What Else is Possible?

Last month, I had the opportunity to attend a 5 day Esri Users Conference (for work) in San Diego, California. The purpose for attending this conference was to find solutions for our department, network with other professionals in our field, attend training seminars and also squeeze in a little fun whenever possible (let me assure you that I always find time for fun).

I work in the GIS (Geospatial Information Services) Department in Mecklenburg County. Our department runs like a well oiled machine. We have some of the best minds, technology, software and we produce outstanding results. But the question that alway remain is how can we improve? How can we better deploy our resources and assets to better serve the citizens of Mecklenburg County. Mecklenburg County is one of the biggest counties in North Carolina and is often recognized as being the best in so many categories such as innovative and being on the cutting edge of technology. But what else is possible?

Have you ever watched a movie, listen to a song, had a slice of cake or had an experience and thought to your self “Wow, it doesn’t get any better than this”? Maybe in that moment that was true. Maybe in that moment your mind couldn’t fathom how anything better could be possible, then a few weeks or months later someone comes up with another smash hit song, someone develops another mouth watering sweet potato pie recipe or another block buster movie that shatters all the previous records becoming the highest grossing movie of all times.

I have discovered that being the best at anything or having the best or being revered as the best is relative to where you are and the information that you have at the time. It’s not until you get out of your comfort zone, your community or your own silo that you can discover what others are doing in your industry and discover “what else is possible” and perhaps a new standard for best or better.

Better or possibilities are endless but you would never know if you never venture out to discover it.

Even in your personal life, you should never become too comfortable with “what is” that you never dream of what else is possible. I’m a praying person and one of my most recited prayers is for wisdom. I often approach many situations or obstacles and not have a clue as to what to do. Wisdom has been a companion of mine for quite a while. Knowing that I can request and receive wisdom is my super power.

My advice is always push the envelope, never settle, never assume or become so comfortable with "what is" that you never seek out solutions that can improve processes, that enables you to become more efficient or better and saves you time and money. Also, Don’t be afraid to ask God for wisdom for every obstacle in your life and also in times of uncertainty. Keep Dreaming, Keep Learning and Keep developing Possibilities!