How I am evolving into who I need to be

A little-known fact is that I have a master’s degree in applied behavioral sciences (basically, industrial psychology) and I wrote my thesis on how your family of origin is your first work group.

In the confines of your family, you learn about authority, consequences, collaboration, and conflict. The lessons you learn as a child show up in powerful ways in your work style today. Some of these lessons are healthy, and some of them are not. The trick is recognizing the lessons so you can amplify the good and negate the bad.

As I look back at my own life and career, I realize I’m transcending some of these historical constraints and evolving into who I need to be. Somehow my career is meeting up with me and answering my call.

It took a long time to get to this place and the path was bumpy, but things are finally coming together. I thought I would write a little about my tumultuous journey. Maybe it will help you too.

Early Mark

If I were to define the teen-era characteristics of my personality it would look like this:

• I was a writer. In high school I was a paid reporter for our local city newspaper.
• I was endlessly curious — a voracious reader and learner.
• I was focused on others. As the oldest…