Make A Positive Difference

When we were in school, we would take tests-weekly, unit, quarterly, half-yearly, annual, etc- test after test after test for every subject. We had to prove to our teachers, our parents, and our friends that we were smart enough to count. Schooling in our younger days, through the testing methodology, unconsciously programmed us to prove that we are smart in whatever we do.

Unfortunately, many of us carry this mindset into the workplace too. I certainly did. I had this constant urge to prove that I was right all the time and, through that, prove how smart I was. Until one day, a mentor of mine made me realize that nothing is more futile than trying to prove to others how right and intelligent I was all the time.

His message to me was simple.

Quit trying to be right all the time, smart all the time, and stop thinking that there is a competition between how smart and right you are. Instead, focus on making a positive difference in whatever you do. That is all that matters.

I have tried to live up to that advice. My focus is always on improving the situation and and making a positive impact, no matter where I am or what I do.

This is a message I pass on to anyone I see trying very hard to appear right and smart.