My 3 Words for 2015

The year of 2015 will be an exciting time of accomplishment and new beginnings. The idea of summarizing and prioritizing goals into only three words is a welcome challenge. For many, the conclusion of a college education is often followed by the daunting question: “Ok, I'm done, what’s next!?” The words that follow will help to shape the direction that my life takes from here and ensure that I make the most of any opportunities that are presented to me. They will help determine the next steps I take in my journey, and the road I choose to take them on.

Uncomfortable. One of the key life lessons I’ve come to accept (reluctantly at first), after leaving a comfortable decade-long position to return to school, is the importance of leaving your comfort zone. Looking back, that major life decision was the most comfortable part of the journey I’ve been on for the last year and a half. College life relentlessly pushes your buttons. You take on projects and challenges that are unfamiliar, unnerving, and often intimidating. From group work to time management to videotaping yourself giving a speech and reporting on it (that was a new one!), the opportunities to embrace the areas outside your cozy comfort zone are endless. Throughout this process, I’ve realized just how necessary that extra push is in order to grow and move forward. When my college journey finally comes to a close, I will seek out the uncomfortable, and encourage those around me to push their boundaries and explore this uncomfortable space with me.

Connect. Although what you know is important (hence the college diploma), the importance of who you know cannot be discounted. This isn’t just about having connections to get a job after college. It’s about using who you know to provide growth in what you know. You don't know everything! Imagine that! My educational endeavor has provided both amazing connections and a wealth of knowledge - valuable assets for work and life. Moving forward into 2015, putting myself out there and connecting with those in the world of marketing will ensure that I continue to learn from others. Who knows, maybe they even will learn something from me. I am anxious to share my knowledge, ideas, and expertise with the companies and connections that can benefit from it.

Relish. (No, not the condiment) To be perfectly honest, I have truly worked my tail off to make the most of my education. When I can finally sit back, take a breath, and look back on this journey upon graduation, I pledge to pat myself on the back and say: “Good Job. You did it!” I will share this moment with classmates, instructors, friends and family – I didn’t complete this journey alone and everyone played a part. They deserve a celebration too (especially my husband)! Too few people take the time and effort to pause their hectic lives for just a moment and congratulate themselves on a job well done. Even fewer are truly appreciated by those around them. I think we could all use a little more relish in our lives.

#2015 #uncomfortable #relish #connect