hitting the reset button – part I

If you do not change direction, you may end up where you are heading. ~Lao Tzu

There is something to be said for the commitment it takes to see things through, tough things out and stick with it, especially in an age when things, people and relationships have become quite disposable. I respect people who choose to work on fixing things, rather than walk away from that which no longer serves them.

To a point, that is.

Sometimes you just have to accept that things aren’t going to get better.

And then you have to make a decision: keep on keeping on, unhappy and unsatisfied – or – make a change.

Nearly two years ago I decided that I was unhappy with the state of my health and happiness, and I made significant changes to my lifestyle in an effort to make a positive impact in those areas. Mission accomplished. Well, partially… More to come in Hitting the Reset Button – Part II. Hold that thought.

A little less than a year ago, with my health better than it had been in years, I made another decision: it was time to go back to work.

I had a long list of must-haves for any role I would consider. Work-life balance was key. Flexible work arrangement (work-from-home setup) was a non-negotiable. Company culture / who I worked with was vital. I found the perfect thing, it seemed, and I excitedly shared my news with you as the Snake left and the Horse entered.

While the work-from-home setup has been wonderful, and the work-life balance great, the work itself left me wanting.

My biggest learning from this past year is just how important my perceived contribution is to my fulfillment. If I don’t feel I’m adding value, it doesn’t really matter how many items land in the ‘pro’ column. That one specific item on the ‘con’ side of the ledger outweighs all else.

I tried to address this. Tried to see things through, tough things out, stick to it, but it seems there was a disconnect. Where I felt I was adding little value, the executive felt I was doing a bang-up job. Total misalignment of expectations and perceptions. And it wasn’t going to get better.

So I’ve made a change.

And this changes everything.

While my new role, which starts tomorrow, is still a work-from-home arrangement, it is a big job. One that will really test my work-life balance resolve.

It’s a role that will see me traveling at least 40% of my time, and colouring way outside the lines of a 9-5 picture.

But it is right in my wheelhouse. I get the opportunity to grow a business unit that is still in its embryonic stage. I get to coach and develop sales talent. I get to rejoin a corporate environment and make a big impact.

I am excited. And terrified.

Everything is going to change.

That’s a good thing, because things really needed to change.

One change that saddens me is the realization that I will have a lot less time to spend blogging, both on the writing and reading sides. I look forward to trying to catch up on weekends and in the evenings, but I imagine that – at least for these first few weeks – things will be pretty hairy around here.

So please pardon my absence, dear friends. It’s not you, it’s me.

Wish me luck on my first week, which will see me in Atlanta from Monday to Friday. And don’t forget to…

Keep moving,

xoxo nancy