That's me - Marc Refrain from fighting obstacles - instead, use them as an opportunity to change old habits! There's not always a pill available to reduce pain or support on short notice. We need motivation, patience, and the right mindset to grow and become better than the day before. That may sound familiar; what we can read in every book deals with mental health - common sense - but practice makes perfect and more practice makes you an expert! I had those moments in life where I had the chance to choose - leave it and live with it or get up and make the best out of it - nevertheless, it would take years to be successful - I first chose one, but ended up in second - because I am responsible of my life and I make the best out of it!
My Mentoring Topics
- Mental health and choosing the right opportunities out of current situation.
- Career advice - know your personal skill set and use it the way you want to.
- IT Project management - structure difficult situations and step out of the box to have an open minded view.
- Work methodology - Do your work & learn to take benefits out of it.
J.
26.February 2024Marc gives me a good new perspective about myself and help me a lot.
A.
22.March 2023I had my first mentor session with Marc and it was an immediate success. Marc was really focused on giving us the most value out of the session as possible and I really want to thank him for that. In the end we learned a lot and got nice recommendations for tools, methods and books that we will now check out
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The ONE Thing - The Surprisingly Simple Truth Behind Extraordinary Results
Gary Keller, Jay Papasan
Key Facts or Insights from "The ONE Thing" Focus on the ONE Thing: The book advocates the importance of focusing on a single task, goal, or project at a time, rather than juggling multiple things. The Domino Effect: Achieving one significant goal will lead to a chain reaction of successes. Productivity is about priority: Successful people understand and prioritize their tasks based on their importance and impact. Myth of Multitasking: The book demystifies the concept of multitasking and emphasizes that it hampers productivity rather than enhancing it. Discipline is a habit: Discipline is a critical component to achieving extraordinary results. Once it becomes a habit, achieving goals becomes easier. Willpower is limited: Willpower isn't always on will-call. It needs to be wisely managed and is best used for the most important tasks. Extraordinary results require time blocking: The book suggests setting aside large chunks of time for focused work on your ONE thing. Visualizing the process: The book emphasizes the importance of visualizing every step of the process towards achieving your goal, not just the end result. Balance is counterproductive: The pursuit of balance can lead to mediocrity. The book suggests living a life of counterbalance, focusing intensely on your ONE thing, and then giving time to other areas of your life. The Four Thieves of Productivity: The inability to say "no," fear of chaos, poor health habits, and an environment that doesn't support your goals can steal your productivity. An In-Depth Analysis Written by real estate tycoon Gary Keller and co-author Jay Papasan, "The ONE Thing" emphasizes the importance of focusing on one crucial task, project, or goal at a time. This concept of singularity is deeply rooted in the understanding that extraordinary results are directly determined by how narrow you can make your focus. The book introduces the idea of the Domino Effect, which suggests that knocking down a significant "domino" or achieving a significant goal, can result in a chain reaction of successes. This concept resonates with the Chaos Theory's Butterfly Effect, where a small change can cause significant effects. "The ONE Thing" debunks the myth of multitasking. It echoes the concept of "Flow" proposed by psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, which argues that people are most productive and creative when they focus on one task at a time. Multitasking, as per the book, is nothing more than task-switching, which hampers productivity and increases mistakes. Another concept the book discusses is that discipline is a habit. Drawing on Charles Duhigg's work in "The Power of Habit," it argues that discipline is not about being perfect 100% of the time, but about being on track more than being off track. The book also recognizes the fact that willpower is limited and is best used for the most important tasks. This aligns with the Baumeister's theory of "Ego Depletion," which suggests that self-control or willpower is an exhaustible resource that can be used up. Time blocking is another strategy the book promotes. By dedicating specific time slots to work on your one thing, you can ensure that you progress towards your goal consistently. This approach has similarities with Cal Newport's concept of "Deep Work," where one indulges in professional activities performed in a state of distraction-free concentration. In the pursuit of extraordinary results, the authors argue that balance is counterproductive. Instead of aiming for a balanced life, they suggest living a life of counterbalance, where you put intense focus into your one thing, then allocate time to rest, recharge, and attend to other areas of your life. Lastly, the book identifies The Four Thieves of Productivity: the inability to say "no," fear of chaos, poor health habits, and an environment that doesn't support your goals. Each of these "thieves" can deter your productivity and hamper your journey towards achieving extraordinary results. In conclusion, "The ONE Thing" offers a practical guide to achieving extraordinary results in both personal and professional life by focusing on a single most important task at a time. It encourages readers to challenge conventional wisdom, question multitasking, and recognize the power of dedicated focus.
