be street smart

There are only two places to go when dropped to rock bottom: You can wallow there forever, asking questions that will never have palatable answers, or you can climb your way out and live. Follow your instincts. If you're in the habit of talking yourself out of what they are telling you, stop it. Instincts are something that get stronger with use. • Don't over-think things. Resist overriding your instincts (and intuition) by thinking too much. Go with your gut. • Pay attention to the details. Details are often what your instincts, intuition and gut are reacting to. What's off? What's missing? • Learn the rules. Every organization you work for or with has its own set of rules. Learn them! • Speak up and shut up. It's as important to stop talking as it is to start. Make your point or state your request and then stop. • Know what you don't know and what you must know. Be honest with yourself about what you don't know and make a plan to learn (or hire) what you need. • Control and leverage your attitude. A good attitude will take you alot farther than a poor one. Use it. It's one of your most effective tools. • Unleash your curiosity, ingenuity, industriousness and initiative. Don't wait to be plucked from obscurity! Knowledge is power! Learning can raise your street I.Q.