Staying Inside

Recently I suggested a different tool to get work done, bypassing the usual process as the current situation did not warrant a real project yet.  In my eagerness to show that I am smart and filled with new ideas, I thought my proposal would be approved. Instead, it did not get any enthusiasm and I landed flat in my face, realizing how silly it seemed after though I was eager to support business to get things done. I was stuck in my head with churning thoughts, logically aligning ideas that it seemed a stroke of genius but ended up like an immature act.

No one wants to do additional work or go beyond the usual tools, to stay safe. This was the wall that I smacked into but in reality I should have known better than to act like an eager newbie rather than a grizzled old veteran. In the end, my natural inclination to act was not viewed as leadership or initiative but a trying-hard attempt to seize control from the higher-ups. It was my mind getting ahead of me, over thinking futile attempts against the wishes of tired old men who are afraid of new ideas.

I failed to see the world as it really is; instead seeing the possibilities that can arise with one's verve and bravado. Living in the true reality does remove one's inclination to strive and do something. Instead, one moves with a slow pace and tries to see how one can live in the slow lane even if this means doing uninteresting tasks like preparing a PowerPoint presentation instead of doing the actual effort of getting things done and completing projects. To GO LIVE is the ultimate goal of the project manager.

Today I looked at my old stack of company newsletters from a company where I worked in my mid-20s; re-reading articles that I wrote, being a member of the Editorial Board, being a mentor to young kids, deploying new accounting systems, training staff on computer technology, attending seminars and being active in office activities. I was finishing my MBA, about to get married, and just changed career; moving from government as an economist researcher to the private sector into the field of computer technology and project management.

Those were exciting times nearly 35 years ago, making significant changes in my life and career. I did not waste an opportunity that came my way. I worked in that company for nearly 10 years before moving to Singapore where I lived for 7 years. Those times in Singapore were also exciting where I made another significant move. I recently posted a video of those times in Singapore which brought wonderful memories.

Now in my current stage of life, I still have my wits and with significant project management experience, just changed departments though still within my trade. It's been a long voyage across continents, to different cultures and companies. I survived and thrived all these years, though some moments filled with stress and anxiety, with so many changes occurring that I thrived in these circumstances. I am a global worker; moving with the tides where ever the economics would bring me.