A few people have asked me recently why I do it - change jobs so frequently, move to new cities etc. Maybe I can shed some light on the topic for you. Apologies, but it’s a bit of a novel. Im no motivational speaker, but I do believe Im reasonably intelligent and able to put some coherent thoughts on paper (or, as it seems, the internet). I also believe life isnt a competition, and if my thoughts can help others then Im all for sharing. Im not preaching or trying to convince you to change your life, just sharing my experience. It’s not a troll, and don’t expect me to entertain your trolling attempts. Just read it for what it is. I once heard an interview with someone whom I consider a successful person, and their view on goals really struck a chord with me. They simply didnt set goals. They thought goals were merely predetermined limitations on what could be achieved. I heard this at a time in my life where I was very focused on getting a good education to set myself up for the future - so I’d be able to achieve my goals. But this new idea, evidently, was a catalyst for change. I went to a less prestigious university and did a degree I knew little about just because it sounded cool. I met a lot of great people and learnt heaps, and have absolutely no regrets about that decision. This just reinforced my new viewpoint. I also received a lot of questions about why I started working at Centrelink - but when I consider where I’ve ended up since then, my response is still “why wouldn’t I?”. As someone who develops frameworks aimed at motivating behaviour to improve performance and achieve organisational objectives, this may sound strange - but I dont set goals for myself. I dont have a long term plan. Call it carpe diem, #yolo, or whatever you like - but Im just curious to see where lifes journey takes me. I have faith in my resilience. One of my supervisors actually said Im an inspiration in this regard - but by designing flexibility into a system (i.e. not having goals), the required resilience is negligible. To think about it pragmatically, when making decisions all you can do is assess the risk of a situation and develop a way forward (i.e. risk mitigation). When the consequence of a life decision (i.e. a deviation from desired performance) is virtually non-existent, the assessed risk of that decision is also reduced – so there’s essentially no reason not to do things. In short, shit just doesn’t really matter. This may seem rather pessimistic, but it actually lets you see outcomes more positively. Instead of comparing what you thought you ought to have achieved (i.e. performance against a goal), simply consider what you have achieved. And be impressed at what you have done. I certainly am. I’m not naïve enough to assume this approach will work for everyone. I understand that some people have firm beliefs in what they consider is essential for success in their life – but to be frank, these people typically have inflexible views of what they consider success to be. Even by their standards (except crossfitters), I believe I’m doing ok. I’m under 30 and have an honours degree, a master’s degree, a six figure salary, an investment property, a functional relationship with family and a heap of great friends. But I don’t believe that’s what makes me successful - because my success has nothing to do with your goals, or what you think I should do. That’s why I consider myself successful. And that’s why I’m open to move around, try different jobs, and consider options on their merits – not on their alignment to my prejudice.
Posted on: Mon, 26 May 2014 08:25:13 +0000
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