Priorities

"You don't need to be perfect. You just need to be successful." Quote from a very good friend. Don't agree with it. Success should be defined by us, and not by the society. If success is defined by us, then it is possible to be both perfect and successful. Anyway, perfect is not the most appropriate word. Maybe idealistic is a better word. Anyway, if my good friend is reading this, she will probably retort and says that I'm misinterpreting, and challenge me to a battle of wits and words. But fortunately this is a monologue, so that's not going to happen...

Let's see. I have a good job now, in a good industry, with a good pay. I get to travel for my work, and to quote Dave's words, I'm being paid to travel. My job scope is simple, or at least I think so.

My concerns are, I don't really know where I want to go; I don't really know where I am going with this role; and I don't really know what my boss wants.

Came upon this quote recently. Saw it on an ebook on KrisWorld. "My work is not my life. My life is why I work." I like it. It puts things into perspectives.

My first 30 days in my new job. Had a brief assessment. Suddenly, all my strengths have become my weaknesses, and I have to eat humble pie. Which unfortunately, is not something I enjoyed, especially when I don't agree with 70% of what was being explained. I guess when you are in Rome, do what the Romans do.

So this is what I will do. I don't agree with how things are done here, but things need to move forward, and I will be a good team player. As much as I can, I will try to value add, but if my strengths are seen as weaknesses, then I will adapt accordingly. I will try to take initiatives, but if my initiatives are seen to be counter-strategy and not appreciated, I will adapt accordingly. Net net is, I want to be professional and responsible. Do my best to add value to my organization, and if my work is perceived as non-value-adding, then bottomline is I won't be a value-destroyer. At least make sure things move forward, and be professional enough to act to the best interests of my employer.

My ex-colleague cum mentor likes to say, make sure you have your own objectives, so that at the end of the day, you know you are not wasting your time.

My objectives for the year is
1) Excel in my work, and if not, at least deliver and be professional
2) Take initiatives, and if not, at least be a supportive team player
3) Pass CFA Level 2, and if not, at least respect the exam and study for it
4) Immerse fully in the experience of working overseas, and if not, at least grow up and become an adult
5) Pass my IPPT, and if not, at least keep fit

and most importantly,
6) Think positive, and if not, at least don't think negative!

Think no evil, speak no evil, hear no evil, do no evil, see no evil...

Feel like talking to a friend now, but I guess we all have our own problems. Anyway, this is a battle that I have to face, internalize, and overcome. I'm quite sick of changing jobs and industires every 1-2 years also....