Stranger #11
Learning a new language
LISTEN to how people speak in that language. Intonation is very important. And practice. Even if you practice talking to yourself, holding an imaginary conversation. It doesn’t matter that you don’t have a huge vocabulary. See if you can find a way to express yourself without having all the words on your hands.
Balancing a corporate and creative life
It’s hard to find a balance if you can’t find a way to enjoy both. And I believe there’s a way to combine the two in any case. It doesn’t have to always be one or the other. Find a way to be creative in your corporate life, to give it depth and freshness. Find a way to have a business sense in your creative life to make it last, and to enable it.
Networking
Don’t just push yourself in front of people. Be interested in them, and what they have to say, what they do. Only if they find they can talk to you will they listen to and value you as well.
And keep a sense of mystery! You don’t need to lay all your cards out on the table. Keep them intrigued.
Leaving a controlling relationship
You need to realise what is happening, first. Take a step back. Are you being yourself? Truly? Or are you trying to please someone else, to comply with someone else’s rules and desires? Are they giving you something back in return; are they making any effort themselves? It needs to be two ways, otherwise you end up holding a grudge or losing your own identity.
Then – when you know for sure what’s happening and know for certain that you want OUT, then JUMP. Don’t hesitate. Make the move. Of course, you don’t need to hurt the other party – be sensible, don’t get too emotionally involved in stating what you want, be it a compromise, an understanding or a complete split. No turning back.
Would like advice on
How to stop self-doubt, to let go of the past.
Best advice received
Stop analysing! Go with the flow.
Life experience
51
Location
Melbourne, Australia