Bernard Reedy just did something most professional football players dream of their entire careers: played in the Super Bowl. It wouldn't be surprising if when asked what he plans to do next, he might scream out, "I'm going to Disneyland!" But instead, his answer is a powerful lesson in keeping your career success in check:
"I'm going back to my $11 an hour job."
That's right. In the off-season, Reedy is going back to the job that has kept him grounded and focused on his football dreams. As a driver for people in wheelchairs, he says this job has played an important role in his career success. It's all about perspective, Reedy says:
"What about the people on life support? What about the people who can't walk who want to walk again? That stuff's way more serious than running around and playing football."
Reedy is showing us all it's OK to go after your dreams -- just be sure you do things that won't let you forget how lucky you are to be able to do so.
Think of your career as a balloon
You should give your career lots of string so it can reach new heights, but you should also make sure there's an anchor attached so it can't fly away and go out of control. Whether it's volunteering in your community, participating in events for a charity, or being a mentor to those who aspire to achieve what you already have, there are plenty of options to keep yourself grounded as you continue on your journey to career success. It's more than just writing a check and donating money. It's the action of physically supporting those in need that will remind you to, as the song goes, "Check yourself before you wreck yourself."