To succeed, stop grumbling and work

NAIROBI: Successful people are firm believers in their endeavours. They do not just attempt things. They take on them with everything they have. They have only one goal in mind; to succeed. Some people, however, tend to have other ideas. They might have their eyes on their goal but entertain too many distractions along the way.

Handling these distractions ultimately become their main goal, and lose sight of their destination. Such is the story behind many failed careers. One such distraction is persistent grumbling or complaining over seemingly small things. To some people, nothing is ever right in their career. For others, it is the boss and his or her persistent demands.

Others will grumble about work schedule, work load, work station or deadlines. Some will complain of difficult colleagues making life unbearable for them at work.

Others will complain month after month about pay and how other people in similar jobs are better paid. Know that perfect jobs do not exist. Even the best jobs in the world come with challenges. Careers are like life. There will be good days, flat days and bad days but life must nevertheless be lived. As such, it would be foolhardy to expect a smooth sail in your career. A chat with any successful person reveals the ups and downs one must navigate through to get to the top.

As a matter of fact, successful people are sought after for the very reason that they hold plenty of wisdom, owing to the many challenges they have conquered along the way. Employers are also willing to pay a good price for it.

Good planning

To solve the problem, be real. Don’t expect the impossible. Problems will be there — whether you like it or not. Also, plan your career well. Good planning usually leads to better preparation and performance.

If things don’t work out, never take it negatively, rather, be positive. A positive outlook nourishes the creative genius in you that produces answers, not just for today but for years to come. Should you face the same challenge in future, you will have nothing to worry about.

Observe keenly and learn from those before you. Adopt a culture of continuous learning in your chosen profession to ensure you don’t lag behind and expose your underbelly. Membership to a professional body also helps in your continuous development.

Strive to be an effective team player. Effective teams are a great source of knowledge, strength and the attitude needed to strike the winning hit in your career. Cultivate patience and remember the good old saying — practice makes perfect. When things don’t work out, don’t just grumble yourself to a halt. Rather, keep trying. Some of the world’s best minds have been created through sheer practice.

Seek to be supportive of others at work. In this way, you will attract the same kind of support that reduces the impact when things do not work out for you. Remember you can never change everything. Sometimes all you need is to focus on what is right to be successful.

—The writer is a human resource specialist with Peoplelink Consultants Ltd. Email: [email protected]