Create an “Antifragile” Self in 2019

Like years prior, we are deluged now with articles with advice on setting goals for 2019. In the work environment, many of us are bound by HR processes that compel us to list our 2019 goals. Chances are, my mentees will ask me about my guidance on this very topic this month!

Here are three guideposts that I use.

Lean Forward.

I think we often times set goals that are achievable. It is comfortable. It creates confidence and momentum. If you are honest with ourselves, this is the easier path!

However, forward-leaning goals bring out the potential in people and organizations that are previously unrecognized.

Personal goals that lean-forward force learning, innovation, and persistence.

Leaders that set up forward-leaning goals motivate collaboration among the organization.

Take Risks.

We feel safe when we operate within our comfort zones. Taking risk and sailing into uncharted waters take courage and faith. This may mean trying something new that could result in failure. However, this venture will definitely result in new insights and listens learned.

Frankly, if you don’t take a risk, you won’t grow.

Learn something new (and difficult).

In my career, I have retooled myself several times. Why? Given my technology background, I enjoy challenging myself by learning a new skill. Since 2019, I have been teaching myself Machine Learning. Why? Well, this takes my prior ATR/signal processing experience and retools it for different applications. Is it easy? No. But it is well worth it.

Antifragile

In his book Antifragile, Nassim Nicholas Taleb distinguishes between fragile, resistant, and “antifragile.”Things that are “antifragile” don’t simply hold up under pressure; they get stronger with pressure. They grow and develop under pressure.

Treat your growth as an exercise in being antifragile. Lean forward. Take risks. Learn something new (and difficult).