Developing an affinity for something often requires multiple exposures to it, even if initially disliked. This concept, referred to as 'eating your vegetables', is crucial for career strategy and self-improvement. It involves distinguishing between genuine dislike and dislike due to unfamiliarity or lack of skill. Just like children need to be exposed to vegetables multiple times to develop an appreciation, individuals need to give themselves multiple chances to try new things. For example, many podcasts fail to continue beyond the first episode because people often decide they dislike it after just one attempt. The key is to keep trying and practicing until proficiency is achieved. Networking was a challenge for the speaker, but by setting a goal of handing out 10 business cards at external events and persisting through initial discomfort, they became better at it. The relationships formed during this period became foundational to their professional network. In order to progress in a career, it is important to identify areas of weakness and intentionally practice them until proficiency is gained.
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Ada Chen Rekhi is an executive coach and co-founder of Notejoy. She helps founders scale themselves alongside their teams. She has over a decade of experience leading teams through periods of rapid transition, from the chaos of founding early-stage startups to leadership roles in growing SurveyMonkey and LinkedIn. In today’s podcast, we discuss:
• How utilizing a “curiosity loop” can aid you in decision-making
• A values exercise that can help determine if your life choices align with your personal values
• Ada’s “explore and exploit” framework for making the most of your job opportunities
• The advantages of seeking an executive coach and useful tips on finding one
• Tips for women navigating working in Silicon Valley
• Why it’s so important to provide constructive feedback