In a world brimming with opportunities and challenges, it’s easy to get caught in a web of overthinking. Whether it’s about starting a new project, making a life-altering decision, or simply choosing what to learn next, the fear of imperfection can be paralyzing. However, an insightful perspective suggests that action, not overthinking, is the key to progress.
Here are three points to turn that insight into action:
Trust Your Gut: Your intuition is the sum of all your experiences. Sometimes the best decisions come from the gut. Trust in your accumulated wisdom and let it guide you.
Experience is the Best Teacher: Every decision you make, successful or not, is a learning experience. Embrace the journey of making choices and discovering their outcomes. Remember, failure is not the opposite of success; it’s a step towards it. Just do it.
Perfection is a Moving Target: The pursuit of perfection can be endless. Instead, aim for excellence in action. Start where you are, use what you have, and do what you can. Progress, not perfection, is the goal.
Remember, a single step forward, taken today, is infinitely more powerful than a thousand steps contemplated. Start small, but most importantly, start now.
In 1910, Theodore Roosevelt delivered a powerful message in his speech “Citizenship in a Republic” at the Sorbonne in Paris. This speech contains the famous passage known as “The Man in the Arena.”
Roosevelt’s words echo through time, inspiring countless individuals to embrace the value of courage and effort over mere criticism.
Personally, I find this quote profoundly moving. It serves as a reminder that true achievement lies in the endeavor, not in the mere judgment of others. It champions the doer, the one who faces challenges head-on, acknowledging that it is better to strive and fail than never to have tried at all.
Roosevelt’s insight celebrates the human spirit’s resilience and the bravery of those who dare to make a difference, despite the odds. This quote resonates with me deeply, as it underscores the importance of action, perseverance, and the courage to face adversity – virtues that are as relevant today as they were over a century ago.
I posted this today on LinkedIn as I end my stint in Amazon.
Today marks the last day of my 8.5-year journey in Amazon. Cutting across Kindle, AWS Marketplace, Alexa, and the Public Sector with AWS, this has been a one-of-its-kind journey. As per the Old Fart Rank- 96.47% of the Amazon population joined after me!
As I close this chapter of my professional journey at Amazon, I find myself reflecting on the invaluable lessons and experiences I’ve gained. I want to express my deepest gratitude for a journey that was not just about growing in my career but also about personal transformation.
Here are three key takeaways from Amazon’s leadership principles that have profoundly influenced me:
Think Big: Amazon’s environment of thinking big has taught me to not shy away from bold, ambitious goals that, on the face of it, do not look achievable. It’s about envisioning what could be, not being limited by what is, and not worrying about how your management team reacts to your perspective on the goals you want to achieve. This mindset has been transformative in how I think of outcomes and then take the steps to pursue them. Narratives and the FAQ have given me a mechanism that I did not know before I came to Amazon! #gamechanger.
Customer Obsession: Working at Amazon, I learned that putting the customer first isn’t just a business strategy; it’s a mindset. This approach has taught me to always look beyond the obvious and strive to understand deeper needs and expectations. I remember my early days in Kindle, where the algorithm automatically matched the best price that was offered by anyone in the industry (for a digital book) and not worried about what we had to pay the publisher (still on the old non-discounted price). If that is not customer obsession and delighting the customer, what is? #customer-delight.
Ownership: Amazon instilled in me a sense of ownership that goes beyond my immediate responsibilities. It’s about thinking long-term and never saying, “That’s not my job.” This mentality has reshaped how I approach every task and challenge, both professionally and personally. Be it stepping up to help a broader team or helping a specific individual, ownership leads us up a path that is both unique & satisfying. #ownership.
As I move forward, these principles will remain with me, guiding my actions and decisions. A heartfelt thank you to all my colleagues and mentors at Amazon for being a part of this incredible journey. Here’s to new beginnings and carrying these lessons forward! Here is to Amazon for continuing to change the world, one customer at a time.
And this journey has given me the confidence that anything is possible, and I am starting my new journey as a business consultant (which has been a dream for some time), but more about that shortly.
I come across these fantastic motivational videos that I love- and then promptly forget. Till I see it again.
I plan to update some of the best ones I see that I find motivating. To make it more relevant- I am also summarizing the key content from these videos that you can use to summarize the entire video into key learning points.
Believe in the Possible: Always remember, nothing should be called “unbelievable”. Embrace the extraordinary and give credit to yourself and others for achievements. You can achieve great things, so believe in them.
Acknowledge Life’s Hardships: Life isn’t easy or fair, and it’s important to recognize this. Don’t see yourself as a victim; instead, tackle challenges head-on. Overcoming obstacles is part of your growth.
Value Effort and Struggle: Most rewarding experiences come from hard work. Don’t shy away from breaking a sweat for what you want. The effort you put in makes the achievement all the more satisfying.
Embrace Discomfort: Stick with your journey, even through uncomfortable times. It’s in these moments that you learn the most about yourself and grow stronger.
Find Joy in Your Purpose: Happiness is fleeting, but joy is constant. Find joy in doing what you’re meant to do, not just in the outcomes of your actions.
Define Your Identity: Understand who you are by recognizing what you are not. Self-discovery is a process of elimination, leading to a clearer sense of identity.
Redefine Success: Success isn’t just about money or fame. Define what success means to you, whether it’s family, helping others, or personal growth. Stay true to your definition.
Maintain Your Integrity: Make choices that align with who you are and who you want to be. Avoid anything that compromises your character. Remember, integrity is key to true success.
Understand the Power of Responsibility: Embrace responsibility as a path to freedom. The choices we make shape our future, so make decisions that build a life you’re proud of.
Courage Leads to Growth: Be brave and face your fears. With courage, you’ll find yourself getting stronger, more aware, and more respectful of yourself and your journey.
