Nerdforce #36 – A Nerded Soliloquy

Nerdforce

Misty Jones @MistyRaeJones, Rachel Watson @theRachelWatson

I finally had a moment to bring this episode to you. As you may suspect, Nana and I had a great time recording with these two amazing women. I’ll get back to our conversation in a moment, but first…

I wanted to get some things off my chest. Life has a way of happening to all of us. I have found myself buried in obligations backing up further and further. There have been many times when we’ve discussed “Imposter Syndrome” and its proven to be a common theme in many burgeoning Admin out there. I wonder if there may also be a growing consensus of self-prescribed guilt over all our plans that never achieve closure. Just a number of weeks ago, I was honored to be accepted as a Salesforce MVP alongside so many great Ohana Leaders; which I am humbled by, immensely. Still, there is a voice in the back of my mind smirking, “Yeah John, but what have you done lately?” Just saying this out load, I can already hear Friends like Nana and Ben telling me that I’m being absurd. I have nothing to feel guilty about… I know, you two are right. But really, who out there hasn’t found themselves wanting to be more omni-present? I mean, there’s an entire film genre of Men and Women who are super busy and productive in Act I. “Look at me, I’m an amazing Business Dude!” By the end of Act IV, the Tim Allens, Jim Carreys and Diane Keatons have realized they’re missing the chance to spend more time with their families.

These are fun stories, but they don’t speak to reality all that well. They were struggling with balancing Work and Family, but how many of us only have two major facets in their lives? I have a great number of things I want to do. Family and Work are the least of my worries. I spend much of my time building toys for World Water Works and goofing around with my kids. It’s all the other driving forces that aren’t getting the time they deserve.

My house is going on the market today. I’ve spent the last 2.5 weeks preparing our house for that. I’ve sat on this amazing podcast for nearly as long because I’m too exhausted to finish the edit after a long day. I recently joined an RPG campaign because, well… When someone asks if you want to roleplay as a Warcasting Wizard with a Steampunk Robot at your side, you don’t say no. What about the time needed to build an amazing presentation for a crowd of X-Author enthusiasts next month? Let’s not forget the time and/or money needed to fix a website infected with some sort of Malware. I love recording the Nerdforce Podcast and interacting with all the great Ohana folk out there. I want to do something amazing at Midwest Dreamin’. I’m not even sure what that may be, but it will demand some prep time from me for sure. Let’s not even mention preparation for any conferences that may take place in November. My #AwesomeAdmin game has become an amazing theory, but has yet to become a viable product. Oh, also, since I’m a glutton for punishment, I’m considering doing a little freelance work in the Voice Over Biz. At what point does my insatiable thirst to do MOAR become a Bane over a Boon?

Well, I certainly have gone down a rambling rabbit hole, haven’t I? Look, This Nerded Soliloquy is NOT meant to be a posted complaint. I know that my position in this world is privileged and blessed. I’m not really sure what its purpose is other than a venting of my anxieties. To mold this into a step toward progress, let’s say this is a public declaration that I will continue to achieve my ambitions. My successes will be celebrated and my failures will be lessons. I will give all of myself to every project in front of me and weather the storm. Just as a man piloting his sloop through a tempest, I have no other choice but strive to carry on.

With that said, let’s talk about this episode of Nerdforce. We sat down with Misty Jones and Rachel Watson, two fantastic Ohana leaders from the Southwest. Talk about ambitious, these two have Trailhead Badges and Certifications pouring out their ears. I’ll let them speak for their selves.

On a final note, I’ll say what we’ve all thought before and many of us a thinking right now.

I am Groot.