By Julie Williams-Muz, M. ED., CPA, CFO, MSBO Board Member, Director of Financial Operations, Bay-Arenac ISD
Have you ever felt overwhelmed, unsure where to start, unsure if you will be able to live up to expectations others may have for you (or should I say, expectations you think others have for you 😉)? Have you ever been afraid you will let someone down? I am pretty sure the majority of you reading this have answered yes to both of these questions.
As I started a new journey in my career this past summer, these feelings came flooding in. New names to remember, new software to learn, new relationships to build, and new expectations to meet. Although I have confidence in my abilities and all of the knowledge I have learned throughout my career, I was still overwhelmed beginning a new job and worried I might not meet the expectations of those that took a gamble on choosing me as their next Finance Director.
I have high expectations for myself. I want to ensure that I am able to bring about positive change wherever I work. I had to remind myself that change takes time. A little progress each day adds up to big results. Baby steps count, as long as you are going forward. You add them all up, and one day you look back and you’ll be surprised at where you might get to.
I am now four months into my new job and am already much more comfortable. As I look at everything I completed these past four months, I am very proud. I am excited about moving forward and implementing some of the ideas I have. I can even say, I am having a lot of fun!
I hired a new member on my team. She began a month after me. I heard her say today that she is overwhelmed and feels like she is failing. Because I just went through the same overwhelming experience with everything that comes with a new job, my ability to relate to her was strong.
I decided to share this message because I understand how easy it is to become overwhelmed. This time of the year can also cause additional stress for many of us. So, whatever situation you are going through, I want to encourage you to remember that you’re never too old to take baby steps and that as long as you never give up, all of those baby steps will collide with greatness! Continue to give yourself grace, as baby steps still move you forward! Now go take that step! Wishing you a wonderful, stress free, holiday!
Other Articles in this Newsletter
- AHERA Designated Training
- Get the Information You Need on the MSBO Annual Conference & Exhibit Show
- MSBO Awards and Scholarships
- MSBO Update – David Martell
- Professional Development Opportunities in the New Year
- Spotlight on MSBO
- Start the Year Right with MSBO’s 2023 Financial Strategies Conference
- The Power of Words – Julie Omer
- Welcome New Members