Wired to Achieve

Do you know people who seem to be “wired” to achieve? Perhaps you are. 

It’s an admirable trait. In his book The Yellow Pad, author Robert Rubin uses the term intensity to describe the trait, a trait he epitomizes. He describes his drive, his personal intensity as “a keen focus on succeeding in whatever (he’s) doing.”

Is there another term that encompasses this trait? Maybe tenacity?  Perseverance?

 

The Yellow Pad – A Very Good Book

I picked up a copy of Rubin’s The Yellow Pad at my local library, and have since bought a copy. The book is featured here (sign-in to Goodreads required):

(https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/172581178-the-yellow-pad).

 

I liked the book but loved this passage; 

“We become what we become in part because of the way that we’re wired. But within that context, we also become what we become because of our choices, the way we meet challenges, the traits we cultivate, and the qualities we amplify through our lives.”

 

Robert Rubin, The Yellow Pad

 

 

Remember Grade 4?

Rubin writes about his life, and his career, including his time as Treasury Secretary for U.S. President Bill Clinton, and his time as an executive on Wall Street. After he completed a few appearances in national media during his time in Clinton’s cabinet, he received a letter from his former Grade 4 teacher Mrs. Collins that caused him to think and then write about the attributes and traits that made him successful.

His teacher wrote to him and asked “Are you the Robbie Rubin who was in my Grade 4 class in Florida?” And of course he is, but of course he has changed because of traits and qualities he cultivated and amplified. Everyone of us has changed because of our experiences, how we responded to those experiences, and the traits we’ve chosen to cultivate. These days it seems a small, but loud number choose to cultivate traits that create fear and division.

Here are the traits he mentions;

• Intensity – a keen focus on succeeding whatever he’s doing
• Ability to Keep One’s Head, i.e. to remain calm
• An energetic curiosity. He also writes about an eclectic curiosity
• Being true to oneself
• Professional integrity

 

These are wonderful skills, attributes, and traits for anyone to develop. It seems to me that today many people are overcommitted to a volume of engagements, and under committed to succeeding at those that will have the greatest impact. If someone has too many engagements, it is difficult to succeed at each. While people will “try,” it can be difficult to succeed at all commitments.

 

 

What Is Essential?

Often during presentations, I display a quote attributed to Roman Emperor and philosopher Marcus Aurelius.

 

“Most of what we say and do is not essential. If you can eliminate it, you’ll have more time, and more tranquility. Ask yourself at every moment, ‘Is this necessary?’”

 

You’ll have more time and tranquility. And accomplish more that has more meaning.  I question the need to ask yourself “at every moment,” but we can ask ourselves frequently.

 

Developing This Trait

 

Here are some tips and a point of view on developing the trait of achievement orientation from www.indeed.com  

 

In summary,

• Focus on how to structure your team
• Communicate clearly about your goals
• Respect your employees
• Engage in personal interactions
• Take the time to follow up
• Reward good work

 

A link to the full article https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/achievement-oriented-leadership

 

My POV On Keeping a Team Focused on Achievement 

For further ideas, particularly on communicating goals and progress, I wrote an e-book related to this topic https://a.co/d/7DfDnez