I’ve surrounded myself with overachievers. My colleagues around the senior management table, the members of my team, and the ever-growing network of people I’m connected with are get-it-done folks…and I love it. Being competitive is part of my DNA, and that mindset can be seen in my personal and professional life every day.
Too Much of a Good Thing
Sometimes that relentless quest to be number one, or the most recognized, or promoted the fastest, or profitable, or you fill in the blank comes with a price. When do we ever finish anything? In sports if “you can’t finish” you aren’t going to last very long. But what about in business?
The Wall Street Journal published a great piece on Creativity recently that described how some of the most impressive breakthroughs have come because the person behind the idea could not let it go, even when the project was supposed to be complete. Is that healthy? Is the message that we should all maintain an obsession on our various responsibilities even when we’re supposed to have wrapped up one issue and moved on to another? I’m not sure.
There is an important distinction that must be made on this issue. The focus is on “it” being finished, not saying “I” am finished. We’re never finished…ever. But our work, projects, and new ideas can not go on forever.
If they do, then we are simply destined to spend our professional lives on the hamster wheel chasing an unattainable end point that doesn’t exist. I don’t want to live that way, and I’m guessing you don’t either.
How About You
When do you allow yourself to find real satisfaction in your work? Think about the time, energy, resources, and risks you take to move your organization forward. Are they worth it; or, is there always just one more thing that has to be done before you can rest? It’s time to say…”It is finished.”
I’d love to hear from you.
No Excuses.
pic courtesy of visualphotos