Life as a Work in Progress
I can be patient and thoughtful, and also harsh and abrupt. Most days I choose wisely; other days less so. Peers enjoy working with me -- except on those days when they don’t. I’m a work in progress.
In his book Outliers, Malcolm Gladwell asserts that it takes 10,000 hours to master a skill. As Forrest Gump says, “I don’t know anything about that.” But the basis of that perspective makes sense: we can become good at something we’re not. However, I don't believe that mastery is really the point. Mastery (and its cousin “perfection”) overlooks the real value of striving for something that requires time and commitment: growth. A long-term goal -- any goal, not just “mastery” -- serves as a reference point for our journey. This “enjoy the journey, not the destination” philosophy is nothing new. However, harnessing the serendipitous moments that occur while getting from here to there may be more impactful than actually reaching that goal. Let’s call this “serendipitous” growth mindset (with credit and apologies to Carol Dweck, author of Mindset).
With that mindset and despite my inclination to avoid risk I’ve set out to fulfil my purpose: show others how to discover their purpose and connect that with their daily choices. It’s a mighty goal and if l only considered the 10,000 hours necessary to master this effort, I’d never start. But embracing the “work-in-progress” approach allows me to experience the world’s serendipitous moments while still focusing on my purpose. I don’t make progress every day, but I continue at it, while still figuring it out. My approach? It’s one you can borrow.
Have learning goals each week -- One or two easy things you can do to create a learning habit. Make them low threshold activities.
Be present. Pay attention to each day and the serendipitous opportunities that may not be obvious.
Seek out feedback from others; accept it without judgement or excuse; and then say thank you.
Borrow the knowledge and experience from others, with credit (see below).
Admit when you don’t know the answer and ask what others think using “what” and “how” questions.
Ask yourself a version of this question each week: “How might I…_____ ?” Fill in the blank.
Strive to make each interaction one that adds value rather than destroys. But when you don’t, recognize that another interaction will arrive soon.
We are all imperfect. All works in progress. But we can make choices that move us toward growth and purpose. As for me, I’m ready to keep working at it -- for the sake of my peers.
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Sources:
Carol Dweck, Mindset
Malcolm Gladwell, Outliers
Forrest Gump
