We’ve all been there – you see something that’s wrong and think, “Somebody should do something about that!”
Somebody should…clean that up, help that person, fix that problem…
When was the last time you were that somebody? I know, I know – it’s not your job. Well, who’s job is it? If you wait for “them” to do “their” job it may never get done. You don’t have time. You don’t feel like it. It’s not fair. Yep, I’ve said all that. I’ve felt righteously angry at the injustice of the world. But all that righteous indignation doesn’t change anything. I can feel upset about it, but if I don’t actually do anything, don’t take action, what right do I have to complain about it?
Here’s the thing – if you want to be successful – in life, at work, in business, in romance – one of the best ways to do that is to be that somebody. Be the somebody who does what needs to be done, no questions asked, no whining, no excuses. If you’re walking into work and you see a piece of trash, pick it up. If you’re at work and you see something needs to be cleaned up or you recognize a problem that needs to be corrected, be the somebody who does it.
If you do things that need to be done because they need to be done, let that be a reward in and of itself. Don’t go tooting your own horn saying “Look at me!” If you’re intentionally making an effort to be the person who gets things done, people will notice. If other people learn that they can count on you because you say “I’ll take care of it” and you actually take care of it, that will be recognized.
If you’re a teen or young adult starting out in work, this idea can reap huge rewards. Being ‘The Somebody’ in a menial, boring job can lead to great things. It’s actually pretty simple – show up on time, do what you’re asked to do to the best of your ability, take responsibility for your mistakes and when things are slow look for other work you can do. Ask for responsibility. When things are slow and the boss is looking at hours to cut, if you’ve got a reputation as “somebody” you are less likely to lose hours. You are more likely to be promoted. You are more likely to get a raise.
Here’s the problem with this idea – it requires humility. If you’re walking around thinking that life’s not fair and you’re “owed” something, this won’t work for you. And chances are that you’ve been through several jobs and either left or been fired because it just wasn’t fair, your boss was a jerk and people there either didn’t like or didn’t understand you. The boss just didn’t understand how tired you were and how you “tried” to be on time, how it wasn’t your fault because of your alarm, your car, your mom, the all-night video game binge or whatever other excuse you tell yourself. The truth is, the world doesn’t care about your feelings. The world cares about whether or not you do your job and pay your bills. If you don’t show up on time and do your job, you lose the privilege of that job. No job, no pay. If you have no money, the world will take away the privilege of your home, vehicle and other freedoms. These are not rights, they are privileges. If you want them, you have to earn them.
If this idea has helped you recognize that you have a problem, please reach out for help.
This article is not meant to provide clinical, therapeutic or legal advice. This is not a substitute for professional therapeutic help. If you’re in need of professional help, please contact a professional. This is offered as educational information only.