“Never mistake activity for achievement.” —John Wooden
Some people work hard but don’t achieve the desired outcomes. They work hard without taking feedback. They keep themselves busy throughout the day without any achievements. It seems something is wrong somewhere. In this blog post, we will discuss working hard meaningfully which is otherwise known as working smart, to accomplish your goals and objectives.
Learn when to Hold and Fold
"It's not enough to be busy; so are the ants. The question is, what are we busy about?" ―Henry David Thoreau
People must learn when to hold and when to fold in life. They must fix some timeframe or deadline to execute their tasks. If there is no positive outcome, they must reflect and identify the existing gaps between their expectations and realities. They must eliminate those gaps by adopting innovative tools and techniques. If they still find that they don't get the desired outcomes, they must exit with grace by learning lessons and moving on toward other goals. There is no sense in chasing too many rabbits. There is no sense in swimming against the current.
In my personal life, I did business for more than a decade. I could not achieve positive results. I gave up business and explored teaching. I enjoyed teaching students because I inspired and shaped them as global leaders. After a few years, I became a fulltime author when I lost my employment. I authored 54 books, including the bestseller See the Light in You. https://www.amazon.com/See-Light-You-Spiritual-Mindfulness/dp/1949003132 Unfortunately, I could not create adequate income to sustain from books. Now I am thinking of shifting to some other area where I can earn money to earn my livelihood.
Emphasize more on Achievements and less on Actions
“If you want to feel secure, do what you already know how to do. If you want to be a true professional and continue to grow... Go to the cutting edge of your competency, which means a temporary loss of security. So whenever you don't quite know what you're doing, know you're growing.” ―Madeline Hunter
When we look at Nobel Laureates, they worked hard in one area for several years to accomplish their goals. They emphasized quality, not quantity. Most people who aspired for Nobel Prizes died as unsung heroes and heroines. So, we cannot conclude that focusing on one area will give us success. Life is a game and a risk. Hence, we must take the risk and focus on one area religiously forever to achieve the desired outcomes. At the same time, we must understand the difference between busyness and productiveness.
People judge you based on your achievements, not your actions. So, ensure that your actions lead to achievements occasionally, if not frequently to move forward in your life meaningfully. To conclude, work smart, not hard to achieve big in your life.
“If the leader is filled with high ambition and if he pursues his aims with audacity and strength of will, he will reach them in spite of all obstacles.” —Karl Von Clausewitz
Reference
https://www.amazon.com/See-Light-You-Spiritual-Mindfulness/dp/1949003132
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“Things You Don’t Know about Professor M. S. Rao” http://professormsraovision2030.blogspot.com/2015/10/things-you-dont-know-about-professor-m.html
Read my ‘Vision 2030 One Million Global Leaders’ URL: http://professormsraovision2030.blogspot.com/2014/12/professor-m-s-raos-vision-2030-one_31.html
Note: I had a brain hemorrhage. I was in bed for five months. My right hand has been numb and paralyzed. I am recovering. Thanks for empathizing with me. With gratitude. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BFJrSRLHPUk&ab_channel=ProfessorM.S.Rao
Life is great!
Professor M.S. Rao, Ph.D.
Founder of MSR Leadership Consultants, India
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See the Light in You: https://www.amazon.com/See-Light-You-Spiritual-Mindfulness/dp/1949003132
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