After a long hiatus, I am back! My last blog was back in January 2013 and it feels like it has been forever. Over the last several months so many things have happened. The time went by quickly, yet it feels like things are well over due. Taking a long hiatus reminds me of what many people have experienced at some point in their lives or may be currently experiencing. For some people like myself, the hiatus may have been by choice, yet others, the hiatus may have not been to their preference. It may have been due to a job change, a lay-off, a move to a different area, sickness, and so on. The fact remains that we took a long hiatus from what we love or were during previously. If it was by choice or if we were forced to do so, we still face the same uncertainty of being accepted when we are ready to return, or frankly, being able to return to our previous status at all.
The transitional period that comes during or trying to return from the hiatus can surely test your confidence level and can create stress. Taking a hiatus comes with risks. Will I be able to make it to the level and status I once had? Will someone be willing to invest in me, even though I have been out of the game for a while? Will I be able to bounce back or recover? We ask ourselves these questions and many more. When we are not able to return as quickly as we like, it increases the stress level. Frustration and thoughts of the “f” word (failure) takes over. We panic and then begin contemplating why. We may also be willing to take a lesser role and look for temporary solutions. It may seem as though we have taken a step backwards and just looking for that one opportunity to put us back on the map again. The recovery period could be short if you are lucky, or it could be extremely long.
The bottom line focuses on our ability to endure this period of uncertainty and unrest. If we are able to sustain the strong belief that every action whether good or bad creates some sort of change and accept the change, it can help alleviate and reduce the uncertainty period. We have to be able to accept change, eschew fear and be willing to take risks and try new things. It is the ability to adapt and re-emerge, that separates sucess from failure. By the way, don't be afraid to fail. It's ok. Failure is only a learning process. We learn from failures and it enables us to find the right path.
Are you able to endure this period of uncertainty and overcome obstacles? I believe in you and this concept. If you believe this as well, I can foresee a brighter path in pursuing your future goals. Shake it off and continue the journey. Success is really a journey. Do what it took to get you there in the first place and don’t be afraid to take risks and try new things. It starts and ends with you! I wish you luck in your journey.
I am extremely excited to be back joining my fellow bloggers.
Joseph Conrod Sr. SPHR
