The Reward of Time

While I’ve been writing my articles about Time these past few weeks, I had a chance to reflect on my own relationship with time, and how it has impacted my personal and professional life. It was – educational – to review my reaction to time early in my life and how I view it today. What struck me was how impactful time can be, but more importantly the rewards you can receive when you look at time differently.?

Early in my career I made the mistake of taking on so many tasks and assignments. I thought I needed to demonstrate my worth to my supervisors and executives, to show folks how busy I was, and how important my work must be.? All that really did was burn me out, at work and home. I put myself under so much stress to try and be everything for everyone, but realizing I was never going to succeed.?

As I’ve grown and matured, I realized that I will never be an expert in all facets of my chosen career. In the security profession, that’s impossible! Our profession is so diverse with so many amazing career opportunities, it would be crazy to think you can do it all.?

Harvey Mackay, the American businessman and author, has a great quote about time:?

Time is free, but it’s priceless. You can’t own it, but you can use it. You can’t keep it, but you can spend it. Once you’ve lost it you can never get it back. ?

I’ve had the good fortune (well, I think it is!) of holding many different roles throughout my career.? The one constant has always been time – finding time to react to problems, solve an issue, or manage a crisis.???

The lesson that’s taken me so long to absorb is learning to let go – to find folks who are far better at something and ask them for help. The time I would have spent trying to learn, and then do that work I can now take back – to be spent on other activities for work or for home. To me, this has become the reward of time.?

That’s why I’m so excited to write the last chapter of my career here at Apollo.? I’ve found folks who truly are great at what they do! I’m challenged to learn new skills, focus on the human element of security, and show clients how we can help them find more time and reduce their risks. I think it's pretty cool to feel this way at the back end of my security journey! I feel very lucky to be spending my professional time – here.???

I’m hoping as you read this, you take a moment or two and consider your relationship with time.? Are there things you can stop doing (professionally or personally) and ask for help?? Is there someone who may have more expertise you can call on to help you find more time?? What would you do with more time at work or at home if you could let go of some tasks and ask others for help??

Thank you for joining me these past few weeks. I really enjoyed sharing a part of my story with you and I hope to hear your thoughts regarding this series on Time. Thank you so much!?