16A –What’s Your Secret Sauce?

What makes me different:

1. Determined: People can take my way of getting things done offensive. I’m not rude or mean, however, when I’m zoned in on an assignment, it can be perceived that I am that way. I don’t like to fail, and I have a hard time accepting when I do (it’s not often but it happens). Failing is the best way to learn, it’s just a hard pill to swallow, especially when I have my mind set to achieve something.
2. Hardworking: I work hard for my achievements. My attitude is, no one is going to achieve them for me so I better get it done.
3. Analytical: I cannot take anything at face value. I have to read and analyze the information being presented to me before I can make a decision. There are times it has taken me a few days to figure it out, however, by analyzing the issue, I am able to come up with the best solution.
4. Realistic: I don’t believe in happily ever after. I’m all about the facts, not the rainbows and butterflies and unicorns type of person. Everything in life is what you make it, so make it your best life.
5. Competitive: I hate to lose and refuse to give up (even when I know it’s the right thing to do). Asking for helps has always been an issue for me as well.

If you ask other people what makes me different, their list tends to be different from mine. Some of the things said that are different than the five I listed are: generous (time and money), passionate, perfectionist, creative, a planner, thoughtful, obstinate, procrastinator and a walking ESPN. My husband said it best, “when she’s on a mission, don’t get in her way.” However, he and everyone else for that matter, all agree I’m very hard on myself and I do not give myself enough credit for the things I have accomplished.

It’s difficult to hear people give you honest feedback about yourself. I felt offensive at times during the conversations, but at the same time they were enlightening. All in all, I think their assessment of me was on point. I don’t think they held back and they let me have it. I do agree with their points, maybe not 100% agree on all of them, but I agree with them. If I were to re-work the list above, I would probably add creative and passionate to it. I tend to find creative ways to get things done because not everything is so straightforward.

It’s not easy being a wife, mom, professional, student, and Jane of All Trades every single day, but this is who I am. As we discussed these traits about me, I learned there are some things I need to work on. It doesn’t make me a bad person, it’s just an improvement. Everyone was definitely in agreement that life will be easier for them when I FINALLY graduate.