For so long, we have taken our careers as a means to an end. This mindset has made it difficult, if not impossible, to enjoy the process. We become so fixated on the paycheck that we fail to recognize the true gem within our professions. The reality is, there is so much to appreciate in the careers we pursue if only we adopt the right perspective.
Every career demands professionalism. There was a time I was involved in lecturing, and I had it in my mind that I needed to make it a habit to be the best in my profession. The lesson that stayed with me throughout my years as a lecturer was something I learned from my longtime mentor, Aunt Maria. She once asked me a profound question: "What do you teach?"
At first, I thought it was a simple question, and I answered, "I teach computer science." At the time, I was struggling to connect with my students, most of whom were first-year students. Then she shared her wisdom as a teacher. Aunt Maria, such a loving woman, had a way of correcting you that made you feel honored. She had an aura that invited openness, a presence that made you want to share without fear of judgment. She was deeply connected, awake in spirit, and she smiled as she said, "You teach students, not subjects."
That was the paradigm shift I needed. As Stephen Covey puts it, a paradigm is the way we see the world—not in terms of our physical sight but in our perception, understanding, and interpretation. I had been so focused on delivering the subject that I forgot the essence of teaching—the students. Teaching was no longer just about completing a module and conducting exams. I started to see my students as the core of my career. I wished them well on their birthdays, interacted with them beyond the classroom, and checked on their well-being. They became more connected to the subject because they felt valued as individuals. They were no longer just stones for milestones; they were the reason for the journey.
1. Change Your Perspective and Make Your Profession Excellent Again
This shift in perspective can be applied to every area—business, organizations, and industries. When you focus on what you are truly serving rather than just the technicalities of your work, excellence naturally follows. Having a deeper understanding of your role allows you to bring more meaning to your work, making your profession not just a job but a calling.
2. You Don't Just Survive—You Live
Every day, every obstacle, and every opportunity leaves a mark on your story. If you are just surviving, you will surely miss the essence and value of where you are planted. It is important to truly live—not just exist. As Howard Thurman once said, "Don't ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive, and go do that. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive." Living means embracing the present, finding purpose in the process, and valuing every experience as part of your unique journey.
3. Be True to Yourself
Whether you are a nurse, doctor, accountant, or plumber, you need to ask yourself: What am I truly passionate about? Napoleon Hill, in Think and Grow Rich, describes desire as the starting point of all achievement. Without passion, work becomes a burden. But when you align your profession with your deepest desires, it transforms into a mission. True success comes when your work resonates with who you are at your core.
In the end, a career is not just about earning a living—it is about making a life. The perspective we choose shapes the quality of our professional journey. So, shift your focus, live fully, and stay true to your passion. That is the real path to excellence.
