People are fond of spending a few moments at year’s end to take stock of their lives and commit to improvements in the form of “New Year’s resolutions.” Of course, these have largely become a cliché for that which is planned, but never brought to fruition.
While most resolutions deal with physical fitness, almost always around losing weight, I’m thinking of those that deal with your career. Here may be some that have crossed your mind:
- I want to qualify for Meaningful Use
- I want to achieve the next HIMSS Analytics Stage
- I want to get the respect of my boss
- I want to gain the admiration of my employees
- I want my scope of responsibilities expanded
- I want to get that promotion
- I want to get that raise
- I want to get the heck out of here
Why is it that such important goals, when made as December gives way to January, fall by the wayside when the usual routine of work/live resumes after the holidays? It is because the “wake-up-and-reflect” moment which gave rise to them is artificial — a line in the sand not of our own creation and, thus, easily washed away by the incoming tide. One who endures for 11 months, only to awake and discover all is not well during the 12th, easily slips back into a mindset of complacency.
And where does this mindset come from? It’s the exact opposite of the “grass is always greener” mentality. It’s the fear-come-belief that the grass on the other side is, in fact, browner, even if the pasture currently occupied is black with decay. It’s the old “devil you know” hope that keeps some in place, focused on the breadcrumbs in hand rather than the bounty that awaits. For these folks, the world is all steel, without an ounce of give.
In addition to the above assumptions, they hold the notion that longevity and loyalty breed security. It is only when their devotion fails to be reciprocated that it becomes clear change may impact us even if we do not initiate it. The only security, in truth, is in constant observation of the environment (think “Who Moved My Cheese?”) and agility in reaction to it.
In an exceptional column, Dan Morreale, VP/CIO, Kingsbrook Jewish Medical Center, writes about his journey into the wilderness of unemployment after becoming persona non grata at his place of work after many years of service. How, he wondered, could he be turned out after giving such a commitment, after devoting so much time? In short, Dan’s cheese had been moved.
It’s been almost two years since I launched healthsystemCIO.com. And, like most entrepreneurs (see Michael Gerber’s “The E-Myth Revisited“), I was not driven by the desire to run a business, per se, but to do my work as I wished.
Like Dan’s experience, there came a time when it became clear I’d attained the same persona non grata status, that my cheese had been moved. It turns out I left before being relieved, but that is all semantics — the writing was on the wall.
As we head into the new year, realize, first off, that your main loyalty is not to an organization (which only exists on a legal document) or to your boss (who could change in either the sense of being replaced or merely taking a different approach with you) — but to yourself and your family. Secondly, accept nothing about your life as unchangeable, especially things connected to your career.
In 2012, promise yourself to take concrete actions that will bring about a state of affairs more in line with the “ideal.” Promise yourself that you’ll stop allowing concerns over the grass’s hue to keep you in place. To hell with its color, if things just might be better across the way, move. As Dan and I learned, life is not granite but clay, clay as easily molded by ourselves as those we permit to hold sway over us.
If only one of your New Year’s resolutions sticks, make it this one — make 2012 the year you grab hold of your life, and make of it all your unrestrained imagination can conjure.
[email protected] says
Great message Anthony. I am not trying to create resolutions for 2012, and I am trying to create goals for 2012. These goals, I hope, will be supported by my family, friends, and co workers. These goals will be backed up by what Darren Hardy calls a weekly register. This weekly register is to help document and track my work towards these goals and it to be reviewed by a performance partner or mentor. One of the first things on the goal sheet as a new CIO in healthcare is to get a mentor! I am praying about this, we will see who God delivers. Happy New Year!
Anthony Guerra says
Good luck. If you don’t find a personal mentor, try reading biographies of people you admire — their example can serve to guide you in times of great decision.
jbormel says
Anthony,
Terrific post.
I’ve personally received many gifts from you as a by-product of your career growth. You’ve made me a better reader and writer, and your site, especially the audio podcasts, have introduced me to a lot of talented people (albeit virtually). You’ve done an especially good job of highlighting the distinctions between implementing and optimizing.
For me, New Years is about stopping and looking at what is working and what isn’t. Your contributions are working for me. Thank you, Anthony.
Anthony Guerra says
Thanks so much Joe – I truly appreciate the kind words.