Absolutely OK

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It’s absolutely OK… The idea that we all know precisely where we’re going is not only incorrect, but it is also dangerous since we’re each often unsure of the answer to that question…if there even is an answer to that question.

For some, the “where from here” question is one which we enjoy playing with in our mind. We may play out scenerios in casual conversations with those who are close to us.

For others, this “where from here” question is something we absolutely dislike to think about. Maybe we are even frightened to think about it. If we feel that we are being satisfied in our present position, we may not have this recurring thought often and maybe not even at all. If we don’t have that thought, we might wonder if something is wrong with us since it seems that everyone else has that thought.

Some of us who are satisfied in our role even come to wonder if there is something missing in our psychological make-up. Everyone else has these thoughts, so why don’t I have those thoughts?

First, it is absolutely OK to be happy where you are. You may have no goals other than to get better at what you’re doing right now.

It is also absolutely OK to be happy but to still want to be better at what you do, and to be working diligently to attain those goals. You might also be somewhat less-than-satisfied, but to be good at what you do. You may enjoy receiving compliments from your supervisor or ‘the boss’ because they appreciate your accomplishments on-the-job.

Finally, it is also absolutely OK to be less-than-satisfied and thinking actively about improving your ‘lot in life’. You may be even be considering making a move to a new employer.

Each of us is unique. There is not another person exactly like us…even an identical twin…since each of us has, over time, had different experiences that have shaped us into something we weren’t originally. Our job as humans is to work diligently to make sure that our experiences have made us better, even those experiences that were not especially pleasant. Sometimes those are the best lessons we have if we’ll but learn from them.

Rather than to be envious of someone who ‘got all the good stuff’ when born, we are always better off if we take the lessons and go through an honest review of self. It is good for all of us to occasionally take a hard look in the mirror. That is the toughest thing for many of us to remember. We are always being an example for another person no matter if we’re acting out or acting professionally.

It might prove to be a good exercise for us to review each day before bedtime for the high points and the low points. And to be brutally honest with ourselves while doing that. These self-critiques are hard to stomach…but they are great medicine if we’ll swallow hard and face up to what we can do to get better tomorrow.

Fred D’Amato, President