I am always curious about our time in history. Many pundits say that it presents us with a chance to achieve anything that we want. Then, what allows one individual to succeed while the other one fails? It appears that pre-established attributes such as intelligence are not as important as ambition: “I will be successful, whatever the journey.” As an example: I was recently contacted by a young woman who has just graduated from a prestigious university with a Master’s Degree in Economics. More to the point: she was first, (did I say first?) in her class. She was extremely upset, however. I therefore asked, “What seems to be the problem?” I got back a rather shocking, but understandable answer, “I can’t get a job!” Say what? How is that possible, I thought to myself?
Then I remembered what has happened in this Millennial Age. (1) Everyone is 100%. There are few exceptions. The entire generation is good-looking, from kind families, has straight teeth, and possesses at least a Master’s degree. So, then, what makes me 100% plus? What is the basis of all ambition: what is its key ingredient? It must be determination, the deep desire to succeed. This phenomenon is an interesting test of your personality because it means that you must pursue your goal again, and again, and again, and again. It is relentless and will only accept success or failure, there is no “middle ground.” This lady had applied for a senior management job with five famous financial services companies, been vetted five times and had, on five occasions, gone for a final interview, all to no avail. She was not chosen for the position. Why?
I have a friend who is an interview master. He knows all about the corporate interrogation. He explained that the average position with a well-known company, Google for instance, receives literally thousands of resumes. They are initially scanned for “key words.” Those devoid of this vocabulary are immediately rejected. The remaining “tiny” percent are then physically read by a lower-level manager. Eventually the remaining twenty or so are analyzed by more senior staff, resulting in the final ten applicants that are actually interviewed. Many times “soft skills” (iitti.org – take the self-test) are the determining factor, especially with more public postings: “Did you stand up and shake my hand properly; can you eat correctly using a knife and fork with the proper dexterity, can you dance and finally, do you possess the correct level of self-confidence?”This lady, however, had all the necessary attributes. There was nothing that prevented her from receiving the appointment. The reason, this is hard to believe, bad luck. She did not get the job because the “career lottery” failed her on numerous occasions. There was no explanation as to why she did not get the corporate placement.
She was overwhelmed, to say the least. It is easy to improve yourself, especially at this level. If my demeanor must be ameliorated – okay! Improve my grasp of 21st century Russian politics: yes, this can be done. But, if there is no reason, the mind swims in a quandary. This is where determination must take hold. It would be foolish to claim, in spite of this, that after ten attempts, the plan must not be changed. If you cannot climb Mount Everest from one approach, you must go to the other side of the mountain and start again: maybe your initial base camp needs to be established in a mid-level position before you assault the peak, for example. In whatever scenario, determination must be your bedfellow. There was one thing, however, that I detected with this individual that could have been in error. I asked, “What is your goal?” The response was, “I want to get a senior position with a financial services institution.” This is not a goal, this is an aspiration. A goal is,”I want to be the best financial expert in Taiwan,” or in the world, for that matter. A goal is a passion not a position. The great poet Maya Angelou (1928-2014) leaves us with a thought: My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style.
A closing thought: We are constantly accompanied by the fear of failure. Will my classmates like me? Will I pass this test? Will I get into a good university? Will I secure a good job” Will I meet the right romantic partner? The feeling is as acute at sixteen as it is at sixty. The only difference is knowledge. Life teaches that no one cares until you care. When you care, when you are determined, everyone cares – a lot, in my experience. It is therefore up to the individual to continue to strive. Life is fair (usually). If you try, and try, and try again, you will achieve your goal, whatever that may be. The journey, though fraught with dangerous shoals (2), is a lot of fun.
To sum up: This week, we spoke about being determined. If you are determined to see your life through to its successful conclusion, you will be rewarded along the way.
Just for fun – Selena Gomez
A philosophical question: Why when you feel sad does everyone else appear to be sad, as well? How does the self break this cycle? The only answer is through prayer and meditation.
This week, please ponder your own level of determination.
Every day look for something magical and beautiful.
Quote: Through “trial and error,” find a goal that you can be committed to, and proud of, until its completion.
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