Why Am I Still Looking for Success?
Have you ever reflected on your life and surprised yourself with what you discovered? Beyond the traditional years of schooling, I dedicated an additional ten years to college and specialized training. Thousands of dollars were spent, countless hours of study, and an immense amount of energy went into fulfilling my internship and externship requirements. Life didn’t pause while I pursued my education, nor did it slow down when I became a mother. It certainly didn’t wait when I fell ill and had to focus on recovery. I was riding the wave of my own life—a journey uniquely mine, one that no one else could truly experience the way I did. Yet, despite overcoming countless challenges and navigating life’s ups and downs, I still find myself being my own harshest critic, constantly demanding more. But why? What is wrong with this picture? I am still chasing the success I once envisioned in my youth. However, as I approach my 60s, I realize that the meaning of success has begun to evolve. I recall my elders advising me to enjoy life and to understand that goals are not just destinations but part of the journey itself. At the time, I nodded politely, but did I truly listen? Only now, with a shorter road ahead than behind me, do I fully grasp their wisdom. Looking back, my journey has been long. There were moments when I had the opportunity to change paths, yet I stayed the course. I took a leap of faith once, and it turned out to be the right one for me. I did my best with the knowledge and awareness I had at the time. Instead of dwelling on what could have or should have been, I choose to see every step as a valuable lesson. The Universe Has a Plan If you pay close attention, you’ll notice that the Universe never acts without purpose. It works alongside you, like a loyal friend, nudging you out of your comfort zone when necessary and presenting new lessons when the time is right. It doesn’t place blame but rather encourages self-reflection. If you miss a lesson, it will return in another form, gently reminding you that there is still a chapter left unread. The moment you trust this process, you will experience unwavering support unlike anything else. The Universe provides in alignment with your thoughts. You don’t even need to voice your desires—it responds to your energy. Life becomes so effortless that doubt fades, replaced by a deep sense of knowing. Redefining Success: A Simple Exercise The next time you find yourself questioning success, try this: Ask yourself: What does success mean to me? (Let your mind give you a quick, instinctive answer.) Ask again: What does success mean to me? (Strip away external influences—no one’s opinion matters but your own.) Ask one more time: What does success mean to ME? (Dig deeper. How does this definition make you feel? Will achieving it brings genuine happiness?) Sit with your final answer. Even if it’s not what your ego expected, give yourself the space to be honest and courageous in facing it. Take time to reflect. Journal your thoughts. Go for a walk. Allow your inner wisdom to surface without judgment. Then, return to your life’s drawing board and align your path with that raw, honest answer—free from fear or societal expectations. Your opinion of your success is the only one that truly matters. If you chase goals based on others’ expectations, you may find yourself alone in disappointment. But if you choose a path that honors your needs and truth, you will experience a blissful solitude—one filled with self-fulfillment. A Realization in Action A dear client of mine recently faced a crossroads in her career. After two decades of dedication to her job, she was finally considered for a prestigious position—one that required extensive travel and demanding hours. She was thrilled to be among the top candidates and eagerly attended her first major meeting far from home. However, as these meetings became more frequent, she began to feel the toll on her body and mind. In the end, the company selected another candidate, leaving her deeply disappointed. As we talked, I guided her through the same exercise above. Each time she answered, her response evolved. By the third question, she had an epiphany—she wasn’t truly passionate about the position. Deep down, she already knew she was talented and successful. She had been chasing external validation rather than inner fulfillment. A smile spread across her face as she realized she didn’t need that title to prove her worth. The Truth Within If we ask ourselves these three questions before every major decision, we might uncover truths buried deep within us. This practice offers a powerful way to connect with the most authentic version of ourselves. So, the next time you find yourself searching for success, pause. Listen. Define success on your own terms. Namaste, Shab
Crafting a Stellar Impression at Your New Gig!
