Passion is a must to excel, reach potential
Our definitions of success are often profoundly influenced by others. We tend to choose a career based on the advice of our family and friends. Sometimes we simply follow the conventional wisdom and get into professions that seem most promising at the time. If we choose careers without giving much thought to our personal interests, some years down the lane we may feel absolutely trapped. We may not enjoy the work we do but at the same time cannot forego the stature we gain
ed through years of toil. In short we fail to find fulfilment in our jobs.
In the HBR article ’Reaching your potential’, Professor Robert S. Kaplan says, “Fulfilment doesn’t come from clearing hurdles others set for you; it comes from clearing those you set for yourself.” You may make great strides in your chosen field and achieve impressive outward success but to reach your true potential you must enjoy what you do. A deep ‘self-knowledge’ is what helps you in your pursuit to achieve a true sense of professional satisfaction. The knowledge about your likes and dislikes helps you chalk out suitable career plans or perhaps reassess your career path, when there is still time if you had got into a wrong one. Also awareness about your strengths and shortcomings helps you close the gaps and make the right career moves.
People who make career choices based on peer views or popular opinion fail to figure out what their passions are and what they actually enjoy doing. You get the willpower to overcome setbacks, face challenges and bounce back from failure only when you love what you do. If you got into a career without giving much thought to your passions it is never too late to discover where you belong. Explore every possibility to match your interests with what you do. If you cannot pursue your passion the next best thing would be to cultivate passion for what you actually do. Passion is a must to excel and reach your potential.
While most people are aware of their strengths they have absolutely no idea as to what their weaknesses are. When things go wrong correcting your shortcomings can bring you back on track. You must make a concerted effort to find out where you need to improve to progress continuously and avoid stagnation. Professor Kaplan points out that you have to indulge in meaningful reflection to gain this knowledge. You must develop a willingness to face hard facts about your deficiencies and also humility to accept your failings.
Often it is not easy to get others to tell you where you are falling short. Your subordinates fear pointing out flaws and your colleagues avoid rubbing you the wrong side. Very few bosses have the time and patience to accurately assess their subordinates’ strengths and weakness and provide valuable coaching. It is up to you to gather specific feedback from various quarters. Have one-on-one discussions with your boss, colleagues and direct reports and request them to provide an honest feedback. People will be more willing to offer their feedback when they realise you value their inputs. So be sincere in your approach and start working on your limitations as they come to light. Also remember that seeking feedback should be an on going process because as you advance in your career you will face new challenges and demands.
To scale professional heights apart from self-knowledge a deep understanding of your work is equally important. Before you embark on your mission to excel it is important to identify the few most critical tasks, which underpin success in your profession. Excelling at these core tasks is crucial for success. Identifying these tasks helps you to focus on what is important and delegate the less important to others. You can then make prudent use of your time and energy.
Aim for professional fulfilment. Define success as you view it and decide the path to reach there. For once set aside peer pressure.
N. PURNIMA SRIKRISHNA
faqs@cnkonline.com
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