09.05.09
Refuse To Lose
I read an article in “Black Enterprise” magazine recently in which Chris Gardner, author of “The Pursuit of Happyness” and subject of a movie by the same name starring Will Smith, said he and the partners at his financial services firm had agreed not to accept the recession.
Gardner wasn’t in denial. He acknowledged it was out there, but he said he refused to let it pull him down. In fact, he said later in the article, that he got some additional business from clients who wouldn’t have looked at his firm a few years ago, but his success suddenly started looking good to them and in this kind of economy — in so many words — doing well was the best revenge.
I thought about that and wondered how many of us talk ourselves out of success because of all the excuses that flutter through our minds and what would happen if we just refused to give in to our psychic bullies?
Yes, the economy is rocky, various industries are suffering and some of us have been laid off, bought out, taken deep pay cuts or wonder if any of these things is in our future. That said, we still have bad habits like eating and paying the rent. So what are we to do?
First of all, take inventory. Figure out what you have going for you and how to make it work for you. Become the go-to person for something of value in your organization.
Next, do your homework. Know your employer’s goals and values and what you can do to meet them. It’s important to work hard, but it’s more important to work smart. If you are producing work that is not valued in your workplace, then you must decide whether you want to remain in that organization and if so what you need to do to make that happen.
Every experience counts. You may currently be in a role that is not your dream job, but the most successful people understand how every role in the organization contributes to the bottom line. And once you know how to do that job, it’s one more skill in your toolkit.
Watch any of the competitive reality shows (i.e. Design Star, Top Chef, Project Runway). Those who fare the best are the ones who have multiple skills. They can execute their visions because they have a wide range of experiences. If you look at a less than plum assignment as an opportunity to learn rather than a punishment, you may be able to turn it into a better opportunity.
But most importantly, your attitude will carry the day.
If you approach everything as though it’s ultimately for your good – even when it feels like a setback – you will develop the drive and persistence that will see you through. If you apply for a job or a promotion and don’t get it, find out why. Find out what the employer is looking for in candidates. Ask questions, prepare yourself to be what you want to be.
Develop a strategy that puts you in the position you want. You may not want to own your own business, but think about your career like an entrepreneur. In the end, it’s all about the business of you.
The call is yours. Refuse to lose.
