The Society for Human Resource Management annually conducts
a study measuring job satisfaction. In 2012 they reported 38% of U.S. employees
were “very satisfied” with their job, leaving more than half of the workforce
(62%) satisfied or less than satisfied. According to the famous paper
“Motivation and Personality” published by Abraham Maslow in (1954) – as humans
we seek self-actualization desiring to become more of what we already are.
With more than half of the workforce not participating in the pinnacle of satisfaction
– it is essential that we comprehend this dichotomy.
The question emerges: how happy are you with your career
decisions? Unfortunately most answers range from discontentment to mild-satisfaction,
as most people do not fully comprehend what drives their decisions, as they
submissive to being reactive to their external environment. For example, in the
case of an individual entering a new field, they will face numerous learning
curves (cultural, educational, socio-political, etc.) though having clarity in
their intent will keep them resilient in light of conflict.
Often we do not question our motives nor do we fully cognize
our aspirations – we simply go with the
flow. Thomas Edison, Walt Disney, and Steve Jobs did not go with the flow, they proactively (not
reactively) planned and passionately executed on their visions. Without clarity
we are prone to erroneously make decisions, which we justify due to prestige,
compensation, or simply, avoidance of pain (fear). It is imperative that we fathom
our motives in order to assess and achieve long-term success, insofar that we
lack intent; we continue achieving mediocrity, ensuing, at best, satisfaction.
In sum, when we deliberate our motives we become present to
our decisions as we examine them on the basis of empirical truths. As humans we
are socially programmed to seek pleasure and avoid pain, understanding this
basis will bring to light our true intentions on our path of enlightenment and self-realization.
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