It is extremely challenging in corporate America to climb to the top of the ladder of success. Really, how many people can fit on that top rung?? A frighteningly small number of positions that are wanted by a frighteningly large group of people. Clearly the higher one moves up the ladder, the more difficult it gets. Yet the messages constantly being communicated to us include “do whatever it takes to win”, “winners never quit” and “beat out the competition”. That puts tremendous pressured to move forward, move up and achieve those corporate goals. What is the reward when you do hit those goals ( which most likely were set for you by someone else )? “Stretch” goals for the next month/quarter/year! The fortunate few might get a promotion, though often that means even more pressure to achieve.
How goes YOUR climb up the corporate ladder? Any of the following sound familiar?
“When I get that next promotion, THEN I will be happier”
“Once I get that bump in salary, THEN I can spend more time with family and friends”
“If my team hits their goals, THEN I will be a lot easier to deal with”
“When I am running this company, THEN things will be different”
If “yes” is the answer to any of the above statements……ask yourself this question: Really??
Won’t there be another raise to go after? Another target to achieve? Another set of stretch goals for your team to attempt to hit? The pressure to achieve will continue to ratchet higher. So how DOES one enjoy the journey up the ladder of success? We have little control over many things that influence our journey: the economy, the weather, other people’s actions and decisions, industry trends, etc. One thing we DO control is our attitude, or how we react to our situation. If our focus is always on our yet-to-be-met goals or things we don’t have, its extremely difficult to have a positive attitude since we are never “there”. That doesn’t mean just “don’t worry, be happy” (apologies if that song is now stuck in your head!). Take the time to enjoy the scenery along your climb by focusing on what you DO have and what you HAVE accomplished. It is just this perspective of gratitude that most positively impacts our attitude…and in turn our actions. Take time right now to focus on what you have and what you have accomplished. If you are feeling challenged and find it difficult to come up with things, here is a bit of perspective:
* If you are reading this, you are literate. 1 out of every 5 people on the planet over the age of 15 cannot read or write.
* If you are reading this, you can see. There are 40 million people who cannot see.
* If you are reading this, you have access to a computer. There are 5 BILLION people who have no access to the internet.
* If you are reading this, you have some “free time” that is not being spent trying to figure out where your next meal will come from. There are 800 MILLION people on the planet suffering from hunger and malnutrition.
You will find, with a bit of practice, that it becomes easier and easier to find things in your life for which you are grateful. This appreciation for what you have.and what you have accomplished.will bring a shift in how you see and experience your journey. That positive shift in attitude shines through in everything that you do and to everyone with whom you work. And if you truly cannot find things to appreciate about your climb up the corporate ladder of success, perhaps its time to step off the ladder and discover a different path.
Steve Sheeren has been training and coaching individuals and corporations across North America for the last 15+ years. He freely shares his experience and resources for both corporate and home-based business, which includes an alternative to climbing the corporate ladder.
