Lean into it
Week 2 of my assignment, the concepts of flexibility and attitude continue to captivate my mind. I expected traveling to be both a rewarding and challenging experience, but I hadn't been fully prepared for how big a transition it would prove to be for me. Even so, I'm pleasantly surprised by how it has gone thus far.
Most nights, I'm floated to different units - something that until travel I had never done. Oddly enough, I am enjoying that aspect. Meeting more and more new people as well as becoming comfortable asking LOTS of questions (and apologizing profusely for it). I still feel like a fish out of water sometimes, mostly when it comes to unit specific protocols and procedures - who to contact and how/when, where to find supplies, etc. As a coordinator in my last staff position, it was usually me answering all those questions. Now, I have to admit it is kind of nice being able to go to someone else for that!
One of the messages discussed in a podcast I listened to on my way into work, was the topic of overcoming obstacles in the pursuit of personal growth. They said that often times, the path towards self improvement is laden with challenges and stress. At times, we may turn away from said challenges and forego the growth that results from overcoming them. With that understanding, it becomes clear that the better option when facing challenges on our way to growth, is to welcome the resistance and stubbornly lean into it.
I remember the same concept from my running coaches in high school and college. We often referred to it as “the wall”. In order to continue improving and become stronger/faster, you had to break through this wall. A mental and physical barrier standing in the way between you and your goal, the wall is tough to overcome to say the least.
In my high school days, this struggle was captured in my senior year at my final district championship race where I was trying to qualify for states. Not too pretty (and may have resulted in my spectating mom hopping the fence after I collapsed across the finish line to make sure I was okay…), but I look back with pride as I remember a time I pushed myself to achieve I goal I had set for myself.
Applying this to the here and now, starting a new job or assignment can be daunting at first (has been for me thus far at least!). But I imagine overcoming the challenges and pursuing our goals (experience, financial success, etc) is all the more worth it in the end, when we consider the obstacles that had to be overcome to reach such results. At least, that’s how I like to imagine it will be, only time will tell. Maybe a year from now I can return to that thought!
