Goal achievement for the most part is the result of work. And, our work is what defines us. It's how we're seen by the world. A title doesn't describe who we are, it's a symbol of what we've achieved and where someone might find us doing our work. It's the work, the regimen, the habit of showing up with a certain posture, attitude and skill, the digging in and enduring the slog which is who we have become. Our approach to, prejudice for and persistence to make our work better is evidenced in the habits we've developed. Some of this is wrapped up in the positions and results we've achieved. But mostly, it's underneath, in the weeds, where no one is looking.
If we want to achieve more and better results, we should start with deciding who we need to become to give us the best chance to achieve them. And then, develop the work habits to become this person.
A writer who doesn't write on schedule, with intent, even when she doesn't feel like it...isn't a writer.
A teacher who doesn't seek to better understand students...isn't teaching.
A speaker who doesn't doesn't practice and perfect presenting...isn't a speaker.
A researcher who isn't obsessed with finding new ways of turning data into information...isn't a researcher.
What habits do we need to develop to do better work? Who do we need to become to make the difference we seek to make?
Don't show us the resume. Show us the approach to the work instead.