Waiting for other people’s enthusiasm and cooperation

I don’t wait for other people’s enthusiasm and cooperation.

I do whatever is within my power independently to make progress on the task at hand. That way I get the benefit of taking immediate action, without feeling frustrated by other people’s negative attitudes, low motivations or crappy moods.

Look, they have every right to feel however they feel. I am not asking anyone to change who they are.

But uncontrollable variables are simply not going to impact my sense of accomplishment and satisfaction. People’s inaction or disinterest is not going to sideline me.

Now, do I fear making mistakes by taking this proactive approach? Sure.

Do I get concerned about overstepping my boundaries with such speed and urgency? Absolutely.

And might people view me as uncooperative, impatient and antisocial? It’s possible.

The question is, are those risks worth the feelings that myself and others get from positive outcomes?

I believe the tradeoff is worth it.

For example, the risk of making mistakes is typically offset by personal growth and learning from those mistakes. Say I take the initiative at work to build a new internal sales enablement tool that helps account executives communicate more persuasively with prospects.

There’s no way I’m waiting for my coworkers to get excited about and sign off on the new tool. I just do the damn thing.

Naturally, the project could bomb, negatively affect my reputation, and even hurt team morale. But realistically, how likely are those bad outcomes?

Because what outweighs my fear are the potential opportunities my new resource provides for the team. Not to mention, the feelings of pride and satisfaction from having built it myself. Hell, even if my work is beautiful but useless, at least my skills are improving and on display where it matters. Seems like a net gain to me.

Remember, the world values criticism, but it rewards action.

Criticism can guide and refine, but it is action that transforms ideas into tangible results. Create a bias for the latter, and you’ll always have a place at the table.

Aim to be a change maker rather than a commentator, and the uncontrollable variables that surface through your initiative will get crowded out by the massive upside.

Facing criticism is justified if the outcome produces greater good or value for yourself and potentially for others.