Starting a new job can be an exciting yet nerve-wracking experience, and making a good impression during the first week is crucial. Your actions and behaviors during this period can leave a lasting impact on your colleagues and supervisors. To ensure a positive reception, it’s essential to avoid certain missteps that could tarnish your reputation. First and foremost, punctuality is key. Arriving late to meetings or work events can reflect poorly on your time management skills and professionalism. Giving yourself extra time to navigate the office or commute is advisable to account for potential delays and ensure you’re always on time. While confidence is important, coming across as a know-it-all can alienate your new colleagues. Instead of criticizing existing processes or procedures, demonstrate openness to learning and adapting to the company’s way of doing things. Asking thoughtful questions and expressing curiosity can showcase your eagerness to contribute positively to the team. As a new hire, it’s advantageous to leverage your status by reaching out to colleagues and building relationships. However, it’s essential to be strategic and thoughtful in your approach. Avoid sending generic messages to everyone, and instead focus on making genuine connections with those you interact with. Adhering to the company’s dress code is another crucial aspect of making a good impression. Take cues from your hiring manager or refer to the employee handbook to ensure your attire aligns with the office culture. Dressing appropriately demonstrates respect for company norms and professionalism. Maintaining professionalism also extends to avoiding oversharing personal information with coworkers. While it’s important to be friendly and approachable, divulging too much about your personal life too soon can be off-putting. Strike a balance between cordiality and professionalism in your interactions. Maintaining professionalism also extends to avoiding oversharing personal information with coworkers. While it’s important to be friendly and approachable, divulging too much about your personal life too soon can be off-putting. Strike a balance between cordiality and professionalism in your interactions. Similarly, refraining from engaging in office gossip is imperative. Aligning yourself with any particular group or participating in gossip can create unnecessary tension and conflict in the workplace. Stay neutral, change the subject, or speak positively about the individual being discussed if necessary. Establishing a good rapport with your manager is paramount during your first week. Proactively seek opportunities to touch base with them, ask for feedback, and clarify expectations. Building a strong relationship with your supervisor can lay the foundation for a successful and fulfilling tenure with the company. Lastly, take the time to reflect on your experiences during the first week. Pay attention to how colleagues discuss their roles and responsibilities, and evaluate whether your manager is providing adequate support and guidance. By being mindful of your actions and continuously seeking opportunities to learn and grow, you can navigate your first week at a new job with confidence and set yourself up for long-term success.
The Secret Playbook of Job Interview Success
The article discusses seven unspoken job interview rules that can significantly benefit job candidates. These rules shed light on the often mysterious hiring process and provide insights into how to navigate interviews effectively. The first rule emphasizes the importance of presenting a “highlight reel” of your career rather than an exhaustive list of experiences when asked about yourself. This concise approach is crucial in time-restricted interviews, allowing candidates to address other questions effectively. Rule number two underscores the significance of understanding the roles of individual interviewers. Tailoring responses to their specific concerns and expectations can enhance your candidacy. For example, a peer may focus on collaboration and teamwork, while a manager may prioritize your ability to make independent decisions. The third rule highlights the role of body language in interviews. Effective communication extends beyond words, with body language playing a vital role in conveying your engagement and active listening skills. Rule four encourages candidates to prepare multiple career stories to share during interviews. Having a repertoire of success stories to rotate among interviewers can make you a stronger candidate and prevent redundancy. Rule five addresses the frustrating issue of post-interview silence. It clarifies that follow-up emails or nudges are unlikely to expedite the decision-making process, and silence may indicate waitlisting. The sixth rule discusses the practice of sending thank-you notes after interviews. While these notes can be beneficial for networking, they are rarely the deciding factor in a candidate’s selection. The penultimate rule advises job seekers not to accept a job without speaking to current or former employees who can provide insights into the company’s culture, management, and work environment. In conclusion, these unspoken rules demystify job interviews and provide valuable guidance to candidates. By focusing on a highlight reel, tailoring responses, mastering body language, sharing multiple career stories, understanding the post-interview silence, treating thank-you notes appropriately, and seeking input from peers, candidates can navigate interviews more effectively and make informed decisions about their prospective employers.