The Fabric of Career Success: The Freedom To Be
Submitted by webadmin on December 15, 2009 - 10:07pm
From the time I was five years old, the fabric of my being made me believe I could be anything I wanted to be.
That belief was so woven into the fabric of my life that I became the first woman in my family to complete a college degree. It never occurred to me there might be limitations on my freedom to become.
I boldly went forth seeking my fortune and weaving the fabric of my future, taking advantage of the policies and practices of a democracy that make it possible for individuals to be free to follow their dreams.
Freedom is defined as the right or the capacity of self-determination in an expression of individual will. Self-determination is a precious gift and to have the freedom to determine what you will become as an expression of your individual will, is priceless.
Nineteenth century philosopher, John Stuart Mill, in his work, On Liberty, was the first to recognize the difference between liberty as the freedom to act and liberty as the absence of coercion. The Twentieth century philosopher, Sir Isaiah Berlin, gives us more insight into liberty and freedom concepts and calls "freedom from" negative freedom and "freedom to" positive freedom. For example, individuals should have freedom from oppression and should have the freedom to develop one's potential.
French philosopher, Claude Adrien Helvétius clarifies further: The free man is the man who is not in irons, nor imprisoned, nor terrorized like a slave by the fear of punishment. It is not lack of freedom not to fly like an eagle or swim like a whale.
At this time of year when we celebrate our independence, I am grateful for the abundance of "freedom from" that this country offers each citizen. I am also grateful for the "freedom to" concentrate personal energy on weaving the fabric of a successful life.
In this context, let Independence Day 2007 be a celebration of your freedom to boldly weave the fabric of your success by:
- Performing a job that excites your passion and stretches you to grow. Even though we dream of the 'perfect' job, it doesn't exist. However, if you can love and be passionate for at least 80% of your job, you'll do well.
- Experiencing satisfying work relationships. Work relationships experience daily conflict as decisions are made. Seeing the conflict as a process to improve the product or service gives a healthy glow to differences of opinions and grows satisfying work relationships.
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Balancing life's elements. The old saying, "All work and no play makes Jane a very dull girl is still applicable in the 21st Century. There are many facets to life and enjoying personal relationships, taking up a hobby, or doing community service help rejuvenates you in strange ways and permits you to return to work invigorated.
In today's world, it is entirely possible to fly like an eagle and to swim with the whales because you have the freedom from oppression and you have the freedom to be. Take advantage or the opportunities that are before you. Perhaps flying lessons or scuba diving lessons are just what you need to put that final touch on the fabric of your success.
Tips to help you be bold about your career success:
- Learn something new every day.
- Be dependable.
- Be creative.
- Solve problems.
- Be a friend.
Help others get what they want and you will get what you want - career success!
