Today’s frantic 24/7 pace often boxes people in, forcing them to choose between the sacrifices one makes for career advancement versus personal time to develop as an individual. Other times it's working non-stop only to show up for the second shift of laundry, cooking, cleaning or whatever nondescript domestic task awaits at home.
But corporate finance advisor and newly appointed A-Lister, Faiz Hak, has a couple of tips to keep you ahead of the curve. For him, the balance is actually between finding an equal measure of relief and happiness in the roles we juggle. Here he is, in his own words.
Your job is part negotiator, educator, and consultant with self-made business leaders. How do you deal with disagreements?
You need to understand that everyone sees the world from their own perspective. People tend to disagree when they don’t understand each other. When one party is being being heard and doesn’t spend any time trying to understand, disagreement is right around the corner. When you come to an understanding that most of us are more alike than we are different, you begin to tolerate and accommodate - even appreciate - a different point of view. So first, seek to understand. That does not mean you have to agree, just that you’re open to hearing them out.
What does being “successful” mean?
“Happiness is more correlated with change in success than success itself”. If you achieved all your wildest dreams today, what would you do tomorrow? What would you do a year later? We improve ourselves degrees at a time, so keep your eyes on the bigger picture, but focus your energies on being better than you were yesterday.
What’s an integral part of self development that people ignore?
One of the toughest parts of growing up for me, was finding out who I was. I am very lucky in that I come from a close-knit family even though we are very big. My father has 11 siblings and my mother has three. On all sides, there has been unwavering love and support and I know they have my back 100%. Being accepted for who you are without conditions gives you the courage to pursue your passions and find out what makes you happy.
If you had your own billboard, what message would you put on it?
Be of value in all that you do.
Faiz is wearing a shirt, trousers and ring by Bottega Veneta; TAG Heuer Aquaracer Professional 200 Date