ViewThe 4-Hour Workweek - Escape 9-5, Live Anywhere, and Join the New Rich
Timothy Ferriss
Key Insights from "The 4-Hour Workweek" Definition of the New Rich: The book introduces a new class of people, the "New Rich" (NR), who have abandoned the deferred-life plan and created luxury lifestyles in the present using the time and income paradigm. DEAL - Definition, Elimination, Automation, Liberation: Ferriss presents a systematic approach to lifestyle design, encapsulated in the acronym DEAL. Time and productivity: The book argues that productivity is not related to the number of hours spent in an office but rather the tasks completed. Outsourcing: Ferriss encourages outsourcing daily tasks to virtual assistants to free up time. Income Autopilot: One of the key recommendations in the book is to set your income on autopilot, so you can travel the world without worrying about money. Eliminating Information Overload: Ferriss emphasizes the importance of eliminating unnecessary information or tasks to increase productivity. The 80/20 Principle: The book draws heavily on Pareto's Principle or the 80/20 rule. Ferriss argues that 80% of outputs result from 20% of inputs. Mini-retirements: The book introduces the concept of "mini-retirements", where instead of taking a traditional retirement at the end of your career, take multiple short retirements throughout your life. Overcoming Fear: Ferriss discusses overcoming fear as an essential step to achieving the lifestyle of the "New Rich". Efficiency Vs. Effectiveness: The book emphasizes the difference between efficiency (performing a task in the most economical manner) and effectiveness (doing the right task). Analysis of "The 4-Hour Workweek" Timothy Ferriss's "The 4-Hour Workweek" is a guide to escaping the traditional "9-5" workday, living anywhere, and joining the ranks of the "New Rich". Unlike the conventional definition of rich, Ferriss defines the "New Rich" as those who abandon the deferred-life plan and create luxury lifestyles in the present using the time and income paradigm. The heart of Ferriss's philosophy lies in the acronym DEAL, which stands for Definition, Elimination, Automation, and Liberation. This systematic approach to lifestyle design forms the core of the book. Ferriss challenges the conventional notion of productivity being tied to the number of hours spent at work. Instead, he argues that productivity should be measured by the tasks completed. This idea is not new and aligns with the knowledge-work productivity theory proposed by Peter Drucker. Outsourcing is another key concept in the book. Ferriss suggests hiring virtual assistants to perform routine tasks, thereby freeing up personal time. This is a practical application of the principle of comparative advantage, which states that it is more efficient to delegate tasks to those who can perform them more efficiently. The recommendation to set your income on autopilot is another intriguing idea. Ferriss suggests creating automated income streams that allow for freedom of location and time. This concept aligns with Robert Kiyosaki's idea of creating passive income streams in "Rich Dad Poor Dad". Ferriss also emphasizes the importance of eliminating unnecessary information or tasks to increase productivity. He advocates a selective ignorance approach towards news and other information sources, which echoes Cal Newport's concept of "Deep Work". The book heavily draws on Pareto's Principle or the 80/20 rule, suggesting that 80% of outputs result from 20% of inputs. Ferriss applies this principle to various aspects of life, including business, time management, and personal relationships. The concept of "mini-retirements" is another revolutionary idea introduced by Ferriss. Instead of saving retirement for the end of one's career, he suggests taking multiple short retirements throughout life. Ferriss also discusses overcoming fear as an essential step in achieving the desired lifestyle. He offers practical exercises for fear setting and overcoming procrastination. Finally, Ferriss differentiates between efficiency and effectiveness, stressing that it's more important to do the right thing (effectiveness) than to do things right (efficiency). This idea is reminiscent of Drucker's theory of management by objectives. In conclusion, "The 4-Hour Workweek" offers a radical approach to lifestyle design and personal productivity. It integrates various principles from management, economics, and psychology to present a unique perspective on work and life. While the ideas may seem radical, they are grounded in established theories and offer a fresh perspective on achieving personal freedom and wealth.
