Several unexpected, critical issues and tasks came up today which required me to drop my planned activities to handle. At times, in several different jobs, I've moaned and complained, or even railed at the injustice, inefficiency, or sheer stupidity of having things like this happen. These types of reactions have never had a positive impact on my career.

Today was a very different attitude and feeling. I dropped my planned activities because I knew, and in cases confirmed with others, that the unplanned activities were more important and needed to be done today. They felt to me like new, exciting challenges. They used skills and tools I hadn't touched in a while and re-familiarized me with aspects of our business and systems I haven't actively worked with in some time. I've been sincerely thanked for taking care of these things.

At the end of the day, I'm feeling exhilarated. I feel like I've accomplished something, made a real difference, and increased my abilities to adapt and overcome.

Perhaps I've grown up some.