Peter Pays Paul

What was your favorite subject in school?

I have a natural proclivity towards math. I enjoyed algebra and solving a challenging problem was always fun. (I didn’t like calculus or trigonometry, too theoretical.)

Writing for me was always more difficult. Whether it was a research report or a story I always had a hard time getting to the minimum word limit. English was not my favorite subject. (Now I can’t shut up.)

It Comes Naturally

Talents and Skills

Each of us has natural talent that makes some tasks easier than others. Solving a complex finance problem is easier for me than for some. Some men are gifted with their hands and can build almost anything. Other men have the ability to design beautiful buildings. Some women are naturally creative and can sculpt or paint beautiful works of art. Other women have an attention to detail that makes them incredible administrators.

Our natural talents often lead us to industries where we will be maximally productive.

Personality Traits

Like natural talents, many of us have personality traits or characteristics that have been present from birth. One child is more gregarious, while the next is more reserved. Some people like their privacy and others will share almost anything with you.

Often time these personality traits determine how we act in our careers, how we relate to others, and our personal lives as well.

The woman with a driven personality may pursue her career at the expense of friends or family. The quiet teenager is less likely to take a sales role. The shy man is more likely to avoid speaking in public. The intellectual college student is more likely to pursue a career in academics.

Determined to Fail

Humans are naturally lazy (myself included). We like to follow the path of least resistance.

Frequently, our pre-determined character traits are the path of least resistance.  We follow them because they make us feel comfortable, we don’t have to change, and it is what we know.

Unfortunately, our determined character traits may cause us to avoid actions that may lead to greater success and a more fulfilling life. Have you ever heard:

“I can’t cold call, I’m not made that way.”

“I’ll never be able to do that. I was never good at …”

“I could never do that. It is beyond me.”

Self-Imposed Limits

These statements, and others like them, limit our inclination to change. We are limiting ourselves to what comes naturally and what is easy.

“No pain, no gain” is the colloquial saying. It is true. Without discomfort we will not change from our current status.

In essence we are saying that we are determined to fail because of our natural characteristics. We are admitting that our given character traits are too powerful for us to over come.

Breaking the Cycle of Failure

We can loose the chains of our natural tendencies and change how we act. We no longer have to be a slave to our predispositions.

It starts with a choice to act in a way that is consistent with what we want to achieve or to become, no matter how uncomfortable we feel. Over time the action will become more and more natural.

It is a bit like breaking in a new pair of shoes. The first time you wear them they may be uncomfortable for a bit, but as the leather stretches and becomes pliable they begin to form to your foot, and in two years’ time you may be sad to have to replace them.

In Your Personal Life

If you are shy, choose to talk to a stranger. If your natural tendency is to follow, find a role to be a leader. If you are timid, develop courage. Take a class to develop a skill or hobby. Read a book that stretches your mind and soul.

Your life won’t improve on accident. It takes discipline and dedication. But it can be done.

At Work

Choose to pick up the telephone and make those cold calls. Choose to give the presentation to the group of strangers, but potential clients. Choose to take a difficult course that will allow you to better serve your clients. Develop new habits that will bring value to your employer.

Choose to do what does not come naturally, but will be profitable for your work goals.

Today Is the Day

Make the choice today. Otherwise, you may be determined to fail.

Photo Credit: Akash K