Stepping Up to New Challenges

Introduction

Often, we ponder the issue of success or failure in life.

• What does it mean to be successful?
• Is it measured by our monthly salary or the profound meaning in our work?

It is inspiring to see people who have made breakthrough innovations that change the world.

• But, many of us are just leading ordinary lives, working and going home to our families at the end of the day.

Remember, success is defined as the accomplishment of an aim or purpose. Have you led the life you have always wanted?

• If yes, then you are living your dream.
• Do not let other people's expectations dictate how you should live your life.
• For example, you do not have to buy a luxury car, send 520 flowers on Valentine's Day or travel the world to be successful.

True success is personal!

Expanding Your Comfort Zone

After years in the same field, poor job satisfaction or a toxic environment can lead us to seek a career change.

• However, as hopeful as new job prospects may be, transitioning to a role entirely outside of our skill set can be daunting.

Rather than leaping out of your comfort zone, consider expanding it by finding new applications for your current skills.

• For example, if you are a talented writer, you could adapt that skill to produce video content.
• This approach builds on your strengths, instead of starting from scratch.

The Power of Connection

There are times when a small idea planted in our mind can eventually break through our mental barriers.

• We start to see things around us in a new light.

In a pharmacist alumni networking session, I found it insightful and enjoyable to hear the perspectives of another pharmacist who works in a different industry. This thought-provoking experience inspired me to achieve more.

• For most of my career, I have evaluated a challenges faced by new pharmacists primarily through the lens of clinical knowledge.
• However, that conversation reminded me of the many essential soft skills we need, such as effective communication, analytical thinking, leadership, innovation, teamwork and problem-solving.
• In life, we should be energized and positive to the people we meet. If we have a good intention, we should not hesitate to take a proactive step to help them achieve their goals. We should learn to appreciate their strengths and provide encouragement and advice to help them grow and succeed.

Ultimately, talking to people opens the window through which we view the world.

The Value of Continuous Learning

To stay competitive in any field, you need to grow.

• Assuming I am a contract pharmacist, I would need to not only upgrade my clinical knowledge, but also pick up skills beyond the pharmacy scope.

When you invest time and effort to learn a new skill, it will be with you forever.

• No one can take it away from you.
• Even if there is no urgent need for it now, there is not harm in knowing more.

Huge changes often start with small, baby steps too.

• Do not wait for the perfect opportunity, but just start today.
• You never know where those small steps might lead.

Moreover, it is just as important to showcase your skills so others can see your potential.

Summary

Stepping up to new challenges can be daunting, but it is often the key to achieving our goals.

• By expanding our comfort zone and learning new skills, we open up new possibilities for ourselves.

Failure is an inevitable part of the process of success. Those who avoid failure also avoid success.

• In school, we are taught that mistakes are bad, and we may be punished for making them.
• However, in life, we learn to walk by falling down.
• There is no professional player who never loses a match. For winners, losing is an inspiration.

Remember, actions always beats inaction.