Confidence

I'm almost halfway through my second week of a new job and am finally having some sense of confidence in my job and knowing what I'm doing. I've actually felt really good about a few things that I've done and some discussions that I've had with some people. Its amazing what a little bit of confidence can do.

But, at the same time, confidence at work and in one's profession doesn't always translate into the personal side of things. Sometimes you want something so bad and don't find it, but find something else along the way. And, as time goes on, that thing you wanted so bad, and felt like you were not obtaining, you realize you already have. It just wasn't discovered yet. Embrace it and challenge it so it will grow.

Ponderings / thoughts for today...

Sometimes things you want most are right in front of you...don't lose sight of that which is closest to you....no, I'm not talking about my nose, am I? [I'm not, I'm actually referring to self-happiness]

Don't' take anything for granted....you just never know...

Coffee is such a blessing...except that fact that I feel incredibly sleep deprived. Is snoozing for an hour every morning a bad thing?? I think not!

Time

The weekend is coming to a close and I ask myself, where does the time go? I had such aspiriations for a productive weekend and seem to have fell short. Time seems to be so precious lately with the new job and the new class and all that is entailed in it. I also feel as though I've been neglecting other desires that I have committed to in terms of some volunteer work. Its so hard trying to maintain that balance...or at this point...trying to find the balance.

Tomorrow is a new week and we'll give it another try. At the same time, I want to address priorities in my life but it might be too much to handle. But we'll see.

My ponderings...

Hardwork does payoff in the end...right?
Patience....geez I wish I had. Can you buy it?
Friends...can be the most important in your life at times. Cherish them.

Lacking a subject for tonight

And so I made it through another day... day four to be exact. I feel like I'm starting to get into the grove a bit and gaining some confidence. I was trained on the sales lead follow-up process today. Interesting stuff....considering I'm not really a sales guy and don't enjoy it too much. But I want this position to challenge me and cause me to grow so it all good.

I'm also trying to not stress too much about this marketing plan project either but we'll see as I begin to progress. I actually began working on some content tonight which made me feel good. I was hoping to relax tonight but ended up working on that instead. Maybe I'll relax some this weekend.

I've been having a number of thought-provoking ideas and contemplations today. It has definitely kept my mind in many places. Thoughts that I chose not to share at this time but interesting thoughts all beit.

I do also want to admit that I'm actually enjoying writing my thoughts out each day. In a way, its actually therapeutic to an extent. So...I guess I can't complain that I may stay up a bit later to make sure I write this blog, but overall, I think its worth it.

Now...tonight's posting would not be complete without out my ponderings. Tonight...I want to share a pondering from a friend of mine who will remain anonymous...

If I were to go skydiving with my friends and they were on the ground waiting for me and my parachute...as I began to fall to the ground, what would my friends think if I started to swim in the air? (hope I got that right)

Technology is great...but I seem to be going through a phase of lack of reliability. Is it worth an upgrade at this point or stick it out?

If one had the ability to go into the mind of what someone else was thinking, would you be scared, angry or happy or some other feeling?

Why am I so interested in what someone is thinking?

Pieces of the Puzzle

Well, I've made it through day three of the new job and the pieces of the puzzle are finally beginning to take shape. I've had a number of meetings, presentations, webinars, etc. about the different service lines of the business and its starting to make sense. Imagine that!

I still am at the base of the mountain ahead of me but I feel like I'm gaining knowledge and am making some progress. As long as I can keep moving forward, I will be successful. I made a personal observation of myself today as well....I need to focus less on the granular details at this point and focus on 'getting' the big picture. The details will come in due time but I need to get the greater conceptual and overview at this point. I hope I can easily adjust that focus as I wrap up the first week of the new job.

On a side note, I've heard a phase used by more than one employee and multiple times this week and its very motivating and goes to show the character of the employees at this company. In addition, this statement was also directed at me, on my second day of work without the other employees having much prior knowledge of me:

Austin, you are a high-performing individual, in a high-performing organization.

I thought to myself...that's an excellent way to look at it, and incredibly motivating. When I get to work each morning, I think to myself that exact statement. Austin, you are a high-performing individual in a high-performing company. You will do good things today.

What a way to start the day off.

Now, that's work. Thinking about my new grad class and this marketing plan in front of me. I spent some time last night just putting the format and structure together (table of contents, headings, etc) and it amounted to 10 pages! Looking at all the sections, I really don't know how I'll get this done in 7 weeks. But, I will put forth my best effort, that I know. Unfortunately, I am completely ill-motivated tonight so will just be catching up on e-mail and reading some blogs instead tonight.

My ponderings for today...

How long does one need to 'struggle' through life (or what they deem as struggle) before a reward can be obtained?

Love - does it exist? am I looking in the wrong place? am I just not ready?

Exercising actually makes you feel good...how ironic is that! (oh yeah, I am also picking up my routine of visiting the gym again - haven't been there in months but went tonight...feelin' pretty good!)

Overwhelmed!

Its day 2 of the new job and needless to say, I have a bad case of the learning curve. So much information that I am attempting to retain. This certainly won't be the easiest undertaking.

In addition to that, my first day at the new job was also the first day of my next graduate class: Marketing Management. Now, one would think, Marketing....I studied this in my undergrad, I've done some marketing in jobs...this should be easy. Plus, its basic marketing course.

Well....in the matter of 8 short weeks, I need to research and write a marketing plan. Note: Typically in the business world, a marketing plan takes at a minimum of 6 months to research, develop and write.

Needless to say, I'm OVERWHELMED!

Separate from that, I've been reading a daily blog from a good friend of mine that has a band and was on a recent tour out east (http://www.myspace.com/wolfymusic1) and at the end of each of his blog, he posted his ponderings. They are quite interesting and am going to attempt to adopt this thought process as well.

So...here is what I'm pondering tonight...

Is it possible to actually read so much information that your head can explode?
When you get down to it, what is really preventing me from hooking up an IV of coffee?
Who would change the coffee pack when it runs out?

Day 2: Vacation / Job Transition

So today was my second day of my mini-vacation between my old job and my job I start next week. I caught the Brewer's / Cardinals game today. It was quite long but the brew crew pulled it out in the end.

I met a friend for dinner and then went to a business meeting tonight. Otherwise, not much done today. Its been quiet, which isn't all that bad.

Tomorrow though, I must study for my final. Such excitement I have in my life!

Day 1 of the in between

So today was my first day off in between jobs. I realized this morning that I really enjoy not having a schedule to follow. It was a beautiful day outside and I made a point to get out a little bit. A quick run to Starbucks in the morning and thought to myself, wouldn't it be nice to be self-employed, own my own business, set my own hours, work from home and have peace in my life. Well of course that would be great. It seems quite a distance off but I'm making a point to setting is a goal and striving towards it through everything that I do.

One day, that goal will be achieved. I promise you (me) that!