All You Need is Love

Valentine's Day is this week and I find that a lot of people love or hate the holiday. One of my team members in the office loves the day because it's a chance to adorn some bright pink or red outfits, give some gifts, and let others know how much appreciated they are. On the other hand, I know people who dread the day because it makes them feel lonely.

Here's something I want to share that I hope you take to heart: Valentine's Day does not have to be about romantic love so much as it does about letting people know that they are loved. Let me break that down a little more because it's especially relevant for assistants.

As administrative professionals, you are in a unique position to provide support and care as one of the fundamental pillars of your career. You have the power to influence (which is why I chose that for this year's conference theme ). Not only do you have the power to influence the professional success of your team, you have the power to influence how others feel about themselves. I know it's often said, but it's often forgotten, that you never know what someone is going through. You can be the difference someone desperately needs.

You know what else? You can also influence how you feel about yourself. Don't let anyone belittle you in your profession. As Lauren Serrano , Chief Administrative Officer at Strauss Financial Group, Inc. , said in her recent guest blog , that "regardless of title, pay, or position, supporting those around you will always be necessary for true success in your ever-evolving career as an administrative professional." Recognize your worth. Invest in yourself and give your life attention. Why? Because you are valuable and you have a unique part to play in this life. Do not ever underestimate your worth.

So for this Valentine's Day, take someone by surprise. Write that thoughtful note, order their favorite meal, or snag that item that's been in their Amazon Wish List for 6 months. While you're at it, take your own self by surprise and fully step into the wonderful, supportive, vibrant human you were made to be. However, don't stop there. Think beyond Valentine's Day and consider ways you can show up for yourself, and others, every day. Imagine if you did that for the rest of this year. How different would life look by the end of it? You may find that you have more love for yourself, for others, and your career.

Oh, and if you still want to get a box of chocolates, make sure you put aside a salted caramel milk chocolate truffle or two for me.

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