We all want success-whether it be in our relationships or vocation;and work hard to attain it.But hard work does not always result in success-or recognition.Despite our best efforts.Naturally this causes a lot of consternation.We rack our brains,blame this or that factor,but the statusquo refuses to improve.
The reason is very simple-hidden variables are at work.We blame external factors but fail to look within.It is not easy to figure how our habits,attitudes and beliefs translate into our behavior and shape the outcome.Our attributes are capable of forestalling the rewards which could easily have been ours.We think we are doing everything in the proper way but it is difficult to judge ourselves impartially-unless someone else points it out.If this rings a bell with you,let me put some direct questions;the answers to which could illumine dark corners:--
Are you unsure of yourself?
Do you avoid accepting challenging tasks fearing that you will not be able to fulfill that responsibility and only make a spectacle of yourself?
Are you scared of taking a big leap?
Perhaps you like to play safe and believe that one in hand is worth two in bush;but if you had taken some calculated risks you could have been in a higher strata today.
Are you diffident?
Maybe you are so shy that you would rather play second fiddle than be the cynosure of all eyes-even if it was for receiving accolades for your performance.Grow up,will you?
Are you stubborn?
We all have certain drawbacks and our well wishers point them out too,but if we are too stubborn to accept that fact then we shall never progress or meet success.
If it is not about believing that you are perfect and do not need to change your ways then it could also be about sticking to your old,tried,comfortable way of working which you refuse to change.This too,is a major obstacle to personal growth.
Are you a loner?
Loners are at a big disadvantage in this era of networking.We all have different skills and talents and no one person is a master of everything.If you are facing a tough situation in your work or have your hands too full,then taking outside help will relieve you of unnecessary stress and also help you succeed.
Secondly,whether in personal life or career,there come moments when one needs the power of supporters behind him/her.Today a lone person-no matter how right or capable is-will not be given the same recognition as someone who has the force of a group behind him.
Are you very modest?
You might be carrying the full load of an organisation on your shoulders but if you don't talk about it,no one comes to know.It is true that showboats are a pain in the neck but it is also important to let others know about your work and achievements.
Are you facing a crisis in personal life?
Personal issues,anxieties preclude all else from one's consideration so that it becomes difficult to devote the required time and energy to one's work or private life.If a problem is blotting out all else from your mind,it is best to sort it out at the soonest so that you can do justice to other responsibilities.
Are you plain lazy
Well,what can I say to that?You are the best judge!
So if you are disappointed with the the speed of your growth you would do well to introspect and find out where the fault lies.
The reason is very simple-hidden variables are at work.We blame external factors but fail to look within.It is not easy to figure how our habits,attitudes and beliefs translate into our behavior and shape the outcome.Our attributes are capable of forestalling the rewards which could easily have been ours.We think we are doing everything in the proper way but it is difficult to judge ourselves impartially-unless someone else points it out.If this rings a bell with you,let me put some direct questions;the answers to which could illumine dark corners:--
Are you unsure of yourself?
Do you avoid accepting challenging tasks fearing that you will not be able to fulfill that responsibility and only make a spectacle of yourself?
Are you scared of taking a big leap?
Perhaps you like to play safe and believe that one in hand is worth two in bush;but if you had taken some calculated risks you could have been in a higher strata today.
Are you diffident?
Maybe you are so shy that you would rather play second fiddle than be the cynosure of all eyes-even if it was for receiving accolades for your performance.Grow up,will you?
Are you stubborn?
We all have certain drawbacks and our well wishers point them out too,but if we are too stubborn to accept that fact then we shall never progress or meet success.
If it is not about believing that you are perfect and do not need to change your ways then it could also be about sticking to your old,tried,comfortable way of working which you refuse to change.This too,is a major obstacle to personal growth.
Are you a loner?
Loners are at a big disadvantage in this era of networking.We all have different skills and talents and no one person is a master of everything.If you are facing a tough situation in your work or have your hands too full,then taking outside help will relieve you of unnecessary stress and also help you succeed.
Secondly,whether in personal life or career,there come moments when one needs the power of supporters behind him/her.Today a lone person-no matter how right or capable is-will not be given the same recognition as someone who has the force of a group behind him.
Are you very modest?
You might be carrying the full load of an organisation on your shoulders but if you don't talk about it,no one comes to know.It is true that showboats are a pain in the neck but it is also important to let others know about your work and achievements.
Are you facing a crisis in personal life?
Personal issues,anxieties preclude all else from one's consideration so that it becomes difficult to devote the required time and energy to one's work or private life.If a problem is blotting out all else from your mind,it is best to sort it out at the soonest so that you can do justice to other responsibilities.
Are you plain lazy
Well,what can I say to that?You are the best judge!
So if you are disappointed with the the speed of your growth you would do well to introspect and find out where the fault lies.
Great analysis and pointers!
ReplyDeleteThanks a lot Amitji.
DeleteWel-written!
ReplyDeleteThanks.Glad you liked it.
DeleteThose are some very important questions! Very well analysed and presented Induji! Thank you :)
ReplyDeleteArchana ,many thanks for this compliment.
DeleteA great article :)
ReplyDeleteThank you Purba.
DeleteAs always, a great article and very forthright in the best way. Your questions don't allow us to shy away, to push them aside. A few made me vaguely uncomfortable. Because I am many of those things you mention.:) The worst one is I get so scared to speak up in a group setting...yet I wonder sometimes, what if I just did? Would it get easier and easier? Thanks for the food for thought. I haven't been on the blog lately and am happy to be back reading your practical common sense.
ReplyDeleteColleen even if you don't speak up in a group you more than make up for it in your writings-they are so very expressive and candid.I simply loved'You have got to be strong' for example.
ReplyDeleteVery important questions that we would all do well in asking ourselves. Indeed, so many of us are dissatisfied with the status quo. It is best to introspect and find out the cause.
ReplyDeleteThank you Rachna,i am so very happy that i connected to you.
DeleteThere truly are many factors at work like you elaborated. We get stuck or impervious to them . Nice post
ReplyDeleteHi Sujata,seeing you after a long long time.How have you been?
DeleteThanks.
Well delineated
ReplyDeleteThanks a lot :)
DeleteVery interesting, Indu. Very matter of fact questions which make us look within because this is often the area we shy away from looking into.
ReplyDeleteYes Rachna we do shy away from evaluating our own tactics.
DeleteTrue Indu, self analysis on the given lines is certainly required to direct our efforts towards the factors that we need to work upon, however a number of times many things are out of our control and luck too plays a role.
ReplyDeleteYes you are right,luck certainly plays the spoil sport sometimes.All we can do is not spoil our own pitch.
DeleteThank you Somali.
Helpful, as always. You have such clarity of thoughts.
ReplyDeleteAlka you gave a wonderful start to my day,thank you friend :)
Delete