EYN #002 - Get Better At Everything. B.A.T

Read time: 2 mins

People get stuck.  They get comfortable, complacent and forget or don't believe they can continue to grow. They put themselves in boxes.  They construct narratives that limit their potential.  They build a set of limiting beliefs.  And it's really sad!  It stops people growing, it stifles joy, it stops people reaching their potential.

But I believe everyone can get better at everything.  What a refreshing thought!  That simple thought can propel you forward in your career, and what's more it's great fun trying.

Over 20 years ago I went on a training course with Nicholas Bate.  He taught me this great little pneumonic.

B.A.T.

• Belief
• Attention
• Technique

I think BAT can help you construct a better narrative of yourself, master more things in life and help you achieve your potential.

Let's dig into it:

Belief

• You need to believe you can get better at something
• We often construct limiting beliefs that stop us trying.  I've seen it with people at work, I've seen it with my kids playing badminton in the school holidays.  Try reframing "I can't do this" to "I haven't learnt this yet"
• Instead of constructing limiting beliefs, construct a narrative of - "This is something I can get better at, and I`m going to enjoy trying"

Attention

• It's no good just believing you're going to get better at something, you need to give it some attention.
• So ring fence some time to practice and develop the skill.  If you set some quality time aside to practice it will really help

Technique

• But it's not just about time.  You need to learn the techniques.  If you're learning guitar you need to learn the strings, the notes, the fingering.  If you're developing your presentation skills you need to learn how to be relevant to an audience, build great content and deliver it effectively.
• So find a way to learn that support your learning style.  Read books, watch videos, try and fail, get coaches, get feedback, try and fail some more.

BAT really works.  I've applied this small approach to everything for years.  From learning low level cloud architecture, to developing my leadership skills, to launching my own business.

All it takes is a bit of belief in yourself, some time to learn, and a way to develop your technique.

Enjoy!

BenP

Whenever you're ready, there are 3 ways I can help you:

• Podcast:  Insightful guests sharing tips and stories on how to thrive in the tech world.  Also on Spotify, Apple and Google Podcasts.
• Technical Storytelling for Individuals: Accelerate your career, increase your impact and influence people.  World-Class course and coaching available for individuals.
• Technical Storytelling for Organisations: Programs designed to increase the impact of your team.  Inspire, develop and motivate your team to influence key stakeholders and generate action.