How much do you really care about doing well? Odd question – right? Most of us care about doing well. We see ourselves having a great job, perhaps being the boss or very successful at what we are doing, being well liked and well respected, and spending time doing what we really want to be doing. If this appeals to you and you don’t feel you’re there yet, here’s our advice – stop complaining (sorry if that’s not you, but many folks get stuck there) and do something about it.
OK, if we haven’t lost you with that last statement; if you’ve decided to give us a little more time to explain ourselves before throwing something at your computer screen and screaming obscenities at us and saying “you just don’t understand my situation”, then allow us to explain. Many people we meet feel the reason they are not succeeding is because of politics, favoritism (a variation on politics), being too old, being too young, being the wrong gender or ethnicity, and on and on and on. It’s a disease we call “ain’t it awfulism” and it’s not cured by taking a daily dose of “if only” and “why they’re wrong”.
For example, we met:
ü A young women who wanted a teaching job but felt you had to “know someone” to get the job because it was all politics
ü A young man who wanted to coach a high school team but felt that politics prevented him from getting the job
ü A corporate refugee who was in his mid 50’s who wanted to start his own company but felt he was too old
ü A manager who wanted to be recognized for his work (which was truly great) but assumed his boss just didn’t care and wouldn’t support him, yet never did anything to test his negative assumption
What was the common element in these stories? The common element is that none of them did anything about their situation – other than complain about it.
The young women who wanted to be a teacher did not prepare her portfolio and use it to dazzle the selection committee with her skill, accomplishments and passion for teaching. She just showed up for the interview, expecting the worst.
The young man who wanted to be a coach, refused to spend any extra time preparing for a coaching career by doing volunteer coaching so as to attract attention to his skills and experience to draw from. He didn’t want to do anything he wasn’t being paid to do. (And yes he did have a day job that paid).
The corporate refugee in his 50’s failed to realize that age is absolutely not a barrier to starting a business. In fact it’s an asset. There’s a phrase for people who reinvent themselves later in life: late bloomers. And, there are huge and many career success stories of 50+.
The story of the manager who felt his boss was not recognizing him has a different ending. He went into his boss’ office for his annual review armed with evidence about his contribution and accomplishments and came out with a promotion and a significant raise. He finally refused to let his negative assumptions and fears guide his future action.
Yes there is politics and favoritism in the working world. In fact, you may have been a victim or a beneficiary of it in the past. It’s a fact of life. Doesn’t make it right, just is.
As the economy continues to recover decide on what you want, make a plan and take action. Someone will get the job, someone will coach the team, and someone will start a successful business. Why not you?
Is it easy? Not really. Does it take time and effort? It does. Is it possible to achieve your goals? Absolutely. It starts with doing something about what you want to do.
Copyright 2010 Kubica and LaForest
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