Lessons From a Role I Truly Enjoy
For the last year and a half, I have stepped into a role that I genuinely enjoy. That alone has made all the difference. When you wake up excited about what you do, work stops feeling like work and starts feeling like purpose. Over this period, I have learned a lot about myself, about leadership, and about how progress is really made.
One of the biggest lessons has been productivity. Real productivity is not about being busy. It is about being intentional. I have learned how powerful it is to plan my days in advance, even on weekends. Working from a list brings clarity, reduces stress, and allows me to stay focused on what truly matters. When you know where you are going, distractions lose their power.
I have also learned the importance of creating a harmonious working environment. Talent thrives in healthy spaces. I have been fortunate to work alongside smart, driven, and talented people, and being around that level of excellence sharpens you. It challenges you to rise, to listen more, and to lead with humility. One thing I now firmly believe is that you have to enjoy what you do. If you do not, no title, salary, or recognition will ever be enough. Enjoyment fuels consistency, and consistency fuels results.
Another powerful takeaway is this: every problem already has a solution wrapped inside it. When you focus too much on the problem, you give it energy it does not deserve. When you focus on solutions, momentum follows. This mindset alone has helped me move through obstacles faster and with far less frustration.
Leadership also requires emotional discipline. Along the way, I have learned how to ignore slights and stay focused on motivating the team. Occasionally, you will encounter manufactured distractions or people who assume you do not know what you are doing. Sometimes those moments are designed to pull you into unnecessary debates or mental sparring. I simply do not participate. My energy is better spent solving problems, building people, and moving forward. Not everyone will share your drive or dedication, and that is okay. Everyone runs their own race.
Quiet time has become invaluable to me. Reading, especially when things are calm, has been more beneficial than almost anything else I have done. Growth requires input, and reading provides perspective, wisdom, and grounding.
On a personal note, life has become even more meaningful with the arrival of my new grandbaby. Technically, this is my first grandchild, and we currently have full custody of her. It is a full-time responsibility, but it has brought an incredible sense of purpose and balance. She reminds me daily that everything we do should be rooted in building something better for the future.
Finally, I have learned to focus on what I can control. We spend far too much time arguing over politics and things outside our influence. Someone I deeply respect shared this simple truth with me: half the country will always be unhappy with what is happening. When you focus on what you can control, peace follows. And quietly, while the noise continues, opportunities are being created every day. In the background, disciplined, focused people are building wealth, stability, and freedom.
Everything is possible. When you start thinking bigger, the noise fades, the distractions fall away, and the path forward becomes clear.