Since I was old enough to have a job, I've worked in customer service roles. Around 2 weeks into my first career as a waitress (at age 15) I was almost fired - my boss gave me an ultimatum: stop looking petrified every time you interact with a customer, and speak up, nobody can hear you. I'm a huge introvert and interacting with strangers confidently was not something that came naturally.
Lucky for me (maybe), I'm also a perfectionist and there was no way I was going to ‘fail’ at my first job! Somehow I figured out that my fear was generally unfounded and gradually I built up my confidence to become damn good at my job.
At that job, and every job that has followed, I've learned the value of going above and beyond for your customers...
Top 10 Cherry Blossom Spots in Tokyo
Productivity For Creative Thinkers - A FREE Course!
Raise your hand if you're ever flooded with ideas, and at a loss for where to start on your next big project?
RAISES HAND...
Yep. I've been there too - bursting with ideas, with no real direction, or outlet. Unable to organize my thoughts and, in the end, freezing with uncertainty and achieving nothing.
I've been a little quiet around these parts since relaunching, because I've been working on something special for you (yes, YOU!) I've created a totally free 7-day email course called Productivity For Creative Thinkers! It's been designed specifically for creative folks who have trouble focussing, completing tasks or concentrating on getting shit done.
My Top Five Email Subscription Lists
The last thing most people need (or want) is more email. It's hard to know which email lists are worth signing up to when everyone offers one, and they all seem quite interesting on the surface. I've selected five of my favourites that have stood the test of time in my inbox. These cover inspiration, industry news, education, small business tips and creativity.
9 - 5 Escape: One Year On
It's been one year since I was flung headlong into the world of tentative employment! No more 9-5 slog at a job I could barely stand getting up for in the morning. No more endless routine. No more walking home past the cemetery each evening and wondering if this was all there is to life (morbid, I know). A whole year! Where do I begin? Working for myself has been a mixed bag, but I definitely wouldn't trade it for the 9-5 life anytime soon. Here's some things that I have learned along the way:
When I first arrived in Tokyo, it was the start of February. It snowed the day after we landed. We were sitting in a cafe in Nakameguro - the cafe is actually 2 stores in one, called Soaks / OK Doughnuts, and the doughnuts are better than "ok" - right by the Meguro River. As we were sipping on hot coffee (and perhaps some mulled wine), I spotted the first flakes of snow drifting down. It was so magical and exciting! I knew I wasn't in Kansas (or Sydney) anymore.