Competence is the Best Revenge

 Let me start off this blog by sharing a bit of my personal story. The other day at work I was met with a challenge I never encountered before. Feeling undeniably uncharted within the situation, I was slightly disheartened at my shortcomings. I kept blaming myself for not being able to "get it right". Consequently, this dismissive notion I had started to plant in my own head would grow to produce adverse ramifications on my thoughts and mind as a whole. I began to doubt my own abilities and whether I was truly capable. I had even let myself think that the people I'm working with would look down on me in more demeaning ways than one. Well, let me tell you, no one else can justify your own abilities, except yourself.

These past few months, I have learned that when you are introduced to a new work environment and you feel yourself unable to keep up with the pace, it's not because you are incapable -- you are simply unfamiliar with the new scene. Coming from a history and literature background, I had no prior knowledge whatsoever of the investment industry. Everything was brand new to me -- the concept, the system, the people. However, I try to not let my inexperience compromise my capacity to learn new things efficiently. Yes, multiple times I have wished for people to look past my noob-ish ways and to take my education background into consideration, but I figured I can only hope. One conditional advice with which I keep reminding myself: "Don't pity yourself".
The following are a few pointers I've compiled on how to move forward positively and prove those people wrong.

WHAT TO DO:
 Keep learning. Chances are, all of this is new to you because you had never done it before. Get yourself familiarized to the new system and the way it works. If there is more than one individual you are directly working with, familiarize yourself with the way each team or individual works. Everyday is a lesson.

Work hard. Work longer hours than required. Go the extra distance and take the extra mile when given an assignment. Show your boss or whoever else it is you report to that you can contribute more than what they ask for. You don't have to be married to your job, but for young people, one of the best ways you can show your dedication is how far you would be willing to stay overtime after the day is done to either work on next day's tasks or learn new things.

Be confident. Do not hesitate, especially in communication because it only makes you look nervous and unsure of what you are doing. Speak slowly, clearly, eloquently, and utilize as many of the keywords in the industry, as possible. Believe in your heart that you are competent. Most of the time, I find that our lack of confidence stems from the self-induced disbelief in our own abilities. You have to give yourself more credit than what you think you deserve. In other words, "You can do it!"

Don't give up. When things don't go your way, or if you keep making mistakes, don't give up and keep trying your best. Trust me, you can definitely believe me on this. At my workplace, I have made small mistakes, big mistakes, 'stupid' mistakes no one else in their right mind would ever make. But seriously, plainly and honestly, that is how you learn. Yes, you were not fortunate enough to have learned from somebody else's mistakes, but at least you had the experience. Count every mishap as a constructive obstacle and blessing in disguise. Don't let anything hinder you from moving forward towards your hard-earned development, personally and professionally.

Competence is the best revenge you can take on those who doubt you and your abilities. It's always a satisfying feeling when your actions finally say, "Look at me I can do this!"


Stay inspired,
Hazel xox