Today’s Morning Buzz is by Jackie Wehmeyer, Senior Director of Strategy and Intergovernmental Affairs for the City of Parkland, Florida, and proud Secretary of ELGL’s Board of Directors. Connect with Jackie on LinkedIn.
- What I’m excited about: Two words: Football. Season! The games, the food, the fantasy leagues, and the possibility for sub-90 degree weather.
- What I’m cooking tonight: Lemon Herb Chicken Meatballs with Spinach and Hummus
- OK, what I’m REALLY excited about: ELGL’s 2025 Conference Camp GovLife is less than two weeks away!
I’ve quoted Ferris Bueller before, and I’ll quote him again… Life moves pretty fast. It seems that time moves quicker and quicker the older we get, and in the fast-paced world we live in, it’s easy to miss (and savor) the good things. I’ve recently experienced a few instances in my personal life where an occasion slowed me down and helped me remember what is truly important, allowing me to enjoy life and the wonderful things it provides.
Sometimes those reminders are a result of time passing by and realizing milestones. I remember when my children were born and people saying, “They’re babies now, but you’ll wake up one day and they’ll be adults.” This past weekend, we watched our now-18-year-olds submit their college applications with a click of a mouse. Yikes, that happened quickly. I wiped a few tears away and savored the pride I felt, feeling a little old, but excited for them and their futures.
Sometimes those reminders are a result of unexpected events. This summer, my husband found out that he had thyroid cancer. That was something our family never expected, but we rallied together, and he thankfully had successful treatment. It was a circumstance that certainly made our family stop to reflect on our love for each other, appreciate what life has handed us, and be thankful for the resilience and result.
So, do we ever stop to think about how quickly our careers may pass, and whether we’ve “stopped to smell the roses” along the way? We may often feel the need to constantly chase after the next promotion, the next project, or the next accolade, forgetting to take a moment to appreciate how far we’ve come. It’s important to occasionally stop and reflect, acknowledging and appreciating the small victories and joys that have come with our professional journeys.
Do we want to retire and look back at our careers and have notable, joyful moments? Are we having some fun at work? Are we doing good work that may leave a legacy or a mark on our professions? Are we teaching and sharing with others? Are we consciously and mindfully deciding to enjoy our work?
Here are some thoughts on making more meaningful and reflective moments at work:
Celebrate All Wins
Amid the pursuit of major milestones, it’s easy to overlook the smaller wins, such as completing a challenging task, receiving positive feedback from a colleague, or successfully collaborating on a project. Celebrating these small victories keeps you grounded and reminds you that progress doesn’t always have to be monumental. Take a few moments at the end of each week to acknowledge what you’ve achieved, no matter how minor it may seem.
Cultivate Gratitude
Practicing gratitude can significantly enhance your job satisfaction and overall well-being. Make it a habit to express appreciation for your team members, mentors, and even the opportunities you’ve been given. A simple thank you can foster a positive work environment and remind you of the supportive network around you. Recognizing the good in your professional life can help create a more fulfilling experience.
Network with Intent
Networking is essential for career growth, but it doesn’t have to be a daunting task. Instead of viewing it as a checkbox on your professional development list, approach networking as an opportunity to build genuine relationships. Engage in conversations with colleagues and industry peers, share your experiences, and learn from theirs. These interactions can be rewarding, often leading to unexpected opportunities and deeper connections.
Set Realistic Goals
While ambition is important, setting unrealistic expectations can lead to frustration and disappointment. It’s vital to have clear, achievable goals that align with your career aspirations. Break larger goals into manageable steps and celebrate your progress along the way. This approach not only makes your long-term vision more attainable, but also allows you to enjoy the journey rather than just the destination.
We all deserve joy in our lives, including our work lives. In a world that glorifies constant ambition, it’s important to step back and appreciate the beauty of your career journey. Take a moment to pause, breathe, and truly enjoy the good moments along your career path. You’ll find that the journey is just as rewarding as the destination.