“Any time you sincerely want to make a change the first thing you must do is raise your standards. When people ask me what really changed my life eight years ago, I tell them that absolutely the most important thing was changing what I demanded of myself. I wrote down all the thing I no longer accept in my life, all the things I would no longer tolerate and all the things I aspired to becoming” – Anthony Robbins

 

 

A colleague shared this quote with me a few weeks ago. Inspirational ideas that have action statements – things you should do or should stop doing – are the best. In fact, I taped this quote to my desk. I try to focus on ways, small or large, that I can improve myself. As Accenture approaches the end of our fiscal year, I want to focus on two big ways I can positively impact the organization.

 

I will no longer be impatient with myself or others. This is one of the largest hurdles I struggle with. As a Type- A perfectionist, I occasionally expect more than is humanly possible from myself and the people I love the most. This attitude definitely bleeds into my work life. One facet of my life that is teaching me to appreciate imperfection is golf. It’s a frustrating sport to learn. However, having a relaxed attitude from day one has helped. I expect to make mistakes. When I fail to hit the ball or my shot lands in the water hazard, again, I resolve to clear my mind and try better next time.

 

I will continue to take on new challenges, even when afraid.  During my engagement and a mere three months before my wedding I left my stable, corporate job to become a contract recruiter at Accenture. It was a huge risk. I forfeited a sales job that provided benefits, paid time off and a base salary plus commission. I really liked the people I worked with and thought the world of my manager but, I didn’t enjoy sales. My fiancé, Ed, and I decided that I should go for it and make the change. Things worked out for me in this case but I can name countless times when my risks didn’t work out. Failure will happen. Just don’t let the fear of failure stand in the way of your next opportunity.

 

Accenture means 'Accent on the future.' One reason Accenture is a great organization to work for is its focus on the future and new challenges that lay ahead. Accenture consistently assists its clients and employees on stretching to meet new goals, challenges or roles. If you are interested in working for one of Fortune magazine’s 100 Best Companies to Work For go to our careers website and look through our job openings. Even if there isn’t an immediate match, upload your resume and create a profile. I personally search our Applicant Database on a weekly basis. As do hundreds of other Accenture recruiters. You may be just the stellar candidate we are looking for!