisfied life. And we need to realize there are no easy ways to get to excellence, only practice and work and sacrifice.

Keep an eye on your emotions – they can spread easily. Think about someone you admire and how he or she made you feel. That is the same way you want to make other people feel.

When you are in a tough, pressured situation — one where you might be tempted to cut corners, to do something less than honorable — stop and ask yourself: “How would I act here if I were at my best?” We intuitively know what the right thing is to do if we stop and think about it.

You will have a much richer, more fulfilling life if you do what you love. That doesn’t automatically mean you will make a lot of money at it, but you will have a more satisfying life. And, in the end, if riches are more important, you can always adjust your strategy.

What’s more, you really don’t need as much as you think you do. Our culture constantly tells us that more is better. But that’s not always the case. Many of our desires are manufactured. Instead of asking what more you can get, ask about the things you do have – do they all add value to your life? Is there anything you can do without?

Be satisfied with who you are, but never stop trying to learn and grow, Schwartz says. If you are looking for meaning in your life, you won’t find it anywhere but in yourself. Meaning is not something you find, it’s something you make by working toward something larger than yourself, by finding how you can contribute.

Schwartz’ final piece of advice is to be honest with yourself. We are quick to see the faults of others, but we’re often blind toward our own. Don’t rationalize away your own shortcomings. Acknowledge them, be accountable for them.

When you’re looking for work in the Tampa Bay area, contact StaffEx. We can place you in temporary, temp-to-hire and direct-hire assignments with some of the Tampa’s best firms. We look forward to hearing about your career goals. Contact us today!