We are afraid of what we don’t know
In my field of work, we are always given tasks that are absolutely new
to us. The work involves handling application change requests and enhancements.
Since I work in a technology-consulting company, we are always making something
new (changes and enhancements) to the application through major, operational
and maintenance releases.
When I was beginning with my career, I always felt pressured and stressed
in handling projects assigned to me. You always have to research on available
documentations, ask questions and request for functional/technical walkthroughs
from people involved in the project, most of whom are from different teams
within the engagement.
In my reflections, the pressure and stress I feel is caused by the
fear of doing new (unfamiliar) things. Before, I was the type of person who is
quite averse in taking risks. The risk of failing, not quickly understanding
the requirements, functional or technical design and the risk of embarrassment
during discussions with colleagues. I was afraid of a new complex task because
I do not know what lies beneath it, the code, data model, the functionality,
etc. and more importantly, I do not know yet what to do with it.
Later in my career I observed that nothing should be really feared or
get stressed about in handling new and intimidating release items. You should
have an open mind that is excited to explore new things that are coming to you.
After completing several complex items, I realized that nothing should be
feared about them once you know the ins and outs of the design. We are just
afraid of what is unfamiliar, but after we immerse ourselves into it by careful
study, focus and dedication, eventually that complex task will be completed
successfully. Give it time, patience and proper analysis.
image from: www.a2ua.com
Have an open mind
Always be open to new ideas and comprehensions that come up as you
study the task. Be open in searching for and reading through reference
documents. Other colleagues who are familiar with the process would also be of
great help. And also the ever reliable Google provides informative results to
every query, we just have to enter the right keywords. Have an exploratory/investigative
mindset. It is when we are open that we receive answers that are beyond the box
of our assumptions which would enable us to deliver more value to our work.
Do not come up with quick assumptions about the task. Study it
objectively first and explore different points of view. Having a mental barrier while working on your
tasks will limit your results.
Always take action
Action will provide clarity to grey areas in your research. We are
enlightened when we begin to act upon the issues/studies that we are working on.
Do you notice the time when you continue to think about the problem and doing
nothing about it then after you take action even though you are still unsure,
clarity arrives and the answer to the problem is found? That is the power of
action. It is by action that we conquer the thing we fear.
Test this idea on your next working day. After you complete your task, you will realize that it’s not
what you thought about and nothing should be scared of its complexity. Just
thread along and eventually you will complete it.
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