There are many ways to do fine work. One approach is for people to have a positive attitude, build on their assets and do their best to achieve their chosen goals.
Different people follow this approach in different ways. Whatever route they take, however, it can involve focusing on the following themes.
Attitude
Great workers often have a positive attitude when doing the kind of activities in which they excel. They then apply this to do superb work on the way to achieving their goals.
People can choose their attitude in many situations. They can choose to be positive or negative, take responsibility or avoid responsibility, be creators or complainers.
Many people reach a point in life where: a) they focus on what they can control rather than what they can’t control; b) they aim to be the best than can be rather than compare themselves to other people.
Such people enjoy setting goals. They also aim to enjoy the journey, however, because then they can get a win every day. This can enable them to do their best on the way towards achieving the goals.
Let’s return to your own life and work. Imagine that you want to continue to have a positive attitude in your life or work. What are the specific things you can do to follow this approach in your own way?
Assets
Great workers often clarify their assets. They then build on these and, when necessary, complement them by working with people who have other strengths.
Some people can find it helpful to take a similar approach in their lives. Several ago I had a session with Dave, who had become depressed in his job and fallen into a negative spiral.
Bearing this in mind, I invited him to do the exercise called My Personal And Professional Assets. This invited him to clarify and build on these assets.
Within 30 minutes Dave had turned himself around. He aimed to tackle the challenges at work but also appreciate his true wealth. He explained this in the following way.
“I have good health, a fantastic wife and two lovely children. We have good friends, a home, a garden and a bit of money in the bank.
“I also have a lot of drive, energy and skills that can help companies to improve. I need to get out and give to people in my network, because this could lead to other opportunities.
“I must tackle the issue at work but it is solvable, even if it means moving to a new job. Sometimes I have the occasional sulk, but I can limit that to ten minutes. I can then get my act together and try to succeed.
“Today it has been good to take stock of my assets. Maybe it would also be good for me to sit down with my wife and do a similar exercise. We can build on what we have and plan our next move forward.”
Some individuals who have accidents take a similar approach. They wave aside sympathy and say that other people face much greater challenges. Such a person may say things like:
“I still have my sight, hearing and have great support in my life. I am going to focus on what I can do rather than what I can’t do.”
What are your personal assets? You may have a positive attitude, a strong drive and good imagination. You may have reasonable health, a caring family and encouraging friends. You may be resilient, focused and able to find creative solutions to challenges.
What are your professional assets? You may have particular strengths and the ability to do strategic thinking. You may be good at helping certain kinds of people to succeed. You may also have a wide professional network of people of friends, customers and potential employers.
If you wish, try tackling the exercise on this theme. This invites you to complete the following sentences.
Achievement
Let’s assume that you have described how you can continue to have a positive attitude. You have also described your personal and professional assets.
Imagine that you want to build on these things and set a specific goal. Bearing in mind your assets, what may be the kind of goal that you want to work towards achieving?
You may wish to set a goal in your personal life. You may wish, for example, to develop a healthier lifestyle, encourage a person, care for a garden, learn a language or achieve another aim.
You may wish to set a goal in your professional life. Bearing in mind your assets, you may wish to develop a talent, work with certain customers, build your own business, pass on knowledge or achieve another aim.
Imagine that you have chosen to focus on doing a certain activity. If appropriate, you may wish to explore the following themes when focusing on your goal.
What are the real results I want to achieve? What will be the benefits – for myself or other people – of achieving these results? What will be happening that will show I have achieved the picture of success?
What are the key strategies I can follow to give myself the greatest chance of success? How can I translate these into a clear action plan? If appropriate, how can I get the required support?
How can I get an early success? How can I encourage myself on the journey? What else can I do to do my best to achieve the picture of success?
There are many ways to do fine work. One approach is to have a positive attitude. It is then to build on your assets, set a specific goal and work towards achieving your aims.
If you wish, try tackling the final exercise on this theme. This invites you to complete the following sentences.
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