Hello Guys! As many of you will know I have recently started a new project; in fact it's proving to be a new way of being. Initially I was overwhelmed as I'm learning two skill sets at once, but now I've settled down and am making good progress. So what are we about and what do we learn? When we arrive on earth our mission is to learn, which includes everything from physical, social and cognitive skills to values, beliefs and self image. All need to be nurtured!
Learning is a lifelong process that takes time- after all, an athlete doesn't become an athlete overnight. Athlete's bodies have to be conditioned, their minds-trained. Athletes create daily routines by introducing a high level of discipline as they need to master specific techniques to gain the edge in their field- wow what a role call! To some extent the same applies to business and even our general health. We have to allow time for change and constantly evaluate, making adjustments to enable growth- (or loss if you're slimming!)
Any group you join in life has their own way of doing things, especially big companies who often have tried and tested methods that everyone is expected to follow. The corporate approach is great for many people and necessary in specific fields. Sometimes technique is key- A surgeon needs to know how to carry out the exact procedure before starting an operation; but in some areas of life one cap doesn't fit all. Sooooo, how do we know whether we're fine following someone else's methods?
To answer this we need to read the clues! What clues you might be saying? Are you basically happy in your work or leisure circles? Happiness is always key. Moving on, results are good indicators. In most industries the biggest results are happy clients and repeat business. But what about target based industries? Are you meeting, exceeding or failing to hit your monthly quota? Now that's a quick indicator depending on your length of time in the company. Most result led companies will let you go if you fail to hit their targets, leaving you to improve techniques of change course.
The biggest clue as to whether we are true to ourselves always lies in our gut instinct. How do you feel about the way you are operating? Does it create bad feelings, worries, or an 'I don't like this response?' This is where it becomes tricky. When you have any of these indicators you need to identify why. Are you in the right place and just experiencing a couple of aspects that don't suit or does everything not seem like you? For me, overall everything is great with the exception of one key area. Basically the system was set up by American businessmen and I'm not an Alpha male who likes to cut to the core of the matter; neither am I a product of our instant society therefore although the overall method has been tried and testing, working well for the majority, I've decided to deviate and come up with a gentler technique. Provided you do not need to answer to anyone, feel free to try this!
It might be that your business or even circle of friends are quite comfortable about doing things that are a bit dodgy- oh my, I remember the days when my boys were teenagers and definitely saw everything through grey speckled lenses! There was no negotiating with them - we need to understand when we can speak our mind and when it is best to retreat quietly in every situation.
Our personal integrity is important and forms the basis of our reputation. Would you knowingly take your car to a dodgy mechanic who will happily fix one problem whilst creating another, so you have to bring your car back? People will look at you and decide on all levels whether you're fit for their circle. My advice is to study your feelings, reactions and develop strong principles; you need to strengthen your inner voice so that you make good decisions in line with your true character. For me, the whole 'new experience' initially swept across me so it took time before I realised where I needed to make changes. I tried to understand the reasons for things in the first instance, debating and being told why I should follow the approved method. As time went on I still felt uncomfortable as it so wasn't 'me' and have changed to a method I'm happy with. In my case it just meant that I messed up a little with no damage done and created a great learning curve enabling me to share this knowledge!
I think Oscar Wilde defined the importance of being ourselves in the simplest way possible. We didn't just come with individual fingerprints, we came with our own blue print, our individual thought process, aspirations, conscience, so stay true to yourself and you will progress through life with ease.
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