#62 Why you are the way you are?
Blog on self introspection and the factors that led me answer the question...
As we are getting closer to the year-end, we all are reflecting on our life journeys and one question has stuck with me since May to which I am still finding an answer. I would try to give it a shot through today’s blog but before that let me set some context. This might help you also to introspect ‘why you are the way you are’.
So, it was May’22 when I travelled to Mumbai to spend some time with my friend. This friend was a special one as she has always somehow helped me whenever I stand at my life turning points, be it taking up an MBA course or switching my career or a life situation, she has always been there to support and guide me. We were chatting one fine day talking about our life and what we feel and I was telling her about my family and the people around me. Coming from a business fam-jam and growing up with talks around money, trade and strong connections, with women chilling their lives and well settled with their families. I was an outlier who wanted to stand up to some identity for her own. She suddenly asked me how did I end up with this thought process when I could have also been one of those who talk about taking trips, chilling and leading a well-settled life. Her question was simple when I heard it but way complicated as I tried to answer it. There was a short pause in my mouth but a long pause in my head thinking about what made me turn up so different.
I carried this question in my head from that journey and it stayed with me. I tried going back in time to understand what was so different for me that made me an ‘outlier’. Maybe these factors that I considered, also help you to figure out Who you are and Why are you the way you are.
Background changed my Outlook
Towards the end of my school, I realized that being one of the toppers is nice but there are many like me, so what I want to seek for myself. This thought buzzed me to move out of my comfort zone and try out new things like hosting events, anchoring and public speaking, along with pursuing dance and yoga.
How it helped me: It made me comfortable with making mistakes and boosted my confidence to keep trying new things as they come my way.
Be aware of what’s going around you
You have to be aware and well-read about your current markets, country updates and the list goes on. I have tried hard but have never been able to read all newspaper sections until I switched to ‘Mint’. I have always been intrigued by business news and who’s doing what, and that just increased as I picked up finance as my major subject. Getting my daily dose of news through the print version of the newspaper became the ritual and part of my morning reads.
How it helped me: Cover-to-cover newspaper reading made me aware of new models, and required news and helped me form my outlook/ opinions without any research or internet surfing. Anyone talking about any business news, I was up on my game.
Essential Reading on the go
We have spoken about the boring newspaper, but here I am referring to books of all genres. I started my reading journey through fiction but soon developed an interest in reading self-help, non-fiction, business, thriller and autobiographies. Why I said it essential is that as I delved into reading, I began to discover how it changed my thoughts, and outlook and left me with learnings from the stories and real-life situations faced by different people. Depending on the schedule, I always carry a book while travelling or keep a day aside for just reading and the intent was not to tell/ show people that I read but it was much more.
How it helped me: Every book I read left me with new ideas or some strategies to try out for my gig or at work. It enhanced my ability to visualize events, concentration power and a good mood. Whenever I feel distressed, I pick up a book and It’s all good in the hood.
New People, New Experience
You change with the people around you and I felt that when I entered my undergrad college and I saw a completely different zone where talks about business, career and growth were normal. Until now my exposure was limited to people who run small businesses, earn money and live an easy life, but this institution unravelled a new world- the corporate jungle where you see big companies, brands and individuals making a mark by reaching new heights.
How it helped me: Those three years put me on a path of self-discovery where I figured out what I want to try and do next. Internships and live projects helped me to understand more about the corporate world and its working.
Check your Learning Curve & Growth
My entry into building my career was dependent on my growth, you give me a challenge and I will learn to conquer was my game. Within six months of a trial run into the new jungle (corporate), I realized that my motivation to work was to learn and not to just earn some bucks. What you also need is a good manager/ mentor who can help to provide new testing opportunities where you get to use your skills along with the subject knowledge.
How it helped me: I started to enjoy the process of learning and growing each time I picked up a project and this motto always kept me on my toes to seek new skills and challenge myself. All secondary order of important things follows if you can find your kind of work.
How can I Add Value or Make an Impact?
This question has been my saviour from the boredom and monotony we all experience during our steady careers or at work. It rejigs my mind and reminds me to go beyond my comfort zone to find new motivation and satisfaction at work. Remember the excitement of trying something for the first time or building a new product or implementing a new process? All these first-hand experiences are scary to start with but always leave you with a big smile on your face and confidence of ‘I can do it’.
How it helped me: My work equation has always been linked to the value addition or the impact I make on my audience, be it through new consulting projects or through helping a start-up. Seeking the answer to this question puts me on right track.
Don't Hesitate from Seeking Help
There’s a certain amount of vulnerability that kicks in when we don’t know what to do next and what adds to the fear is our shyness to talk about it. Thoughts like People will judge me or think I am weak sway their way and form a cloud in our minds which keep us away from seeking advice or help from others.
How it helped me: Just putting yourself out and accepting the fact that you don’t know or you need help makes you stronger. Trust and faith that you put in people pay off well and keep you grounded.
In a nutshell, also the fact that I am understanding myself better now while penning down - I think I started my journey by finding and trying new things » Making mistakes but building confidence » Getting acquainted with Corporate Jungle to test my skills » Learning new skills at work » Measuring my growth curve » Trying to create positive impacts.
“You are unaware of the depths of who you are.”
― Hiral Nagda
Trace your life backwards to understand why you are the way you are.
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