The Pressure of Success

I saw this video on my Facebook feed a few days ago and it’s spot on with my life right now.  My friend, Alan, shared it and I definitely needed to hear it.

Success, in whatever way you view it, is incredibly powerful.  It can rule your life in a way that is unimaginable.  For me, I put a high value of how successful I am by my work.  I know…not a great thing.  I really thought by now I would be incredibly successful with a prestigious career and making an impact on my community.  *Cue hysterical laughter and a few tears*  At 33 years old – I’m no where near as successful as I thought I would be at this point in life.  I thought by thirty I would appear on one of the 30 Successful People Under 30 Years Old lists.  Well…I never made a list.  In fact, every time I see a list like that I cringe.  That should have been me.

On the other side of the coin – I have to reflect on the amazing experiences I’ve had so far in my life.  I was incredibly fortunate to be the first Public Information Officer at the police department for six years. I learned so much in that six years and had many amazing experiences that I will always cherish.  Law enforcement is in my blood and it makes me tick.  To work with officers has been the highlight of my professional life.  I also have an opportunity in my current position to become a more well-rounded public relations professional.  I have learned a lot and am grateful for the skills I have acquired.

During a bad day I often feel like maybe I’ve been as professionally successful as I’m going to be.  That negative mindset can really do a doozy to my day.  Then I remember…I’m only 33.  Even though I don’t feel like it a lot, I’m still young.  The video I saw on Alan’s Facebook feed was a great reminder that you’re never too old to achieve success not matter what you may think.  Everyone has a different timeline to their life.  Life is full of twists and turns and dry seasons.  It’s a hard place to be in but I have to tell myself to keep moving and be the absolute best I can be.  To keep waiting.

I remind myself to focus on the blessings I have.  My happy marriage.  My healthy children.  My beautiful house I thought we never could afford.  Mine and Justin’s health.  So many blessings to focus on instead of those that haven’t come my way yet.  My timeline is still happening.  I just have to be patient.

You can watch the video here.

Author: Tabitha Clark, APR

Public relations professional by day. Aspiring graphic designer by night. View all posts by Tabitha Clark, APR