I’m finally back! Did you miss me? Probably not because a good portion of you never knew I was gone.

Despite the “reruns” of blog posts that you’ve seen from me on Fridays, I was out on maternity leave. (Yes, the baby and I are fine. And no, the first day back wasn’t difficult on me, but that isn’t what this blog post is about.)

Even though there were some sleepless nights, maternity leave provided me with something that I haven’t had in a while—rest.

Of course I’ve had vacations before; but for some reason, I always pack those “free” days with a list of things to do.

This time was different.

I actually had days where I wasn’t running around filling up my day with events and errands. I had time to think… about life, and specifically, my career.

The time spent to meditate on my career path allowed me to come back with a clearer sense of what I’d like to do and how I’d like to do it. It gave me a second wind about my professional passions.

“Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.”
— Confucius

Often times, we’re too busy to simply stop and think.

Do you like what you do? Do you like how you’re doing it? What changes do you need to make to ensure you’re not getting caught up in the cycle of waking up grumbling, going to work complaining, and going back home frustrated?

Life is too short to make your paycheck your only incentive. If you’re not satisfied internally about what you’re doing, it’s time for a change. (There goes that “c” word again.)

And don’t feel bad if you find out that you need to make a few tweaks—or a major overhaul—to what you’re doing. Coming to that realization doesn’t make you any less of a leader. In fact, it proves that you have leadership traits.

As the author John Maxwell said, “The optimist expects it to change. The leader adjusts the sails.” So relax, rethink, and react to make those necessary adjustments.

Written by:
Hope Boyd
Director of Communications, Strategic Government Resources
governmentresource.com