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Goals - How Problems At Work Can Actually Help You Find Inspiration
Problems at work are a fact of life; sometimes they seem to consume most of our time and energy. But there is a silver lining - problems are the key to creating inspiring goals
There are two extreme attitudes to work - ‘firebrand’ and ‘doormat’. Both are the result of seeing work as a series of problems to be tackled. The firebrand is the fighter, constantly chaffing and battling against the odds. The doormat is the victim who has given up the struggle. Most of us are somewhere in between and can recognise elements of both.
When I first started work, I thought my employer was lucky to have me there. I knew that if things took a turn I didn’t like, I would simply go elsewhere - I would fire my boss!
As I gained more experience and became ‘sensible’, I began to be more tolerant and to take account of how things would appear on my CV. Even then there were times I got to a point of resignation - on occasions it was accepted and other times not.
My strategy to cope with significant problems was to resign. Of course, the word resign really has two meanings. The first is to leave, get out. Clearly I did this. The second meaning is to put up with the situation, to give up. Like many people, sometimes I did this too.
At work we are well aware of problems when they occur. We may recall the cliché ‘there are no such things as problems, only opportunities’ but, hey, they still look like problems.
We may think that there is some deficiency on our part and the solution lies in working harder. I remember one of my coaching clients who, after months of committed work and excessive overtime, continued working all hours in the vain hope for the recognition that was conspicuously absent. We are all prey to what Benjamin Franklin called the ‘insanity of doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results’.
Problems represent what we want to get away from. They do not tell us what we want to move towards and, without knowing that, we are unable to decide how to get there. It is time to ask that most radical of questions: what do you really want?
If you already know, that’s great. If you’re not clear, you are in good company. We are often acutely aware of what we don’t want but unclear on what we do want - what really matters to us. Let’s use the problems we face as a clue.
On a piece of paper, draw two columns. In one column write out each problem, that is each thing you want to get away from. Now in the other column, for each problem, note down what this problem stops you from doing or achieving. Be honest with yourself - sometimes a single problem stops you reaching more than one thing.
When you have finished, you will have a list (in the second column) of what you really want. As you read through, add anything you think is missing. Now you have a way forward. By clearly communicating what you really want, first to yourself, then as appropriate to others, you step outside the limitations of the problems themselves.
You might like to borrow an idea from the film ‘The Secret’. Create a Vision Board where you can pin, paste or post suitable reminders of what you really want. Choose your own preference of pictures, words and textures and keep it where you can see it from time to time.
As you become clear about what really matters, you will feel much more alive. The inspiration that you experience will generate increased energy and motivation to take action towards your goals. The likelihood of success takes a quantum leap forward.