Despite any fears I had approaching the big 2-6 about entering my late twenties, spending it alone in a new city, etc I am surprised to admit that this has been a top birthday week. Between the incredible generosity of my colleagues, the overflowing mailbox and the vases of fresh flowers on my (newly decorated) desk I am humbled by how fortunate I am to have amazing friends and family.
I have also been very lucky to have spent the last couple of weeks in Raleigh to acclimate myself with the city, make my office a comfortable place to spend time in, and set up my new digs. I've checked out some of the restaurants, found a few malls, located all of the closest Starbucks and after a few hours of getting lost, I finally found a liquor store. (In North Carolina, they have weird liquor laws. They sell wine and beer at gas stations, but if you want the hard stuff, you have to search for it.)
In turning 26, the opportunity to spend time traveling has finally presented itself, and the calendar is filling up quickly. Some of these travels include trips to Baltimore for work that also allow me time with Dock and Dizz. Other travel plans include weekend road trips to the beach. (YAY!) In addition, I am extremely excited to have visitors lined up through the next several months.
This weekend, also known as mid-birthday week, Raleigh hosted the All Star Game and downtown Raleigh held their Fan Fest, bringing in concerts, and tons of fun activities for hockey enthusiasts to enjoy. Along with the experience, the weather was in the mid 60's - I don't think I have ever had a January birthday where I was outside without a jacket.
All in all, I am feeling much better about 26 than I ever expected to, and I genuinely believe this is going to an amazing year. I am ecstatic to be spending it in Raleigh, growing in my career and enjoying everything my 'late twenties' have to offer.
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Leadership. Or something like it.
This morning I was given the opportunity to meet Paul Maurice, head coach of the Carolina Hurricanes, and listen to him speak on leadership. While his entire presentation was thought-provoking, there was a part that really resinated with me.
As you know, about 6 weeks ago I accepted a new position, made the decision to relocate to Raleigh and have not stopped moving since. While this has been the most exciting time of my life, it's also full of change. Nearly everything about this transition is unfamiliar, therefore a lot of my time is spent learning and listening. Learning new processes, learning new colleagues - adapting to new surroundings all around. That being said, during this morning's discussion, Maurice mentioned 3 things he has absorbed through his career that I wrote down, with hopes I can apply this advice to all that is changing and new. While he recommended these ideas as important in becoming a successful leader, I feel that they're quite fitting in finding success as a professional.
First - Ask questions, even when you think you know the answer.
Second - Display an absolute, undeniable belief in yourself, especially when you're not sure.
Lastly - Speak in public as often as possible, as this is where most people are most uncomfortable.
It's safe to assume that the most obvious reason this portion stuck out to me is because these are three traits that I, personally tend to sometimes lack. While I have always been the person who has the most questions, I am rarely the one that asks. I fear that in asking questions, I am placing burden on someone who has other things to concentrate on.
The second basically defines confidence in your work. As a confident person outside of the office, I absolutely need to find a similar confidence in my new position. This is something prior to this morning I have thought about, and set a goal for myself to become acclimated with the new job & city before March 1, with hopes that will inspire confidence.
As for speaking in public, this varies by situation, but when I get nervous before hand, it's over. I tend to break out into a very attractive sweat, with a bright red face and chest. Clearly, this is something I need to practice more often to overcome.
I really enjoyed this morning, and am looking forward to similar experiences in the future. It's really exciting to be in a community of young professionals who are excited to network, learn and grow together.
And, oh yeah - GO CANES!
As you know, about 6 weeks ago I accepted a new position, made the decision to relocate to Raleigh and have not stopped moving since. While this has been the most exciting time of my life, it's also full of change. Nearly everything about this transition is unfamiliar, therefore a lot of my time is spent learning and listening. Learning new processes, learning new colleagues - adapting to new surroundings all around. That being said, during this morning's discussion, Maurice mentioned 3 things he has absorbed through his career that I wrote down, with hopes I can apply this advice to all that is changing and new. While he recommended these ideas as important in becoming a successful leader, I feel that they're quite fitting in finding success as a professional.
First - Ask questions, even when you think you know the answer.
Second - Display an absolute, undeniable belief in yourself, especially when you're not sure.
Lastly - Speak in public as often as possible, as this is where most people are most uncomfortable.
It's safe to assume that the most obvious reason this portion stuck out to me is because these are three traits that I, personally tend to sometimes lack. While I have always been the person who has the most questions, I am rarely the one that asks. I fear that in asking questions, I am placing burden on someone who has other things to concentrate on.
The second basically defines confidence in your work. As a confident person outside of the office, I absolutely need to find a similar confidence in my new position. This is something prior to this morning I have thought about, and set a goal for myself to become acclimated with the new job & city before March 1, with hopes that will inspire confidence.
As for speaking in public, this varies by situation, but when I get nervous before hand, it's over. I tend to break out into a very attractive sweat, with a bright red face and chest. Clearly, this is something I need to practice more often to overcome.
I really enjoyed this morning, and am looking forward to similar experiences in the future. It's really exciting to be in a community of young professionals who are excited to network, learn and grow together.
And, oh yeah - GO CANES!
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