Bringing up yourself

OUR surroundings and the environment we grow up in shape our views on life and how we react to stressful circumstances and events. As a result, we develop attitudes and mindsets that can either limit us or help us soar to dizzying heights. Some of these experiences have an uncanny way of influencing our adulthood. Awareness about these influences can help us develop clarity of thought and perception. They can become tools, which effectively propel us forward in our careers. Revisit your childhood to understand what can make you tick at the workplace.

Freedom in chains

If as a child you've been exposed to a lot of disciplining and criticism, you may have had a tough time growing up. So as an adult, you may find that you either constantly feel like rebelling or give in resentfully.

Workplace fallouts - Fortunately, if you recognise these tendencies early enough, you can temper them adequately to become an ace professional.

All that restriction and disciplining will actually help you hold your own at work. You'll probably adjust with ease to demanding work pressures, unrealistic deadlines, resource crunches, etc.

Un-caged

If you've grown up as a very independent person, you'll have an intense liking for all things and people that give you a free rein.

Workplace fallouts - Too much freedom can, in fact, be very restricting. At a professional level, it can cause you to rebel and fight against authority at the slightest pretext. A certain amount of self-discipline, tact, and clear thinking are necessary to manoeuvre through the corporate maze.

Too focussed

Long term goals and single-minded focus is a well-tested success formula. Is your childhood reminiscent of this?

Workplace fallouts - All that focus equips you to become a dedicated worker. You thrive on high-pressure, goal or mission oriented jobs. But heed the warning signs as well. Narrow-minded focus can lead to burnout.

Mischief monger

Life peppered with lots of laughter and mischief is a youth well spent. If you look back with nostalgia on your childhood days, it must've been filled with loads of fun and also seriousness.

Workplace fallouts - Your attitude to life will be similar. You most likely have the capacity to take things in your stride, with a pinch of salt. Retain your sense of equilibrium and it's sure to take you far and wide, even win you a lot of friends.

At the pavilion

If your childhood has been a spectator sport, chances are, circumstances, shyness, or awkwardness may have deterred you from seeking active participation.

Workplace fallouts - You're probably no different as an adult, and swing between being meek or aggressive. Unless, you've had some helpful intervention during your formative years. Else, you might typically have problems communicating freely, or being assertive. Develop your powers of observation and listening, to intelligently adjust to colleagues and workplace demands.

Comfort levels

Have you always got what you wanted as a child? Led a privileged existence? But a life of luxury can spoil.

Workplace fallouts - Not everything in life comes easy. Be prepared for a good deal of struggle, adjustment, compromise and hard work. This rule applies to the workplace as well. Work at being a good team player. Also, guard against becoming wilful and too self-centred.

No `joint' pain this!

Living together as one big happy family can be as much a myth as a reality. A generation or so ago, most Indian families lived jointly. If you still belong to one, you're lucky as you're wiser than most.

Workplace fallouts - You also know which side of your bread is buttered, right from an early age.

While this may ease you up the corporate ladder, curb any malicious tendencies to `use' people to your advantage. You're sure to have great teamwork and leadership skills, use it to your advantage.

It certainly pays to introspect about those good ol' days. You'll see more clearly what prompts you to react and how. Before long, you'll truly understand that problems are indeed stepping-stones to greater insights and success.

SAMYUKTA KODA

samyukta.hyd@cnkonline.com