I first want to share my accomplishment for being chosen as a recipient of the Outstanding Innovator & Committed Leader award by Lamar University Digital Leadership Master’s Program.
Though honored, humbled and surprised to hear the news it allowed me to reflect on why. As much as I enjoy my career in Project Management and Consulting, I became very selfish with my time. I dedicated countless hours to work, and suffered from an imbalance in family time, me time, vacation and most of all, leaving a legacy that would out live me. I realized after all the technology transformation and solutions I have implemented, the most powerful was to transform my own mind and way of thinking. And that’s what I did.
Fast forward to now, I have an understanding that a career is nothing more than what you do with what you know and get paid for it. I know project management and get paid to do it. However, passion is nothing more than what you do with what you love and give yourself for it. One focus on getting and the other, giving. So, I asked myself what do I love and what am I doing about it? It’s when I answered that question that I truly began to live to give the change I was brought on this earth to do, in making this world a better place. Since that discovery, I have been recognized for my achievements, awarded fellowships and grants, invited to speak and honored at AAUW outstanding women’s luncheon, and now on my way to become a published author of children’s books to build self-empowerment and community within the school system. All within less than 2 years. How is that possible to now have a work-life balance after adding all this on my plate? Simple. I demanded more of myself. Then I took back control of my career and allowed it to fund what I love. That positive energy that made me come alive, in return, funded my career. Now, that’s a work-life balance.
Career and Passion. Both are great. Both are necessary. Some have mastered one without the other. But I believe we are better together than we are part. Therefore career and passion can co-exist if you give them permission to. You can never be to young, old, experienced or accomplished to make that decision. If not today, just know, nothing will be different tomorrow.
I celebrate you for your accomplishments and those in route. Your legacy cannot be edited, so leave a good copy.
Malika Humphries, PMP
