This morning I read about this concept called “nonself-conscious individualism” from psychologist Richard Logan. It describes survivors like Viktor Frankl who have exhibited strength through adversity. It’s about having a strongly directed purpose that is not self-seeking.
This reminded me of something I read in the Bhagavad Gita. After some googling I found the quote I was looking for: “You have a right to your actions, but never to your actions’ fruits.”
After some more googling, I found the more general concept called “Nishkam Karma,” which refers to self-less or desireless action.
In my work as a sales manager, I watch my reps succeed and fail on the phone. We have a very short sales cycle so every call has a binary outcome. The deal is won or lost. For this reason, the role has high highs and low lows. This can often be disruptive to have such volatile emotional swings in your day-to-day career.
There is a way to succeed. There are rules to follow. Emotions about outcomes will not help. At the very best, you go on a successful streak and you put your excitement and energy from previous wins and achievements into the next challenge.
Do your work without expectation. Enjoy the process itself like a game. This will lead to consistent and long-term progress without emotional highs and lows.
Sources:
Bhagavad Gita.
Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, Flow, pgs. 92-93.