Going Beyond

How many times have you sat at your desk and wondered where you are going? Is this what I want to be doing one, three, five years from now? Do I feel that I am qualified for something more? FIRE! The new person in the office who just transferred from a smaller firm is difficult not to like. This person is always smiling and ready for work with loads of positive energy. Now for some time, I have seen how I just go through the motions of my job. I have worked throughout my life to get the job I have, and now, I just feel flat. I was not a straight “A” student or star football player, but I am happy where I am and where I have come from. I see Holly around the office and she is around my same age and her drive is contagious, but I am dying to know what gives her that extra push! So, at a rare slow moment, I finally asked Holly if we could get together sometime? She said, “sure, how about the coffee shop down the street?” We met at the coffee shop after work. When we finished the minor shoptalk, I finally asked her “what is your drive?” She asked, “what brought this question out?” So, I told her how I have watched her fly around the office with confidence and I wanted to know what her secret was for daily happy energy. With that, she looked kind of confused, so I continued. “I mean that I look at myself and think, we are about the same age and for some time now, I feel stale especially at work.” I see you move and work and it kind of has me jealous to work harder but I need to know why you and how you do what you do. At that, she smiled and said this to me. “Dan, I have been to a lot of places and worked most of my life. I am sure you would be surprised to know of my educational level and background. I have met and continue to meet some very influential people along the way in life and they told and continue to tell me things that seem to fit the puzzle of having a successful life.” It was now my turn to look confused, so she explained more. I have had several failed jobs and have been demoted to the point that I would have taken any entry-level position. At one point a boss pulled me in their office and said, “I am concerned about you Holly.” And I said “why, has my work performance dropped off or is it my attitude?” He said, “no, I see potential in you. How many company functions have you been to since you have been with us?” I said only a couple, when I knew that I haven’t been to any which I think he knew because he gave me this look but he continued saying, “what direction do you plan on going in life?” At that point, I was stuck, since I really did not have a clear picture or even a clue of any thought about future life goals, short-term and long term. So, I simply said “up.” And to my surprise, he said right!” Next he asked, “how do you start a good fire?” I said sheepishly, “with matches paper and wood.” He said, “of course,” then he said something that opened my eyes wide. “Holly, why do you add green wood to your fires?” You see Holly, at this company we like dry wood in order for this company to blaze with opportunity and promises. You add a good burn but you are starting to smolder because you are just being content to be here, when deep down inside yourself, you know that you want something more, so much more. Don’t you want my job, my position, and of course my pay? Then Holly, I suggest that you start hanging around other people that use dry wood for the company’s sake and for your own growth. At that time, Holly looked at her watch and said that she had to take off and I asked if we could talk again. She said, “sure, how does three days from now sound?” I said, “fine, and this would give me time to think about our conversation we just had.”