EmployeeNext: Creating success and joy at work

Over the years of my career, being a goal oriented sort of person, I set career goals for myself that were often aggressive, and specific. I’d compare myself to my peers (whom I often viewed as competitors) to determine where I thought I needed to go. Frequently, those decisions were based on fear (I compared unfavorably to others, or wasn’t where I should be). Often I wasn’t sure where the should notion came from, but it was usually the judgment of others, not my own passions or desires.

I had the benefit of long tenures at major corporations, but in work that often changed. I’d work on major customer accounts, and those assignments changed frequently. So I’d get the benefit of a new “job” with the same company, often learning entirely new industries, every year and a half or so. This was good, as I learn quickly and bore easily.

However, as I got promoted and more senior, I began making those should decisions. Or I’d develop a resentment against where I was for some reason, and decide I needed to move to a different position.

Since my ego was making these decisions, often they weren’t really optimal for me, or for my employer. I’d normally succeed anyway, but often without really being fulfilled or happy, and I’d wonder why. And I’d make decisions chasing the money, or the prestige, and often not feel like I’d made the right decision in retrospect.

A few years ago, I made a conscious decision to change this behaviour. I decided to get off the campaign trail. Decided to stop chasing money. I realized I often did not know what was really right for me, since my ego just would not get out of the way. I decided to just focus on doing absolutely the best possible job I could do, and allow things to happen. To get in the flow. To stop resisting — cease fighting — and just be.

Since then, I have never had to campaign for a job. They come to me. And they are always better than anything I would have thought to ask for. I stopped worrying about money. And now there is more than ever. And it comes easily.

I stopped resisting. Started allowing. Stopped trying to “get.” Started “receiving” instead.

Now I am happier, less stressed, more successful, and wealthier too! Just from changing my attitude, and letting go.

I saw a quote the other day (the “Universe” mailed it to me as a matter of fact) that sums it up for me:

“You will be carried along by life’s current once you stop struggling against it.”

Get in the flow!