In the competitive world of professional achievements, we often hear about the critical qualities of grit and hard work However, there's a unique fusion of these traits that often goes unrecognized, yet plays a crucial role in navigating the complexities of our careers. This fusion, which I call 'Positude', is the blend of a positive attitude and the unyielding resilience.
A friend of mine recently, I found herself in the midst of job interviews, a process that tests one's mettle in every way imaginable. During one interview, she was asked to reflect on a moment in my career where she demonstrated grit. This question caught her off guard. As someone who inherently possesses a 'can-do' attitude and determination, she struggled to pinpoint a single, defining instance of grit in her professional journey.
Resilience, as we often hear about it, is associated with grand tales of overcoming monumental challenges - athletes triumphing over adversity, artists rising from obscurity to fame, or entrepreneurs turning failure into success. In her role as a designer, her experiences didn't seem to match these dramatic narratives. Yet, the more she pondered, she told me, the more she realized that resilience in the workplace doesn't always manifest in headline-worthy stories.
When she shared her experience with me this is how I responded. "True resilience in a professional setting is often less about extraordinary moments and more about the quiet, relentless pursuit of goals and the resilience in the face of everyday challenges." It's about facing rejection, navigating office politics, and still maintaining a positive outlook. It's about setting goals, adapting strategies, and persisting despite setbacks. These might not be the stories that make it into motivational speeches, but they are the real, lived experiences of many professionals.
As you delved deeper into your career history dear reader, stay positive. I recognized that my 'positude' has been a driving force behind any modest success i've achieved. It's not just about maintaining a positive outlook, but also about harnessing the power of resilience to push through challenges, big and small. From dealing with difficult clients to starting over in new roles, my journey has been shaped by a blend of optimism and perseverance.
In conclusion, 'positude' might not have the cinematic appeal of the traditional stories of resilience, but it is a crucial component of professional success. It's the daily determination to excel, the ability to stay positive in the face of adversity, and the relentless drive to achieve one's goals. This blend of positivity is what propels us all forward in our careers, shaping us into the professionals we aspire to be.
