Make a difference

When was the last time you did something original?

Posted by Haja in Attitude, Innovation, Personal Branding

The way the world is operating now, it’s easy to fall into routines and habits that stifle our creativity and originality—just to maintain the status quo. The number of people who are worried about their jobs does the last thing they should at these times: stay safe and avoid anything original.

Really, think about it. When was the last time you did something truly original—something that made you stand out or brought a fresh perspective to your life? If it’s been a while, it might be time to reignite that spark of creativity within you, drawing inspiration from Adam Grant’s insightful book, “Originals.”

This book is a celebration of those who dare to do things differently. It highlights the importance of originality in driving progress and innovation. Originals are the individuals who break free from the constraints of convention, pushing boundaries and reshaping our world in the process. They show us that doing something original isn’t just about being different; it’s about making a meaningful impact.

Three Suggestions to Rediscover Your Originality, inspired by “Originals”:

Step Out of Your Comfort Zone: One of the recurring themes in “Originals” is the concept of stepping out of your comfort zone. To truly innovate and bring original ideas to life, we must be willing to take risks. We often stick to what we know because it feels safe and comfortable, but we should build the muscle to explore the unknown. Try something new, whether it’s a hobby, a cuisine, or a social event. Embrace the discomfort of the unfamiliar, as it can lead to incredible personal growth and originality.
Embrace failure as a learning opportunity. There is no shame in failure. No one really cares. We cannot underscore the importance of embracing failure as a stepping stone to success. The fear of failure can paralyze us and prevent us from trying new things. Failure is not the end, but a valuable learning experience. Every misstep is a chance to refine your approach and grow more resilient. Don’t let the fear of making mistakes hold you back from pursuing your original ideas.
Seek Inspiration from Unusual Sources: To reignite your originality, step outside your usual bubble. Read books outside your typical genre, engage in conversations with people from diverse backgrounds, or explore different cultures and their traditions. Exposure to new ideas and perspectives can ignite your creativity and inspire you to think in original ways. Talk to people you think are non-conformists!

Take a leap of faith. Step out of your comfort zone, embrace the possibility of failure, and seek inspiration from the world around you. You might be surprised at the incredible and unique contributions you can make to your own life and to the world.

Remember George Bernard Shaw’s words:

Here is to a great 2024—where you really step out and do something original! Tell me more.

Jan.08

Starting 2024 – The Man in the arena

Posted by Haja in Attitude, Leadership, Motivation

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.

Jan.01

Dec 28, 2023. Taking off on new adventures

Posted by Haja in Leadership

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.

#AmazonExperience #LeadershipPrinciples #NewBeginnings

Dec.29

10 Minutes for the next 10 Years – Matthew McConaughey Motivational Speech

Posted by Haja in Attitude, Leadership, Motivation, Personal Branding

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u8OySa4uZmU

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.

Dec.27

Living a purposeful life – Stories that inspire (#001)

Posted by Haja in Attitude, Coaching, Leadership, Motivation

Story & picture taken from Twitter (X)- https://twitter.com/fopminui/status/1736157563807318119

Kenyan runner Abel Mutai was a few meters from the finish line, but got confused by the signals and stopped, thinking he had finished the race. The Spanish runner, Ivan Fernandez, was right behind him and, realising what was happening in front of him, began shouting for the Kenyan to keep running. Motai did not know Spanish and did not understand.

Fernandez pushed Mutai to victory.

One reporter asked Evan, “Why did you do this?” Evan replied, “My dream is that one day we can have the kind of community life that pushes ourselves and others to win as well.” “But why did you let the Kenyan win?” the reporter insisted. Evan replied, “I didn’t let him win; he would win. It was his race.”

The reporter insisted and asked again, “But you could have won!” Evan looked at him and replied, “But what is the merit of my victory? What is the honour of this medal? What will my mother think?”

Values are passed on from generation to generation. What values do we teach our children and to what extent do they inspire others to earn them? Most of us take advantage of people’s weaknesses rather than helping to strengthen them.

Dec.18