Performance evaluation and objective-setting time has arrived at work. The optimism of youth (which, to me, is now anyone under 45, LOL) is awesome. I’m fairly sure I was that way once: any task or goal was achievable, retirement was merely a word, and working 24/7 was totally doable.
Now, retirement is a certainty (it’s no longer that far in the future). Energy is at a premium and work-based buoyancy is hard to keep afloat. I’ve matured and become wiser, and I approach—and acknowledge— professional and personal ins and outs (also known as realities) with a different spin.
There’s a lot to be said for that refreshing youthful energy, because it really is commendable. You just know that a lot of them will accomplish precisely what they’ve determined to do. And while I may no longer possess that same vigor or zeal, I recognize—and appreciate—that I am still (very) young at heart.