It is important that each one of us should reflect and plan ahead for our personal enrichment and our contribution to our eco-system (both work and society). When I was reflecting upon myself, two important things caught my attention. Upon further introspection, I was convinced that those are going to be my focus area for my personal enrichment.

The questions that intrigued me and which lead to my focus areas were all “What” & “How”. Powerful one’s indeed!

Application of “What” concept:

• What did I achieve?
• What did the situation demand?
• What did I do to find a solution/workaround/way forward?

Followed with “How”

• How will the new target be achieved?
• How will the situation/challenge be different in future?
• How can I find out and gather more information for alternative plan?

Eventually, I found out the secret ingredients (re two important things) to be always well above the curve. They are “Being Creative all the time” and “Being Happy & Respected” because it starts with an individual. One has to be creative always to overcome any situation, identify ways and means to achieve the goals or identify new ways for living life meaningfully. When you start to tackle situations/challenges with ease, you march ahead with self-confidence, knowledge and clarity thereby feel and earn the respect –eventually be Happy.

Inculcating Creativity: I firmly believe Creativity is a trait that can be cultivated. Every one of us are by default born creative. Here is a simple exercise to cultivate this habit that is widely followed. Take any object and try to fantasize its usage or applicability for different purposes apart from what it is used for. You may come out with what seems to be weird and stupid ideas. In this process you are expanding your mind to think differently. This may sound stupid, but accepted stupidity is called “creativity”. Continue this for three weeks to make it a habit and witness the outcome. I am already half way through in this practice.

Being Happy & Respected: “Being Happy” is the state of infinite possibilities. The state comes from being confident and prepared to tackle all situations life throws at you. Happiness is something you don’t postpone for the future; it is something you design for the present — Jim Rohn. Similarly, a happy employee or happy team is an invaluable possession to have. While in all our interactions, irrespective of with friends, family or colleagues, a respectful gesture and making them feel important goes a long way in creating a strong bonding and relationship. Remember, the best way to earn respect is to give it.

Hence Creativity and Happiness, I believe goes hand in hand. And this small effort and change will yield a lot of positive results Personally, to the Work Environment and Society!

What focus areas have you identified? Eager to know and learn from what you have experienced or set out for?