“Subha, you must reduce your additional tasks; hey, reduce your outspokenness; you cannot succeed if you’re open; Try to reduce your assertiveness; sometimes it causes people to perceive things differently about you” – different advice from different people. Some with genuine concern too.
I’ve often heard comments on time management too. I’ve got questions on how do I manage to work, balance home and pursue my passion too. Well, the answer is simple. A day has 24 hours and your passion drives you where you want. While success in career is often measured by titles and job changes, I see it as a measurement of your inner happiness and motivation. To me success is also how much progress have you made for yourself.
“People think you have too less project work and hence able to concentrate on other tasks” someone stated. “People perceive you are interested in something else that you may lose interest in what you’re supposed to do” another comment. “You are new and shouldn’t disappoint colleagues around you with your traits. Someone somewhere may not like your attitude or style” yet another one.
At first I was disappointed and demotivated. I always strive to give in the best that I feel is possible. Stay passionate about something you do and the moment you lose passion, try to get back to track. If you cannot, don’t complain but leave. Opportunity to groom yourself is in your hands and do not complain that someone somewhere isn’t giving you the opportunity. My mind was asking a number of “why” questions of people’s judgement. I felt hurt too. I was upset that I asked myself “should I do what I am doing currently? Should I give up my passion?” I was fed up.
As I calmly lied down on my bed emotionless, I dissected my mind. “Am I smiling because people tell me I’m good? Am I crying because people tell me I’m bad? Am I smiling because I have a lot of friends who understand me? Am I crying because I have none who knows who I am? Am I smiling because I got a promotion sometime? Am I crying because I did not get a promotion when expected? Am I smiling because someone told me I have clarity of thoughts? Am I crying because someone told me I’m flooded with emotions?”
A thousand questions were targeting my brain like the dart. The world is huge and the players are many. Is it wise to make people decide if I should smile or cry? Isn’t happiness or sadness in our hands? Isn’t it we who must decide what our passion is and how we want to live our life? Isn’t it our genes that decides our traits? Isn’t it we who must feel responsible to groom and grow ourselves?
I got my answer and smiled. Perception from people about me shouldn’t kill my enthusiasm or passion. If it does, probably all the rumours are true – that I’m just trying to show off or trying to work for a promotion.
I am who I am and that’s my individuality. Each one has their individuality and can live their dreams. It wouldn’t be wise to explain myself at every point to every person. If I start doing that, my life would just end by doing only that and nothing else that I wish for in my life. If it’s my trait, I’d only continue and not give up. We must also understand imagination and perception of others is their right finally too 😉
Let perception not kill your enthusiasm! Let perception not hurt you! Let perception not turn you down. Move on with a smile and accept what comes your way!
2 thoughts on “When Perception kills Enthusiasm…”
Well said.
Well said.