January is a great month for looking back at what you accomplished the previous year and deciding what you’ll keep doing and what you’ll do differently.

I am proud of my accomplishments in 2018. I spent quality time with family and friends, I had a successful year in my business, and I came up with my idea for the blog. I’ve grown as a professional, mom, partner, and friend.

With these accomplishments, I think it is just as important to recognize the hardships and challenges that I’ve faced. 2018 started off as a disappointment for me. I was still struggling with the loss of my sister who had passed in January 2017 in a car accident. Also, I was adjusting from going to having one child to two . Plus, the joys of recovering from a C-section . I wasn’t thrilled with my performance as an assessment consultant in 2017, and I knew that I needed to make changes with regards to how I approached my career. I struggled to balance my responsibilities and bring my life back to homeostasis.

What did I do? I made some small changes to how I approached my career and personal life.

I started doing a better job reaching out to my customers, delivering presentations, and attending conferences. I pushed myself to set high goals and do more. Constantly, I asked myself, “How can I improve my skillset and grow?” I analyzed more data and read books on leadership skills. I took feedback from peers and supervisors seriously and used it to modify my behavior. I connected more with customers. It wasn’t about “selling more” but “connecting more.” How could I be a better resource for others?

I didn’t set a goal to be recognized for my hard work. I did it because I knew I could be better at my job and have a larger impact. I love being a school psychologist and believe that I can impact the lives of youth based on what I do as an assessment consultant and in my private practice.

So, why does this matter?

Well, I flew up to Toronto for our annual meeting two weeks ago. The week was filled with connecting with colleagues, participating in training sessions, and presenting information across different departments. It was a long week. I missed being home in Florida , I missed my kids and the Hubs, and I was still grieving the loss of my sister, as she passed 2 years ago when I was coming home from this same meeting. 

Our week long meeting ends with a company-wide gala. It’s pretty amazing. Everyone comes dressed up and looks glamorous. Our team had fun taking photos at the photo booth during the cocktail hour, there was a fabulous meal, a talent show, and an awards ceremony.

When our CEO kicked off the awards ceremony, I couldn’t help but be proud of what my colleagues and I accomplished in 2018. We are an amazing team of women that made an impact on our field in 2018. Our manager is supportive and encouraging. She challenges and motivates us without micromanaging our daily activities. For me, she is a role model as both a manager and mother.

As our CEO announced the MHS Individual Award of Excellence, I found myself smiling to myself and reflecting on all that I accomplished in 2018. I didn’t need an award to know that I made a difference for both my company and my customers. I knew that I worked hard and was proud of my efforts.

“Amy”—I startled out of my daze. Is our CEO talking about me? I felt my eyes well up and the tears start to fall. I couldn’t believe it. As our CEO listed my accomplishments in 2018, I made my way to the stage. I was one of three recipients of the Individual Award of Excellence for our Company.