Energy:Noun 1. the ability or power to do work or effort, 2. liveliness and forcefulness.
Energize:Verb 1. to give somebody or something energy, 2. to make or become active, 3. to supply with [electrical] power, 4. to become or cause something to become vigorously active.
To energize the future of NAON, we orthopedic nurses need to become or cause something to become vigorously active-ourselves. I would love to energize and empower each one of you to be the best you can be. At our leadership meeting in May, I asked the current and potential leaders of NAON to write down a goal for the coming year. I am asking you to do the same. This goal can be one you choose to achieve in NAON, a professional goal, or even a personal goal. Whether you choose to become more physically active, lose 10 pounds, advance your education or job, seek certification, promote new members or sponsors within your chapter, or attempt your first article or lecture, you will have a target to strive for. Get excited about the value of your membership by encouraging others to read a great journal, taking part in health policy initiatives or online productions, or connecting with special interest groups across the country and the world. Plan an event for Orthopedic Nurse's Day on October 30th and invite someone to join your chapter!! Use your energy to make a difference!! Because every journey starts with one step, there is no better time than the present to take it. Each nurse's talents and efforts build the excellence of our profession.
Several factors help energize us to attain our goals. First, you must define each goal and the steps needed to reach it. Second, you must remove behaviors or obstacles that interfere with realizing that goal, particularly those that waste energy. For myself, I loved the opening ceremonial speaker at the NAON Congress who said, "Don't waste your precious energy cleaning toilets!! Get a housekeeper. You deserve the help, and it allows you to spend your energy on what you really want to."
To define your goal, you may need to go out on a limb. You may need to go to that uncomfortable zone, because that's where all the fruit is!! Do you have a dream or goal you have been thinking about? It is by pushing our limits that we grow. Think of where you would like to be 1 year, 2 years, 5 years, or 10 years from now. It is known that just writing one's goals on paper compels 85% of people to accomplish those goals. A nurse at the Congress confided to me that she really wants to get her bachelor's degree but doesn't have time. I replied, "Maybe you don't have time to do it all now, but take one course and you will be that much closer to your goal."
Telling someone else about your goals further ensures success, especially if that someone is a support person or mentor. NAON has a wonderful mentoring program. Robin Voss chairs this group, and I am sure she can find a perfect mentor for you. You can contact her through the national office.
Developing a plan with small steps and a timeline is a crucial part of ensuring the success of a plan. Finally, ask for help!! If you always wanted to be more involved in NAON and are not sure how to go about it, e-mail me at [email protected]. I would love to help you develop your talents so that you can help to strengthen NAON. I encourage you to set a goal and energize yourself, your profession, and NAON. Remember to write it down, make a plan, and take a step to energize your future!!