Week of Wisdom, Day Two: Recognition creates expectation

I'll start off by apologizing for the lateness of the post for Day One of Always Achieve's first Week of Wisdom, as well as the fact that this post is appearing on Day Three. Actually, it only serves to reinforce the advice given yesterday, "don't listen to me."


Now it is time for Day Two (i.e., yesterday). Let's examine those moments we wait for in life where all seems right with the world and the choices we make. These are the times when we receive the greatest reward possible when our moments of noticed accomplishment reflect not only technical excellence, but also a spiritual simpatico with our passions. These are the time, of course, when we receive recognition.


"Recognition" can take many forms. but most of the time, it is simply acknowledgement from our peers and customers. If we are passionate about what we do, we focus on the results and benefits it provides others (customers, society, etc.). A sincere compliment or sign of appreciation is often all we need to feel truly fulfilled, though a bonus, promotion, or deal with a new client does not hurt.

However, such platitudes represent one of the sharpest of double-edge swords we deal with. Those who are most likely to compliment are often just as likely to criticize, denigrate, and most importantly, disappoint (more on this last word later this week). The worst part is that we might draw out their anger or frustration without doing anything differently, even if we are just as helpful or correct as we were before.

This is the hard part of developing relationships and building a body of work. Whenever something does not go right, one often finds their most vocal detractors amongst their most ardent "supporters." Those who are easy to tell us what a great job we are doing when times are great can be the first ones to shove us to the front of the firing line when things get tough.

At some point, anyone successful reaches the point where they receive the recognition they deserve. It might happen formally, like when you receive an award or promotion to a level with notoriety and "perks." In some cases, it is when you simply start receiving the emails, verbal accolades, and pats on the back from coworkers, colleagues, or supervisors.

What's the solution? Once you notice the recognition, and it may be subtle rather than obvious, realize that you are no longer "in hiding." At this point, your actions will be noticed. As long as you succeed, the praise will grow. Your confidence will grow, as well.

Of course, you will slip, make a mistake, or run into a problem that cannot be solved to anyone's satisfaction. When it happens, the track record of success will not matter. "Political capital" and "peace dividends" do not matter in a world where your last evaluation is the only one people think about.

When it comes to careers, the short memory of your professional associates and society in general work to your advantage. Once you rise again, often as quickly as you fall, "people" will be there to praise you. The feeling will ebb and flow, and even those closest to you who you can trust will still show changes in behavior depending on how your efforts are evaluated by the masses and authority.

In short, perception of success and failure can be random and replicating as this post. The reactions of others will only serve to reinforce the most important element of achievement, the realization that one step is only as good as the next. Enjoy the trail!