Talking about the amount of hours I’ve averaged at work recently = Not Interesting.
Talking about my never-ending work to-do list = Not Interesting.
Talking about my lack of sleep = Not Interesting + Not Groundbreaking.
(I averaged 4 hrs/night for all of First Year).
Talking about the impact of a “commuter marriage” or being a “weekend wife” = (Interesting * Insightful-Not Unique)/Controversial.
Talking about my lack of participation in non-Jackie things = Essential.
“All work and no play makes Jackie…”
…makes Jackie normal (my normal, that is. I’m mayor of Namby Pamby Land, after all).
However…
All work + no focus on something outside of myself = Not A Good Place.
My pattern in life is pretty consistent at this point: when I become laser-focused on one thing and I omit any type of activity that involves contribution to something outside of myself = No Bueno.
It’s so strange; it’s as if my spirit rebels. As driven as I am by professional accomplishments, I feel the most purposeful and fulfilled when I’m using my natural talents and developed skills to enhance someone’s life in one way or another. When that puzzle piece is not in place, I will eventually feel as if something is missing…
Eventually = Now.
Don’t get me wrong, I absolutely get glimpses of this in my work, particularly around team member development (really exciting at the moment!). But that’s still work-related and—in my view of leadership—is something I’m supposed to do; it’s part of the job description. Going above and beyond the 9-5…making a material sacrifice (that won’t feel like a sacrifice because of the inherent passion for the initiative)… that’s what adds purpose and meaning to all that I do.
Soooo, I need to find a way to plug into something that is, well, much greater than myself.
Leave a Reply