Have you ever been accused of being the Eager Beaver type? If you are working at a part time gig to supplement your income, you just might fit into that category. We all live busy lives. One of my favorite sayings is, “I always wanted to live a full life, I just didn’t realize it would be this full.” Truth. And it’s us eager beavers who seek out additional challenges, fun new things to do, new friendships, no groups to join. Uh huh, I thought some of you might relate to this.
I get over-committed when I fail to examine my priorities. My husband complains I’m too busy, and I’m left wailing, “But what should I cut out? Everything I’m doing is so worthwhile!” It may be, but it distracts from my core purpose. When you have work, your core purpose is representing your company to the best of your ability. Period.
I know, you have a full life, but temper your commitments so that full life doesn’t conflict with your purpose in serving your company well. A program we started watching during the pandemic quarantine is When Calls the Heart. A character, Rosie, is an over-doer. She does everything with wild, bold strokes that fill the screen with her enthusiasm. She also gets over-committed. It takes her time to learn that less is more.
Sometimes that’s a lesson we need to learn as well. A recent Forbes
installment reported that the introduction of new products is down by
13%. It suggested that manufacturers are simplifying their product lines,
focusing on quality. It’s much the same way in your work. You simply put out
the product. You don’t need other finishing touches. Your creativity offers
nothing to the shopper. You are the invisible third party making the product
available. The less of you, the more of the company, the better.
It’s also part of your relationship with the brand. The
brand knows and trusts our fearless leader, you…not so much! What a relief! We
do not have to curry favor, listen to complaints, manage requests. We show up.
We set out the wares. We quietly disappear. Less of us, more of the company.
It’s also part of your relationship with the store. You see,
you are not one of them. It’s not your place to go in and win friends,
establish relationships, try to influence any little items of politics within
the workplace. You just go in, display your wares, smile politely and leave.
What a relief! Politics is more of a headache than ever before!
You are encouraged to find that balance within yourself, in
which you know your purpose, feel comfortable with yourself. Be that person. Shrug off anything trivial or
unworthy of your attention. Don’t get drawn into the cultural narrative so
prevalent today. Be yourself. Less is more. You, just little old you, are
enough!
