What Are You Searching For?
Hello, friends!
I can openly admit that I am a Google junkie. I doubt there are many days that I don’t reference this amazing Internet behemoth at least once. If I’m not searching for item specific information, I’m attempting to validate the spelling of a word or garner a definition or synonym. Obviously, I’m not alone in this exercise. At last count, Google processes several hundred million queries daily through its various services. That’s fine for reference information, but what if you are one of the millions of people searching for direction or meaning in your life? Is your answer only a click away?
Identify the Root Cause
Most of us cruise the world at warp speed attempting to build a life for ourselves and our families. Since we are creatures of habit, we tend to follow established positive patterns that we see and find comfortable. Conversely, we want to distance ourselves from negative patterns that appear uncomfortable and potentially destructive. Why then, do we sometimes fall into a repetitive trap that seems like a version of “Groundhog Day?”
We are all searching. We search for something lost. It can relate to home, work, school, relationships, or any combination of these. What we know for sure is that we are not feeling right and that something is missing. Why? Our brains create electrical impulses when we like something and when something feels good. These impulses create emotional responses and make us want to replicate the feeling. When that feeling fades or is lost, we crave to get it back.
Sometimes the reason a feeling changes isn’t immediately obvious or may have multiple layers that needs to be researched. Usually, the reason will have a root cause that needs to be uncovered before a solution can be found.
Narrow the Search
Let’s imagine that you’ve discovered your job isn’t as interesting and fulfilling as it once was. Maybe your boss and co-workers seem distant and you are now less engaged. A quick conclusion might be that you’ve outgrown the company and need to move on. Another answer could be for you to determine what has changed between you and the company since you started. Upon reconciliation, you may find something has certainly changed, however, it may surprise you to find out much of the reason has more to do with you than with the company.
When you started, everything was new…exciting…challenging. The boss loved your ideas and your co-workers welcomed your suggestions. You were engaged. It felt good. Now it’s different. The boss isn’t as enamored with your ideas and your coworkers seem a little threatened by your suggestions. You’ve slowed down a bit in the meetings. What happened? Life happened. Routines set in, excitement is less common and the bar continues to be raised. This may be where you decide the company has changed.
What we forget is that we possess a lot of control over what happens in our lives. Relationships of any kind take constant work and should never be taken for granted. In a working environment, one should invest in themselves and never fail to improve their net worth. Companies change and people change, but that doesn’t mean a person can’t keep up. Improve your position by staying abreast of the latest trends, technological advances and movement by your competition. Propose suggestions before your boss does. Look for improvements in people, product or infrastructure. Become an advocate of your industry. Make a difference.
We began to be driven by feelings at an early age. The sound of the ice cream truck coming up the road would create excitement in our minds and we knew what would follow. The thrill of having that frozen bomb pop in our hands as the sun beat down on us was pure joy! Now, that is a feeling that never changes. Tracking down the ice cream truck is certainly a worthwhile search!
With that, friends, I’ll leave you with this;
You’ve got to SEE positive to BE positive!
Leave a Reply
No Comment
Be the first to respond!