ViewThe Big Five for Life - A Story of One Man and Leadership's Greatest Secret
John P. Strelecky
Key Facts and Insights from the Book Concept of the Big Five for Life: The book introduces the concept of the ‘Big Five for Life’, which are the five things you want to ‘see, do, or experience’ before you die. These are different for every individual and form the foundation of personal fulfilment. Importance of Personal Vision: The book emphasizes the significance of having a personal vision and aligning it with your life's purpose, which can guide your decisions and actions. Leadership’s Greatest Secret: The book defines the greatest secret of leadership as the ability to align the organization's purpose with the personal Big Five goals of its employees. Museum Day Test: This is a tool to identify your Big Five for Life. It involves imagining what exhibits you would want in a museum dedicated to your life. Purposeful Profit: The concept of ‘Purposeful Profit’ is introduced, which suggests that organizations can be profitable while also serving a meaningful purpose. Value of Time: The book underscores the value of time, reminding readers that life is finite and thus, every moment should be used purposefully. Inspiring Leadership: The book posits that inspiring leadership is about helping others to achieve their Big Five for Life. Power of Storytelling: The book uses storytelling as a powerful tool for conveying its central ideas, making them more relatable and memorable. Role of Passion: The book emphasizes the role of passion in achieving personal and professional success. Importance of Balance: The book encourages balance in life, advocating that success is not just about achieving career goals but also personal fulfilment. Analysis of the Book and its Contents "The Big Five for Life - A Story of One Man and Leadership's Greatest Secret" by John P. Strelecky presents a revolutionary approach towards leadership and personal fulfilment. The book employs a narrative format, telling the story of a man named Thomas Derale, a successful business leader, who epitomizes the book’s central concepts. The concept of the ‘Big Five for Life’ is the cornerstone of the book. These are the five things individuals want to ‘see, do, or experience’ before they die. This concept suggests that our life goals should not be dictated by societal norms, but by our personal aspirations. This aligns with the Self-Determination Theory, which emphasizes intrinsic motivation and personal growth. The book underscores the importance of a personal vision and purpose. This echoes the Purpose-Driven Leadership model, which posits that leaders with a strong sense of purpose can inspire the same in their team. The greatest secret of leadership, according to the book, is the ability to align the organization's purpose with the personal Big Five goals of its employees. This is a profound insight that challenges the traditional command-and-control model of leadership. It emphasizes the transformational leadership style, which focuses on inspiring and motivating employees. The Museum Day Test, introduced in the book, is a novel tool for self-reflection and goal setting. It encourages individuals to visualize their life’s achievements and experiences, promoting introspection and goal clarity. ‘Purposeful Profit’ is another key concept in the book. It rejects the notion that businesses only exist to make a profit, advocating instead for a more holistic, purpose-driven approach to business. This echoes the concepts of Conscious Capitalism and Corporate Social Responsibility. The book emphasizes the value of time and the importance of using it wisely. This resonates with the Time-Value Theory, which proposes that the value of time is subjective and should be used to achieve personal fulfilment. The book also highlights the power of storytelling, using it effectively to present its concepts. This aligns with the practice of Narrative Leadership, which uses storytelling as a powerful tool for inspiration and connection. Finally, the book underscores the importance of balance in life, suggesting that success lies not only in achieving career goals but also personal fulfilment. This is a powerful message that resonates with the Work-Life Balance theory, which emphasizes the need for balance between professional commitments and personal life. In conclusion, "The Big Five for Life - A Story of One Man and Leadership's Greatest Secret" is a compelling read that encourages readers to rethink their approach towards leadership, personal fulfilment, and life in general. It presents valuable insights and tools that can help individuals lead more fulfilling lives and organizations to create more motivated and engaged teams.
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J.
2.April 2024Marc gave me fantastic advice on how to start and build a career, particularly in connection with my diverse background. Further, through a spontaneous mock interview, Marc helped me identify and clarify the strengths that I bring to the job market :)