How Does Your Career Compare to That of Johnny Bunko?

Daniel Pink is the best selling author of A WHOLE NEW MIND and FREE AGENT NATION, both of these have influenced my thinking about the world of work.
He also wrote a very creative little book called, THE ADVENTURES OF JOHNNY BUNKO: The Last Career Guide You'll Ever Need.
(Pink, Daniel.
2008.
Publisher: Riverhead Trade.
) While I never think one book is the be-all-to-end-all, Pink gives the reader a bit of fun while giving lessons in the form of a Japanese cartoon format called manga.
He has some interesting points to convey to the reader about key things to focus on in his/her career.
There are six lessons in the book: 1.
There is no plan.
2.
Think strengths, not weaknesses.
3.
It's not about you.
4.
Persistence trumps talent.
5.
Make excellent mistakes.
6.
Live an imprint.
Here are my takes on his lessons: 1.
There is no plan - the world is changing too fast, businesses come and go and so do in-demand skills.
I firmly believe in creating and holding to a personal mission in one's work, but is all about the "what" you want to do and be known for, not the "how".
Hence there is no solid plan.
2.
Think strengths, not weaknesses.
I like the 80-20 rule and apply it to this section.
Focus 80% on using your strengths in the world of work.
I am also a believer in creating new strengths (not necessarily fixing weaknesses) as the world is constantly changing and we need to continue to change to meet the world where it is at - so don't forget that 20%.
3.
It's not about you.
The world of work is one of servitude.
It is about meeting the needs of your customers, whether they are inside the organization or outside.
No customers, no work.
It's not about you, even though you'd like to think it is.
4.
Persistence trumps talent.
Excelling is all about practice, practice, practice.
That is what creates a winner.
Talent helps, but not without continued practice.
5.
Make excellent mistakes.
Innovation and leadership require taking risks.
Without risking making mistakes, we will never truly explore and lead.
Mistakes are inevitable; it is learning from those mistakes that can drive our work efforts forward and make us successful in what we do.
6.
Live an imprint.
Your life should make a difference.
Have a mission, follow your dreams and life your life to its fullest.
Leave a legacy that continues when your days on earth have ended.
So how does your career compare to Johnny Bunko's? Are you living your mission and tapping into your strengths to serve others? Are you persistent in your efforts when barriers present themselves or the going gets tough? Are you willing to take risks in your career to fulfill you mission and build a legacy that lives beyond your human years on earth? Time for reflections - where you are in your career? How do you compare to Johnny Bunko? What are the lessons for you in the Adventures of Johnny Bunko?