I don't think I have all the answers, far from it. However, if there is something that I have learned over the last couple of years of heavy self-development it’s how to get things done. This took many attempts and failures at many things, figuring out what works for me, and what doesn't, and finding out what I’m good at and what needs improvement. Throughout the whole process, I noticed something about my change that I didn't focus on or even expect to change. My ability to try.
I had become this person that stopped thinking about how people would view me, what might happen if I don’t do it right or how my self-esteem would be affected If I didn't succeed. I stopped asking how I get started and just started doing it. I figured it out on the way by continuously learning and developing the thing I was doing. This is not the case with everything I do, sometimes I take my time and plan before taking action. However, for the things I wanted to personally start doing in my life or accomplish, I stopped thinking about it and jumped in with both feet.
“I know I ask a lot of questions,” I say somewhat apologetically to my client as she wraps up explaining the processing of one case to me. “Oh, it’s a good thing; I realize I’m asking fewer now as compared to when I joined.” “So, does that mean you know everything that you need to?” I asked with hope. “No, I just think that people would expect me to know those things.”
It
will be close to seven months now since I started working at Cybage. As my
first Real Technical job, this dynamic organization has been and continues to
be everything I hoped it would be, and more. It’s the perfect place to work if
you like not knowing beforehand what you’re going to pursue next week, working
at a happy workplace surrounded by smart people, having your work recognized,
and being satisfied knowing you’re making a difference. But praising my
workplace is not the point of this blog post.
During my first couple of months here, I asked a lot of questions – sometimes to the point of annoying people (maybe they were too polite to shoo me away?). But I wasn’t shy or discouraged or self-conscious. Why? The first impression is a lasting impression; however, I wasn’t particularly concerned that I’d ruin it because learning about the application, the process of how it works, and the company, trumped the fact that I might not seem smart during my first interaction. Since when does being a know-it-all equate to a higher degree of smartness anyway? I was here to learn, and to contribute to the growth, accordingly.
I’m too inexperienced to know if people who have been with an organization for long candidly clear their doubts by asking others. I do know for sure that if I were them, I’d be reluctant, but not because of my ego or pride. It’s human nature to assume certain things and live up to those assumptions to reinforce them. I’m fat, I must eat a lot. I’m pretty, I must always get my way. I’m quiet, I won’t be heard in the crowd. I’ve been with this company for so long, I must know everything. But that’s not healthy. As an organization evolves, and innumerable changes are made over the years, it is possible that you may not know everything. And that’s fine. But by accepting it and being curious, you can overcome that (I’m resisting the temptation to go a bit tangential and write about The Four Agreements). The easiest way to stay up-to-date is to ask questions. If you’re surrounded by professionals, the probability that you’ll be ridiculed is close to zero; in fact, your questions may spark interesting conversations! One thing I abide by is: You can do anything but not everything, at least not at the same time. So, as you envision the future of your work life, pledge to treat every day as a challenge, and to be a learner throughout the way.
I did
not know that you can actually manifest your dreams, I used to think that was
the stuff of magic and fairy tales, but today I am working for this company
which I had dreamed about 4 years ago, confirms the fact that you can actually
do anything if you made sincere efforts and your heart longs for it just
enough. Just enough then and only then can this world will give you everything
you wanted. Just be true to yourself, and don't let your ego get in the way of your
growth, be it in your personal or professional life. Be humble enough to acknowledge
your flaws and own them and never stop believing in people you care about. I
think that's the stuff, that's all you need. Steve Jobs was never my role
model, (that is Gordon Ramsay for me). but this one quote of his deeply
resonates with me.
STAY HUNGRY STAY FOOLISH
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| Tea break at Cybage 1st July 2022 |
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