What’s the harm in saying?
Worst case it will lead to rejection,
Worst case it will lead to failure,
Worst case it will lead to laugh from others,
Worst case it will lead to being an outcast,
But there is a 50% chance if you say it:
You will get selected,
You will succeed,
You will get applauded for being bold,
You will be followed by others.
So let’s take that chance, let’s be bold and say it.
I’ve never really liked traveling. Maybe it’s because I’ve been moving from place to place since Class 6—first to Sainik School, then college, and later for work. It feels like I’ve already met my lifetime quota for travel.
Despite my reluctance, I can’t deny that travel has shaped me. It pushes me out of my comfort zone, requiring adaptability and resilience as I navigate new environments and unexpected situations. This exposure has unwittingly taught me valuable life lessons and skills, enhancing both my personal and professional life.
Though I prefer the predictability of my daily routine, I recognize the growth that comes with each journey. Travel is an education in itself, molding me into a more capable individual. So, while I might not seek out travel opportunities, I’ve learned to appreciate them for the growth they inevitably bring.
A 10x idea starts from basic principles, it questions the basic ingredients and rebuilds something different. But the idea needs boldness & resources to rebuild from scratch.
A 2x idea is built on existing basic principles, it brings more efficiency to the system, maybe something cheaper or faster but with the same ingredients. It is cheaper and less riskier to implement.
Decide which one to go after.
Power does not come from designation but from how you lead people, how you work with them.
Yes, the designation can give you a jumpstart, it gives you a platform, but people quickly judge and decide whether they want to follow.
The best way in this case is to care for them, care for their growth, and care for their values. And most of all learn how to lead people, it’s a science rather than an art.
So don’t run after designations but run with people. And you will become a leader everyone will look up to.
Uncomfortable zones are better than comfortable zones? Because they give us surety we are moving forward.
The longer we are in a comfort zone, the more we have a dangerous feeling of being left out.
It’s better to be behind the wheel, rather than let it be driven by chance or left out entirely.
It’s not uncommon to experience imposter syndrome in a new job. When you know you weren’t the first choice for the role, your feelings of self-doubt may be amplified. Here’s how to rebuild your confidence.
Start by clarifying the gaps with your manager. Have a candid conversation about what was missing that didn’t make you the obvious first choice. Project humility, curiosity, and confidence. You can open by saying something like, “I’d love to know what you perceive as my gaps and what I can do to fill them.”
Use what you learn immediately. Some of the feedback may be difficult to hear, but it will be invaluable as you set out to prove yourself in the new role. Set targets and goals with your manager, and create a game plan to ensure you hit them.
Promote yourself with your new peers. Set up informal, one-on-one meetings with these leaders as soon as possible. Your goal is to introduce yourself—or reintroduce yourself—in the context of the new role.
It’s normal to wrestle with feelings of unmet expectations, missed opportunities, and paths not taken as you reach the midpoint of your career. But arriving at middle age is also a profound opportunity to reflect and blaze a new path. Start by asking yourself these questions.
What could I regret in 10 years? Imagine the disappointment you might feel in the future if you don’t take certain actions today, and use that as a motivating force.
How do I define and tap into my purpose? Shift from a career shaped by external forces and others’ agendas to one driven by what you find meaningful.
What are my values and priorities today? You may find that they’ve changed over time. Carefully consider which compromises you’re willing to make—and which ones you aren’t.
What mastery have I developed? Reflect on the skills and knowledge you’ve acquired thus far in your career, and consider how you might use them to fulfill your purpose, values, and priorities.
What do I want my days to look like? As you think big, don’t lose sight of the minutia. Get microscopic and consider what you want the particulars of your daily routine to look like.