What you “want to do”, and what you “can” do!

In the last one year, I must say I have done quite a few things that I was afraid of – there was a fear in my mind about whether I would be able to handle these situations, and even if I could, how good would I be at them. And now after having done those things, I can only say that all the fear, all the fright was just a fear of unknown.

And without sounding too pompous, I just want to say that I am happy I made those decisions, it was more of challenging myself, making myself get out of my comfort zone, taking on those opportunities head on – and then putting in my best to get it done. There is a long way to go still, but I think I am already on the right track.

There really are two things in professional life – things that you want to do, and things that you can do. And as I think about this more, I realize that in the initial years of your career at least – the "what you can do" things play an important role in making you realize your true potential. There is a long way before anyone can really say "oh, I have been there and done all that". Till that time, there will always be the "first times" and it is very crucial you do not become complacent, and you stretch your own limits almost every day of your job. Another thing I believe in, and my belief gets stronger as I become senior – it is sometimes necessary to grab work. Raise your hand; do not expect your managers or colleagues to do that for you. One of my senior colleagues had put it very nicely for me, when I had just joined my company – "Make sure your plate is always full". I will add a little more to it and say that – "Make sure your plate is always full, let the main course be of things that you like to do. But make sure your dessert is made of things that you do because you want to see what you "can" do".

Before you go ahead and make a list of things that you "like to do", and "want to do", be sure you have done ALL of it, before you narrow down your own options. For all you know – you will be very good at something that you were scared of. And trust me – the feeling of overcoming your fear, and succeeding at what you set out for is unmatched. Do those things for the thrill of experiencing that feeling – and you will find yourself smiling through your fears!