Earlier this week I was informed that I’ve been selected to the Young Professionals of Central Indiana (YPCI) Board of Directors for 2019. I made it a goal for myself to attend at least 2 networking events each month this year and YPCI is one of the organizations whose events I’ve been attending. I’ve really enjoyed my time at YPCI’s events and have made some great connections through them.
Being selected as a Board member is exciting for me because it’s a way for me to give back and help young professionals in my community as well as meet and learn from other highly motivated people. It will also be another challenge for me to help further develop my skills as the Board works to secure sponsorships and develop a calendar of events that attracts young professionals and isn’t just more of the same thing that they could get through other groups.
I see this as pushing myself for many reasons. I’m naturally introverted and would be just fine sitting at home by myself after work. Instead, I’ve been pushing myself to get out and meet new people and have conversations to help develop my skills and my network.
I don’t have to make the extra effort outside of going to work every day, but I want to push myself to be better. I always feel a little anxious while I’m on the way to events like these where there are a lot of people that I don’t know and I’m supposed to randomly start conversations with people (especially since I don’t feel like I’m very good at speaking), but that’s part of me pushing myself as well.
As I’ve written before, I’m always motivated by speaking with and being around those who are passionate and come together as a team to accomplish their goal. I love hearing stories about how people have succeeded (and how they are succeeding) and I know that being a member of YPCI’s Board will grant me many more of these opportunities. I’m also sure that I’ll learn a ton from those I’ll be working with.
I think there are plenty of ways that I can help YPCI with my skillset, although I think I’ll receive more benefit than I’ll be able provide. Not only does attending events such as YPCI’s Happy Hours allow you to make new friends and network, but it also helps you develop many other skills such as public speaking, learning to ask questions and figure out how you could help others, and being able to connect those who may not already know each other but could benefit if they did.
I’m looking forward to seeing what we can accomplish in 2019!
Push yourself and make yourself uncomfortable so that you can grow from it.
My two favorite quotes reflect this mentality.
“Success comes from knowing that you did your best to become the best that you are capable of becoming” – John Wooden
“There may be people who have more talent than you, but there’s no excuse for anyone to work harder than you do.” – Derek Jeter
Two pretty successful people to take advice from, if you ask me.
