One of the hardest things to do is to keep your priorities straight. 

We all have far more to do than we can do, so how do we choose what it is we are going to spend our time on? It is overwhelming and confusing. My number one priority, as always, is getting everybody who needs help the help they need to get into housing that they can afford. I do that pretty well. But do I always spend my time doing the most important thing? The answer is a resounding “no!”   There are lots of reasons for this. Chief among them is that I really try to be in the present, especially when I am meeting with someone. I try to listen, focus on them and take whatever time is necessary. I think that’s a priority, too.

I also have a tendency to do the things I like to do or am good at doing to the neglect of those unpleasant tasks that are often very important. This year, I have learned that some tasks that I didn’t always enjoy before became more enjoyable with practice and success. Even after 35 years, I am learning new things.

One of those new things is developing a strategic plan for the agency. During HAC’s first formal strategic planning process, which began 10 years ago, was arduous. This time around, despite loads of challenges, I am enjoying the process and learning from it.