Maybe some of you, as I do, still play a very popular game of matching three candies, called Candy Crush. In this game, we are asked to complete a mission at each level, and missions at each level are often different. There are different obstacles at each level, sometimes it is quite easy, sometimes it is difficult and sometimes even annoying because after several attempts we are still unable to complete the level.
From my experience playing this game, sometimes I focus too much on my way to remove obstacles, not focus on the mission that must be achieved at that level. Usually, in the end, I fail to finish the level.
Well, interestingly, the behavior when playing this game is the same as our daily behavior too. How do we respond to one goal (mission), for example, our daily to-do list or target? Are we focused on our goals or are we busy to remove obstacles or challenges we face? If we focus on the challenge, usually we end up not achieving the target or maybe only 70% achieved because most of our efforts are for overcoming the obstacles.
So, how can we achieve our goals while enjoying the process of achieving it?
- Stay focused on our goals
As mentioned above, if we focus on the goal, even though challenges remain, we can overcome them. Our brains have extraordinary abilities. It works like a GPS; if we focus on one goal, our brain will work to find a way so we can get to the destination. There are so many times that the main obstacles are coming from ourselves. For example, when we want to organize an employee engagement event, let’s focus on how to make employees more engaged, rather than thinking of how they will react to the event, or whether they will agree with our ideas.
- Always grateful for what we have
To achieve our goals, there must be “provisions” that we have both in terms of resources and our life experience. If usually, we complain “They increase my sales target every year, and it’s getting harder to achieve it”, start switching by remembering what we have done very well from previous experience and we can use it to overcome the challenges. Always grateful for what we have because maybe other people don’t have it and it’s more challenging for them than us. As written in Dale Carnegie’s “How to Stop worrying and Start Living” book, “Count your blessings – not your problems“.
- Pay attention to our surroundings and be keen to take chances
When I play Candy Crush game, to pass the mission and move to the next level, I always pay attention to all the possibilities, such as to find whether there’s a chance that can help me to pass the mission by matching four or five of the same color so that I can “power up “and makes it easier for me to pass that level. This can also be applied to our work lives. In Dale Carnegie’s book “How To Win Friends and Influence People”, one of the principles is written, “Become genuinely interested in other people“. To achieve our goals, it’s important to always remember people around us, establish good relations with them, never be too embarrassed or afraid to ask questions or for input because who knows we will be able to find opportunities to more easily achieve our goals from people around us.
- Appreciate every moment
When I make it through 1 level in the game, I always enjoy being informed about the score, the ranks, and the bonus I get before I move on to the next level. Do you often enjoy achieving one of your goals? Or maybe you enjoy it more when the process is running? If you are or have succeeded in achieving your goal, let’s positively enjoy those moments, so that you will appreciate each achievement in your life journey.
At present where all are worried about health conditions because of COVID-19, at least the four steps above can help us get through this difficult situation:
- Focus on your goal, which is by taking care of your health, not focusing on worrying about getting sick.
- Usually, during this situation, many of us complain and consider that work from home is not productive, selling is difficult and so on. Let’s start to be grateful every day because we are still blessed with good health, can still enjoy the time to sunbathe in the morning sun for free, still have a job and able to gather with family.
- Currently, when things are moving slower, it helps us to pay more attention to our surroundings which is difficult to do if we are very busy with our daily work at the office. “Physical distancing” still allows us to pay attention to our colleagues and our team members more personally, by using phone or zoom (a popular tool these days). I was reminded of a popular expression: “Social media makes the far feel closer and the near feel distance“. Now, when we are physically apart, it is the time you get closer to them through social media.
- Some of you may work at home, some still go to the office alternately or even still come to work as usual. Whatever your condition, cherish this moment. For those of you who work at home, appreciate the time with family that you can enjoy now, for those who might still be at the office, you can appreciate the moment where you can enjoy the streets in Jakarta that are much quieter. There is always a positive side if we want to see it.
So, enjoy your life match “one step at a time”.
Haris Christoffer Yonathan – Deputy Manager General Affairs
