Chapter 1: Embracing the Challenge

Last week, I found myself grappling with two words that emerged only in the face of the most daunting challenges: "What now?" Despite five unsuccessful attempts to replace a valve component, I struggled to maneuver a metal rod, and the usual culprits were nowhere to be found. The urgency of a distressed customer seeking a solution added to the pressure, leaving me feeling more overwhelmed than usual.

As an engineer, I’m accustomed to troubleshooting quality issues, so one might assume I’d be immune to the hopelessness that began to settle in. This wasn’t my first encounter with a seemingly “unfixable” part, nor the first time I had to navigate a barrage of emails seeking answers after having exhausted all viable options.

Yet this instance felt different.

It wasn’t that the problem was unusually complex; I had faced numerous challenges before. It was more about the fact that I had evolved. I was no longer the inexperienced novice trying to grasp the fundamentals. I wasn't under the pressure of a major project either. This was a high-stress situation — one I was familiar with — in a setting where I applied skills honed over years. Yet, here I was, experiencing failure.

The years of experimentation, the countless parts I’ve analyzed, and the extensive knowledge I’ve accumulated over five years seemed irrelevant in that moment — all due to one stubborn metal rod.

Reflecting on my journey, I realize that it’s these types of hurdles that often frustrate me the most. It’s not about the initial obstacles, the rejections, or the skill assessments that reveal previously unnoticed weaknesses. It’s about that ongoing struggle, the barrier that remains in your path despite your efforts.

Sure, it's essential to acknowledge our progress, but encountering yet another barrier at this stage feels utterly draining.

“Was all this really worth it?”, “Am I not who I thought I was?”, “Have I been deceiving myself all along?”

These questions arise as human reactions during such moments. Although their implied answers may not be uplifting, they point to a deeper issue at play: identity.

While earlier challenges tested my skills or experience, these roadblocks prompt me to reconsider my purpose, my career trajectory, and ultimately, my identity.

You might think I’m overreacting, but I believe you understand the sentiment. We’ve all encountered instances that made us question the value of our achievements. The troubling aspect of these moments is that they can warp our reality. They can render our knowledge ineffective, sour our relationships, and diminish our abilities — if we permit them to do so.

If we relinquish our sense of identity, it’s game over. If we succumb to this insidious, abstract threat, we lose.

However, life need not unfold this way.

The solution is surprisingly simple: introduce one new element. Change a single variable, and if that doesn’t yield results, modify one more. Continue this process of experimentation, doing one new thing after another.

People often equate mastery with a life devoid of setbacks, as if an easy existence is a testament to skill. I beg to differ. True mastery involves living a life free from self-doubt.

Instead of questioning your abilities, embrace experimentation. Rather than doubting your skills, dive into experimentation. Instead of yearning for a straightforward path, engage in experimentation.

Commit to at least one new action until you see a shift.

That’s the essence of being an engineer, and it’s applicable to any professional. If we are to embody those roles, it’s high time we start trying new approaches.

-Drew

Chapter 2: Moving Forward with Confidence