In what ways does hard work make you feel fulfilled?

I was an aircraft mechanic for 22 years, a single mom for about nine of those. Life was, quite literally, “hard work”. Manual labor coupled with the mental challenges of parenting solo left me exhausted most nights. With each milestone, however, I surpassed surviving and began thriving.

Accomplishing something hard filled me with pride and boosted my self-confidence. I used those little pieces of hard times and hard work as springboards into what I could accomplish next. Life got a little easier, but the growth mindset was embedded in my being. “Hard work” wasn’t something I had to do. It became something that I wanted to do.

I set and exceed goals, at work and in my personal life. I apply for jobs that I have no business doing (ha!). When selected, I set goals to become the subject matter expert at those positions. Once that’s accomplished, I reach for the next position. I continuously push myself to learn new things – how to be a better parent, how to live healthier, how to strengthen my body and mind.

I’m in a perpetual state of self-improvement. I’m leveling up.

A few months ago, I attended a virtual class on leadership. I thoroughly enjoyed the curriculum, but hung on every word of our instructor, a spry older lady that was full of life stories. She told us that for as long as she could remember she set a goal to learn something new each month: how to bake a certain type of cookie, how to write calligraphy, or read a book on a subject she was unfamiliar with. I love this and am going to follow suit.

October is my birth month. What better time to set a new intention?

My youngest daughter was mortified when I told her that I was going to learn how to twerk this month. While I was only <half> joking, I’d like to set my sights on something a bit more productive. 😀