Spring Has Sprung!

Dear New Year’s Resolutions,

I can explain.
One thing I love about myself is that I have no shame in being a cliché. Every January, I create vision boards, buy new planners, and sign up for different project management software tools. No, it isn’t an editing error that all those things are plural. I like what I like, and having three planners never hurt anyone. I go all in for #NewYearNewMe .
And, as is often the case- the vigor and enthusiasm behind the goals and aspirations to be balanced, approach life with a calm demeanor, eat out less and cook more, exercise consistently, prioritize family, and save money, were so real - but so were the new deadlines, new priorities, and all the other deadlines that got pushed back in observance of the holidays.

And I want to be that person who is audacious (hello- I’m a Gladiator! Audacity is one of our core values), rejects hustle culture, naps, and practices rest. I also want to be known as someone who honors their personal and professional commitments. I want to do what I said without costing me everything.

That commitment piece has me struggling. Because I don’t want to drop balls, I cringe even at the thought of gently placing a ball down. The idea of having a ball taken away from me gives me anxiety. But…I’m still dropping them. Some are big; some are small.
Some matter, others nobody will ever know about, and I have feelings about all of them. Because, underneath all the clichés and identities, I’m trying to remember who I was and what I used to do before I started juggling all these balls, to begin with.

So this spring, I’m capitalizing on the beauty and opportunities associated with a new season to find “Sherrell” - not Gladiator’s Managing Director (Rachel promoted me! Is this a #HumbleBrag or just a #Brag?), not Brandon’s fiancé, not Enzo’s mom (Enzo is a dog, to be clear), not Greg and Glennette’s oldest daughter.

Who am I for me, not in relation to anyone else?

And I’m sure that when I return to just me, I’ll find the confidence and audacity to start laying some of these balls down.

Each season represents the opportunity for a fresh start.

What are you going to do with yours?

Sherrell Hendrix, Ph.D.

Managing Director, Strategy and Culture