Unless someone can prove that infallible gods are living among us, then the assumption is we’re all human beings. That means there are four attributes that make us all alike:
- We all have a human body.
- We all have the instict to survive.
- We all have emotions.
- We all have an ego to some degree.
Then if all of us are essentially equal in our genetic makeup, why do some people earn more money than others or have greater satisfaction and success in their careers? The answer is in how we intelligently learn, plan and deal with what’s before us. Unfortunately, most people do not treat their careers with the same enthusiasm when they plan their vacations or save for retirement. If you really want to move yourself ahead, then you need to learn for yourself what to do and what not to do. You also have to make a very strong conscious effort and unending commitment to keep going.
It starts by studying others and separating yourself from those who are doing it wrong. It also means hanging out and learning from others who are doing things right. If you’re willing to stop, take a deep breath and commit yourself to change, it will happen because most of us have the natural ability to think. When we learn to control nature’s knee jerk reactions by teaching ourselves to use our brains, we propel further in life.
Next time you go to work, take the time to observe others around you. Become conscious of your co-workers work habits. It will become clear that some people are enthusiastic most of the time and others will stick out as “lazy”. This doesn’t mean that these people really are lazy individuals, but are approaching their career with a low level of enthusiasm instead of going full steam ahead. Why? Perhaps they are bored. Or are not interested in the job they do. Maybe they are waiting for a new opportunity to come along and are just taking it easy, believing they’ll burn out if they work hard. Most people believe this. It’s sad that the majority of humans need a wake up call to change them. These are the kinds of people who struggle in the working world.
I’ve witnessed these people arrive consistently late, take excessive breaks, constantly text and even smoke in the bathroom. My brain aches thinking about how they believe no one could smell the smoke. I can understand being less than enthusiastic about a job. I worked a summer job in a printing factory during college which left an ink smell in my mind and in my hair the entire weekend. But I never gave less than 100% because I thought about the possibility of getting a great recommendation. Even during my college days, my inexperienced brain warned me about the future.
On the other hand, only a small percentage of people control the workplace, everybody else answers to them in some form or another. They are the bosses and decision makers; the other kinds of people. They control the future of the company and either share in it’s success or move on to better opportunities because they are creators. They have proven their worth. I always wanted to be and still want to be one of them. You must take control of your job everyday and observe, talk to and pick the brain of those who clearly are going somewhere. You must not get caught up in hanging out with the guy who is fun to be with but always puts you behind. Bosses take note of this stuff.
What have you done lately to improve the workplace?
When was the last time you consulted with your peers or the leaders about some idea to make work more productive or profitable? If not, you need to stop and think of two things.
1) Why not?
Most of us are busy with other parts of our lives and our brains are occupied. This can prevent us from consciously taking action. Please stop for awhile and do yourself a favor. Use your thinking cap.
2) Think about change
If your place of employment discourages individualism, has a six inch thick book of rules, regulations, policies and procedures or your boss just doesn’t care about anything but golf or the beach, it’s time to get to work and make the changes happen.
If you personally believe that your advancement, income and financial future are always determined by someone else, then you’re not in control. That doesn’t mean you need to own a business or have thirty years of work experience to create a better future for yourself. As we move forward, we become more knowledgeable. But as busy as we are, if you’re motivated to better yourself, then pick a comfortable corner and sit down to contemplate where you’re going in your life.
You don’t need seven Harvard degrees to be successful. You must realize that all of us possess the four same ingredients that make us human. We create and thrive by thinking more than others who don’t.
It also makes you feel good.