Self Improvement

Confucius said that the day you enjoy your work, would be the last day you ever worked. Another quotation you may say! However, quotes are mind triggers designed to set an attitude, a mindset, a culture. In simple words, using non corporate lingo, as a way of life! We use them as inspiration for self and others.
The above was just a quote until recent times. This quote coupled with various experiences in the recent past led to a concept that inspired to write what you are about to read below.
This concept will only make sense to you if you are willing to accept what is being said at face value. There is always an argument that you are different and that your 'work' cannot be made fun. If this is the mindset, guess what? You are right. Whether you think you can or cannot? in either case you are 100% right.
Work is actually an art. It requires you to use the science but display it like art. Your work is a piece of art because no one else has the brush but you. You are given a blank sheet to paint - your job description and responsibilities. How you paint, is purely in your hands.
In my previous article 'Career Proofing' I have already introduced you to my great Service Provider friend from ABN AMRO Clifford Lucas. Work is art for him.
Now lets take you to any corporate Dude(tte) working in a company. Day in/day out, doing the same stuff. Fun is dying out. The first month excitement is out. Gone are the days when s/he used to be thrilled with that first business booked, the first promotion, the first 100% quality achievement and many other firsts. Life has become a drag. It does not offer any more 'firsts' the way it used to. So big deal. Think of it this way. Today is the First day of the rest of your life. LIVE IT, PAINT IT!
I recently read that a routine life leads to a rut and the only difference between a rut and a grave, is the depth. Bring back life in your work by treating it as an art.
In order to do this, Stop Planning! Yes a corporate consultant saying stop planning. Planning processes are dull, uncreative, boring (here we go again) I mean Board Room activity. It lacks life. You design your home, do not plan it. Mental creation is a function of design and not planning
Planning is out and as Tom Peters would say, Design sells. Taking the same principle a little further, Navitus recommends not planning a future but designing it.
Next time you are 'planning' at work remember if you plan, you are about to recreate disgustingly outdated ideas. Instead sit to design. Play music, remove your ties and design future with passion of a sports person, the vision of Michelangelo, inquisitiveness of a 15 month old, determination of a boxer and speed of a cheetah
Once the designing is done you are ready to put it into action. This is critical. If your designing process is right, you are inspired and ready to be inspired. It is simple! Miandad (a legendary Pakistani cricketer) gave us the reverse sweep. These are initiatives that are a result of commitment to work. You may call it unconventional, creative or artistic, the fact is it is a result of sheer love of what one does.
When you are done on the stage (workplace), you are performing. Perform like no one has ever performed. Out do your own previous performance. Surprise yourself. It will be the last day you worked!
Another thought provoking quote at the end: Work joyfully & peacefully, knowing that right thoughts and right efforts will inevitably bring about right results. James Allen, 1864-1912, British-born American Essayist, Author of ''As a Man Thinketh'
Don't work today. Design your future! Your last working day was yesterday and yes it is all a state of mind...


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