The Continual Yes

Today is the beginning of a new journey for me. And while I have worked my butt off for the last 30 years as an Administrative Assistant (in all its forms), this role is easy. I can serve, assist, organize, and file with my eyes closed. These are skills that come naturally and flow with ease. I don't have to think for too long about how to put these into action. Sometimes, I must stop myself from adding my thoughts and ideas to other people's structures because I can see inconsistent plans. My mom had this role during my growing-up years, although it was looked at differently back then. My sister has also been an Admin for most of her adult life. So, doing this type of work is in my genetic makeup but also fulfilling.

Somewhere in the past five years, I began noticing gaps in processes. It was as if I magically developed this new skill but couldn't do anything about it. I'm a bottom-line kind of person. I may tell you a whole story, but I only want to hear the bottom line from someone else. It's a lesson in patience I'm working on. Learning keyboard shortcuts and other ways to do my work more efficiently has opened my eyes to other areas that could be better mapped. While I never voiced the gaps I noticed, my work led me to help short-staffed areas and streamline workflows. This opened a door, which opened another door, then another, then another. Each time, I said yes. Each time, I willingly went in to serve and help. Each time, the ideas of how to create better efficiencies were built. This has been my life for two years, and I've loved it. Every new process came with challenges, learning curves, research and training, networking, and listening. Along the way, certifications were awarded, and life-long friends were made.

As I clock out for the last time today to begin a salaried position on Monday, I reflect on all that has transpired over the previous five years, eight months, and 15 days. Walking into an office nervous yet confident in my admin skills and growing into becoming a Process Improvement Manager has been a wild ride. I often wanted to walk out and go to what I thought were green pastures. And there were several moments I would be justified in doing so. In reflecting on why I stayed and persevered through, I remembered a mandate from day one. As I sat in the office during the interview, the resolute feeling that I was created for this job had settled deep inside. There was no doubt an offer would be extended. So, with every turbulent situation, challenging interaction, and disappointing decision, I remembered that I was born for such a time as this. Was that knowledge easy? Absolutely not. But it did cause me to dig deeper to overcome rejection, fear, anxiety, and self-doubt. As each lesson was learned, it propelled me to climb higher and keep saying yes to assignments. The levels brought considerable challenges I had to unravel, which I always seemed to accomplish. Not because I knew it all. Because I worked to research, learn, network, and collaborate.

Let me change your perspective before you think this is a bragging article. This all has been accomplished because of one word. Yes. More importantly, yes, with no agenda or strings attached. Yes, with a willing spirit and positive outlook. Anyone who will walk into a job or role with the tenacity to keep saying yes and put in the work with a collaborative, teamwork attitude will always rise to a higher level. There may not be more money involved. There may not be a new title. The higher level may be respect, peace, or freedom. You decide what the desired outcome will be.

The path that has been laid before me is overwhelming. Looking back to where I've been and looking forward to where I am headed simultaneously brings such gratitude and anxiety. Yet, knowing this is what I've been created for brings peace. I pray you have the same experience. I'm rooting for you and raising a glass to celebrate with you.

Until Next Time,

DJ