Sense of Accomplishment

Years ago I worked for a U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in the File Room. During one particular week all Administrative staff members were given a survey to help judge how we handled stress among other outcomes being explored. One of the situations on which we were to comment had to do with specific tasks. The question was, “Do you feel a sense of accomplishment after completing a job?”

Surprisingly, one of my co-workers responded that, no, he did not feel a sense of accomplishment. Instead he felt that more pressure was just around the corner, and the stress was only building. In his estimation, there was no sense of accomplishment because more work was coming his way.

Of course he was right to a certain extent. Being employed most often means having tasks which consume each day. His job was critical to the performance of the entire office, and he did it well, but was unable to enjoy his own daily successes. Thankfully the work was unending – we stayed employed! We had a segmented and orderly flow of work. Success in each phase, led directly to success in the next and following phases until we had reached the end of the work day.

Now let us segue to all of life’s endeavors. Each day we start with a fresh slate even in the presence of work left over from the day before. There must be work to accomplish each day, in fact for six days each week, or we are in danger of losing focus and our edge. That may seem crazy, but it is the prescription followed even by God! Work six days then rest on the seventh day. Even when work is less than fulfilling, it still has meaning, and it is imperative that we look for the little victories in each day.

Whether we own our business, or exchange hours for money in the employ of someone else, we must identify where the victories will be found, then pursue them. When we are successful in prosecuting our tasks with this mindset, we find each week to be loaded with obstacles overcome, victories to build upon, and a life that takes on greater importance.

Each day we must make it our goal to be better than we have been the day before, and to do more than we have done before. This is my mantra and daily goal. I find that building my speaking business is loaded with challenges which compel me to conquer in the areas of time management, marketing, prospecting, public relations, writing, speaking, editing, publishing, physical networking, social networking, studying, and rehearsing. There must also be time to excel in eating properly, exercising adequately, and getting enough rest.

It can be a grind. It is also exciting, and I would not trade this life for another. I see great things ahead, and each day I relish in the accomplishment of a job well done.

Fearlessly,
JD