Making the transition to be the best
Merdeka Day 2018, and what a rollercoaster year we’ve had since we celebrated our last independence day.
There are more flags flying all over town than in the past few years. And, while there is a tremendous amount of trepidation about what the future holds, it cannot be denied that there is a sense of buoyancy everywhere in Malaysia.
I am writing this week’s column in my wife’s little “kampung” in the Austrian Alps, and even here, people have heard of our “new” prime minister, who was our “old” prime minister!
This is a great time to be Malaysian.
As a nation, we came together 61 years ago for our independence from the British. Our forefathers fought without bloodshed for our political, economic and social freedom.
The nation has worked hard, collectively, for prosperity and harmony in the face of our diversity.
Since our independence, the country has seen many glorious victories, peppered with some moments of regret. But, the continued existence of this nation has only happened because generations of Malaysians have bought into the idea of “being Malaysian”.
When we go abroad, we refer to ourselves as “Malaysians” and not to the specific race we were born into. And, we beam with pride when anyone speaks highly of our rather modest Southeast Asian nation.
For example, I was in a taxi a few days ago in Copenhagen when the driver, who was originally from Pakistan, spoke with gusto about how Malaysia was a beacon of light for other nations in regards to how political change can be achieved by ordinary people. I sat at the back of that cab beaming with pride.
It’s really nice to be proud about being a Malaysian.
We all connect with the idea of Malaysia and this has kept us going for the last six decades, even when we face occasional adversities. Our goal of a unified nation with shared vision keeps us together.
Similarly, in your work-life, once you have determined your professional purpose, you will need to define goals that are aligned to this. It is a crucial process because goals ensure that you are living your professional purpose, and this makes you accountable for them.
And, you must be passionate about your goals.
History is full of examples of successful people, communities,
and countries that focused energy, effort and grit in the direction of pursuing their passion.
Our country today is an exemplar of this.
I’d like to remind you that the life you live today was built by your past actions. And, once you nail down your professional purpose, if you do not take the necessary steps to act on goals that are in keeping with this, your future will not reflect your purpose.
No matter how inextricably linked you are with your current situation or job, do not kid yourself into thinking that it is permanent.
Just as you have created your current life, you can re-create it based on your professional purpose.
Alvin Toffler, the writer and futurist known for his discussions on modern technologies and the digital revolution, said the illiterates of the 21st century are not those who cannot read and write, but those who cannot learn, unlearn and relearn. So, it becomes vital that you believe you can relearn and make changes in your life.
Accept that there may be gaps between where you are and where you want to be.
Perhaps you will need to upskill to acquire skillsets for what
you want to pursue. Or perhaps you might not be able to leave your current job in an instant and move to something more empowering. But, it is necessary for you to understand that this is not a permanent acceptance of your lot in life.
Strive to make change by taking small steps towards your endpoint.
The Japanese philosophy of “kaizen” is arguably the best way of thinking.
It simply means change for the better and is about focusing on continuous improvement of personal working practices and personal efficiency.
Make the transition from living your current work-life to a purpose-fuelled one by being mindful of the steps you need to take.
I remind all my coachees and trainees that life is more than just attaining an end-point. It is ultimately about living in alignment with your purpose, so that you become the best version of yourself, just like our nation Malaysia aspires to become.
Have a glorious Merdeka Day!
We all connect with the idea of Malaysia, and this has kept us going for the last six decades, even when we face occasional adversities. Our goal of a unified nation with shared vision keeps us together.
The writer is managing consultant and executive leadership coach at EQTD Consulting. He is also the author of the national bestseller ‘So, You Want To Get Promoted?’