The road to happy destiny

When we look up the official definition of success, it is described as “an accomplishment of an aim or a purpose”. Success can therefore be big, or small. Large, or minuscule. There’s no generalist guide to success because it is specific in nature, yet not limited by boundaries. All these are hinged on the infinite possibilities that the human drive create to what eventually forms our very purpose in life, challenging the notion of existence itself. Considering Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, the modern century has shifted most working class adults’ mindsets towards a state of self actualization, where living life takes on a new meaning beyond food, shelter, and money. However, the drive and purpose surrounding the state of “flow”, or “ikigai”, is often confused by living a blissful life free of stress.

“Trudge on the road to happy destiny” accounts for the obstacles, disappointment, regrets, and sacrifices, to stay on a path of fulfilment and joy. It is quite the conundrum when we are asked about what makes a happy and fulfilled life, yet we fail to account for the hardships that one has to endure to reach the happy destiny. Let us therefore, take on the challenge of a quiet introspection, to truly understand who we want to be.

Scrapping

The story of Wright brothers, whom founded their printing press company and ultimately the first aeroplane ever flown. You’d imagine their successes would be a reflection of teamwork and like-minded conversations. However, personal anecdotes and biographies surrounding the Wright brothers revealed their huge disparity in ideas and opinions, often resulting in loud arguments that filled the house.

“Scrapping” is often disdained by professional communities as the main problem that stymies progress. While alternative ideas & opinions are welcomed, the threshold is thin when a fight ensues. Of course, the fact remains that it is a bane that should not be tolerated. After all, the “toxic” or “cancel” culture that it brings along is never healthy. It is however, in the case of the Wright brothers, that scrapping catalyzed the proliferation of ideas beyond imagination that are not presented in decorated PowerPoint decks and keynote speeches. It is the raw nature of their arguments, that allowed the transparent ideas to be brought forth all on their dining table, quite literally.

Clarity

I’m not advocating for any of us to sharpen our tongues and be aggressive. The point worth exploring is, what exactly is the reason that allows success to shine through, despite the incessant quarrels that lasted through nights?

A simple answer - Clarity.

Clarity of goals & outcomes can steer a group of individuals that are vastly different, to work together towards a singular endpoint. There are many research & anecdotal evidences that suggest the positive correlation of goal clarity and innovation. Interestingly, it has also been researched that the effect of increased goal clarity lowers inter-team trust on knowledge acquisition that is used for team innovation. Lui et al. (2022) conducted a regression analysis, in which the survey data identified a negative moderating effect of goal clarity on the mediation of knowledge inflows between inter-team trust and innovation. In short, goal clarity reduces groupthink and cognitive bias.

It is no wonder that as team clarity increases, arguments intensify. Yet, it is also with greater goal clarity comes along an intrinsic motivation to make it a reality. As such, organisations and teams are more tenacious to ensure their desired innovations are realized. Just as how the journey into the Promised Land is arduous and filled with perils, the place of happy destiny is indeed a trudging march towards it.

So how do we achieve goal clarity?

For centuries, truffle hogs are utilized to sniff out truffles located deep underground. Despite its elusiveness, their ability of foraging while using their keen scent glands allow these truffle hogs to detect truffles. Such a practice was employed, due to the fact that these hogs’ abilities were recognized and humans took advantage of them. They are subsequently trained, not to enhance their keen senses, but to develop a clear motivation of truffle hunting that is beneficial for themselves, such as treats and praises. (Yes, pigs are sentient beings that can feel empathy too.)

Goal clarity has always been tough to identify. It doesn’t, however, presents itself as a moment of epiphany in the middle of your bedtime routine or shower. It can certainly be worked out. It starts with the identification of your abilities. In a team setting, understanding what you are capable of bringing to the table becomes an integral foundation towards developing clarity. From there, you decide on what motivates you. In the words of Marie Kondo, if you feel positive and uplifted by something, it sparks joy. What kind of achievement that you envision yourself to attain, sparks the greatest joy?

As it unfolds visually in your mind, it invigorates your motivation and goals. Clarity becomes the pinnacle state of mind. Even with the lack of resources, you’ll sniff out just as a truffle hog would, and do whatever it takes to make a reality of that palpable goal. The combination of an understanding of innate abilities and goal clarity, is everything that we need in our journey. And the elusiveness of a truffle buried deep within earth, is no longer that elusive after all.

1. List down your abilities that you are confident to execute. It need not be something extraordinary, or defined by accolades. For example, it can be as simple as the ability to organise. This will be the baseline to define your process towards your goal.
2. Define your happy destiny. What is an achievement you envision, that will spark great joy?
3. With the visual endpoint, formulate how your ability can help achieve that happy destiny. That will be your prized goal.
4. Baby steps! Break it down into smaller achievement feats that you’d love to unlock along the journey.

Lui, S., Lai, J., Luo, B. & Moran, P. (2022). Will goal clarity lower team innovation? A moderated mediation model of inter-team trust. ,?Journal of Knowledge Management, Vol. ahead-of-print No. ahead-of-print.?https://doi.org/10.1108/JKM-10-2021-0787