Talent alone won't make you a success....

 

Johnny Carson once said “Talent alone won't make you a success. Neither will being in the right place at the right time, unless you are ready. The most important question is: 'Are you ready?'”

 

I have been thinking a lot about environment, as my 18 year old daughter and I go around visiting colleges.  Some environments just seem “right” for her, there are others where I simply cannot see her and she is having similar instincts herself.   I think that this gut instinct about the “right” environment lives in us all.  Successful people know how to develop, understand and listen to those instincts...and make themselves “ready”.  “Readiness” is about being prepared and open to exploring new circumstances and the opportunities that surround us every day. 

 

Having been a business coach for over 15 years, I see how people change and evolve as they move from place to place.  I marvel at the differences environment can make in their success.  I have seen people (terrific people I might add), completely unravel in the wrong job or in the wrong environment.  I marvel when I see them in a new situation that suits them better.  They are Rock Stars!!  Seemingly transformed!  Part of it is what the new environment gives them and part of it is what they give the new environment.  There is something extraordinarily powerful about the combination of a great fit and a ready heart and mind. We are comfortable, we feel secure and our strengths and talents are in full play. It’s magical! Sounds good right?  I follow a philosopher/poet named David Whyte.  He speaks about the necessity of engaging in difficult conversations with ourselves and specifically about the power of asking ourselves “beautiful” questions particularly in “unbeautiful” situations!

 

Ask yourself the following Beautiful Questions…

 

Beautiful Question #1 : What does a “good day” look like?  Think about the last time you had a really good day, I mean a high five, punching the air with your fist, happy dance kind of day.  (okay, so maybe happy dance was too much). 

Beautiful Question #2: What went on that day that brought you to that state?  What were you doing? What felt ”right”? 

 

Okay, here is the tough question…

 

Beautiful Question #3: How often do you have that feeling?  Maybe it’s not a whole day that feels like that but how often do you feel like you are in the “right” place; doing the things that fulfill you or feeling excited about your contribution?

 

Beautiful Question #4: What does this awareness tell you about your talents and strengths?  Secret tip here, what feels best is likely what you DO best.  We should aspire to create an environment that allows us to explore that space as often as possible.

 

Beautiful Question #5: What causes you frustration?  You know, that agitation that causes you to snap at your spouse or partner, send that angry email or have an extra evening glass of wine (or two or three).  Approach this thought with another question. 

 

Beautiful Question #6: What can I change about this?  Is there any, any, any thing I can influence to make this work better or feel better for me?”  Be realistic, but push yourself hard on the boundaries of that thought.  

 

Okay, the long term goal is “Rock Star”, but we all have bills to pay and change can be incredibly disruptive.  So we need to be smart about this. Start with small, safe changes.  Experiment! Treat your work life like a lab. 

 

Talk to others about how they feel or what they appreciate about the environment you work in. Don’t entertain complaining as it will only energize your dissatisfaction.

 Identify your issues, tackle the ones you feel you are ready to address

• Your work space
• The way you approach your work each day
• Some aspect of a necessary working relationship
• Your job responsibilities
• Differences in working style with your coworkers or boss
• Personal alignment with company culture     

Notice some of these are big and scary and others are quite address-able. The good news is that there are an infinite number of adjustments we can control in the “environment” of our work lives. All of them can make some difference in our motivation and our success! 

 

I get wistful for my daughter… such a big step, but I know that we develop our instincts by putting ourselves in new environments and seeing how they “feel” when we are living them. Our commitment is tested when we find ourselves in a place where we realize that despite all our efforts, we simply cannot be our best self and stay there. The hardest thing is to be brave enough to trust that instinct and make the necessary changes in our lives.  This is not easy… in fact, it is the farthest thing from easy. But self-awareness and clarity will ensure any changes or choices you make will be catapulting you toward something much, much better. So, back to that first important question… Beautiful Question #7:  Are you Ready?