Traits that make us do what we do

When I think of it – mankind is a composite network of multiple traits or qualities.

A myriad of traits which makes an individual self-express, dream, create, build, find solutions, strategize, implement, manage, visualize, play, compete – traits that make mankind a cut above the rest.

On one hand – there are artistic traits - forms of self-expression like prose, poetry, music, dance, painting, speaking, sculpting etc. etc.
I think more or less – these come from within. They can be developed as well – but, more so it’s an inner aptitude which can be further enhanced.

Then there are the traits to build, solve, lead, compete and the like.
By and large, I think these can be developed. Having said that – there is an inner born fire in some which just steers them. Born Leaders - ? – something like that.

I, for one, am in awe of people with both the kinds. I have my likes for certain ones – but, that is a different story.
Different sets of individuals with their own composition of traits could be in awe, could like, could be aspiring, could loathe, could be oblivious etc. etc. with a different set carrying some other compositions.
The true-blue artists may feel the day-to-day people working their lives away for a livelihood in less glamorous fields are devoid of rich thoughts, not expressive etc. AND there could be the usual white-collar job guy who may feel that artists et al. just while away their time doing nothing productive. And also, there could be people in each of these sets who sincerely appreciate the other and yearn to be like them.
And some who appreciate varied qualities of all and wonder at the complexity of our race.

Coming back, each individual, I feel has a combination of these various traits in different proportions – varying from 0 to 100%.
It is the composition that makes each one of us what each one of us is or makes each one of us do what each one of us does.
We all could be functioning in different spheres, different geographies, different cultures, different scales, different time-zones, different people, different everything – but parallels can be drawn and patterns found in the ways we do what we do.
The common denominator here being – Traits.

Some discreet examples follow (these are free-flowing and sometimes you could wonder if I am sticking to the topic or wandering…well I’m not a 100% writer..so please bear with me!)

We could have a painter who paints away and does’nt care whether it gets him a living – he’s the one who paints for the sheer pleasure of it and finds gratification in doing so. (100% painting).
Then, we could also have a painter who is great at the art form, knows what he is doing and also how to get paid for it. Having said that – it does not take away his/her excellence in the art form – but, the person has a mix of traits. (90odd % painting + 10% business acumen)
These two individuals could be existing in very different worlds and strata of society, but, still there would be a common ground where they could meet (rather thoughts could meet) and understand each other’s expression form.

There could be an exemplary leader – maybe in a small village, he knows what it takes to get his people their rightful due from the zamindar maybe. And then, there is, say, the President of a successful nation who exercises his leadership in a different context and influences world leaders. (100% leadership)
What am I comparing here? Does it deserve to be? These people will as well spend their whole lives not even aware of each other’s existence.
Well, that is not the point. The point is – these two individuals at some level are having common traits – both are leaders and exercise their leadership traits in their respective spheres of influence successfully.

There is a score of people who work in large corporations and are into white collar jobs (I belong to this set and hence feel more for my fellow-mates here :-))
On the face of it – they just are all the same. Working away their lives in a set framework, in their respective fields of work, earning their rightful livelihood and providing for their families. At a macro level - they all seem so similar - maybe each carrying a unique employee-code – that’s it.
But, on looking deep down – there could be a myriad of traits in there.
There could be music lovers – who may not become the next rock-stars, but nevertheless relate strongly to the art form.
There may be visionaries – who may not end up creating their own conglomerates – but, nevertheless – they are a force to reckon with and surely spread their influence in their areas of work.
There may be folks who want to express their thoughts in writing – they may not become the next Booker prize winners. But, hey, they nevertheless wish to write and will do in their own limited environments. (Hey…I am also blogging right? :-) )
What do the compositions here say?? Taking an IT world example – maybe
90% programmer, 10% singer;
45% leader, 45% visionary, 10% designer and so on and so forth….just take your pick.

I don’t know why I started with this topic – it’s getting too big for me to handle. There is a huge set of behavioural traits not touched upon at all.
Is Trait a right word at all?? Well, what I am looking at is the qualities which define our vocation, our professions, our way of doing things.
Anyway..

For all you know – we could be in a very different profession altogether which in no way matches up with our internal compositions.

One could be a 100% singer – but, he may not be doing that and must be into selling – say, selling vegetables. Well, he may not start singing in his shop – but, he will and should find a form of self-expression which will bring his intrinsic strengths to the fore-front. Recognition, name, fame are secondary – first and foremost he will find happiness in indulging in what he likes.

One could be a 100% visionary – but, he may be into a mundane day-to-day desk job. That’s ok – he will and should find ways to self-express. It will surely be visible (pun intended) and make small changes in the immediate context around him.

We all have a composition of traits. If we think deep down – we know our strengths. We know what can make a difference.
Our natural traits will surface – they cannot be kept under wraps for long. They should not as well. For
One – if we let ourselves do what we want to do – it will make us happy. This does not mean we have to always make very radical changes. We can bring these about in our own little ways;
Two – it will benefit the larger group (almost always). Hopefully that is unless we have a major wrong reading of our strengths :-) and
Three – our intrinsic traits will anyway find a way out - so let’s create a conducive environment to the extent possible.