Late night programming...By Cindy Campbell

I was recently talking with a university parking program manager about the challenge of balancing priorities at work. “There’s just so much to do and it seems like there’s never enough time to get it all done,” she said. We talked about competing priorities in the workplace and the need to re-prioritize these priorities on a fairly regular basis.

As we talked, I was reminded of her plan to start the CAPP program this year. Based on what she shared, I grew concerned that her demanding workload was about to eclipse her professional development plans. I decided I had to ask the question: “So, tell me…does this mean you’re going to have to postpone starting CAPP?” Without hesitation, she answered. “Are you kidding?!? No way! I’ve worked too hard to get where I am today. I have no intention of letting this slow me down now!” With that, she smiled…and that made me smile, too.

Standing in front of me was a determined parking professional who fully intends to invest in her own success. She is committed to keep professional development as a top priority in her life. I couldn’t be happier for her.

Sometimes, circumstances require us to temporarily set aside a long-term goal to accomplish short-term tasks. Too often, we forget to circle back around to our goal when the short-term storm has passed. Is it time to consider or revisit your own professional development goals? Don’t let another year slip away without developing or recommitting to your plan.

Cindy Campbell is IPI’s senior training and development specialist.