by Joanne Martin, CCE, L.K.L. Associates
As I write this, my last article as Chairman of ICEL, I find myself reflecting on the journey that has brought me to this point. To be honest, this article has been more challenging to write than any of the others I’ve written over the years. What should I say? What message should I leave behind? This past year has been filled with challenges, and it’s in facing those challenges that I believe I have truly grown—not just as a credit manager, but as a person.
A few years ago, at the NACM Western Credit Conference in Salt Lake, I attended a session on self-care. I bought the book, placed it on my shelf, and there it sat. While it looked nice on the shelf, it wasn’t doing me any good there. Last spring, I finally picked up that book—and over time, it has been transformative. I can honestly say that it has helped me in ways I never expected, and the lessons I’ve learned have shaped not only my approach to credit management but also my personal life.
Setting Goals: The Foundation of Growth
One of the key takeaways from the book was the importance of setting clear goals for yourself—goals for today, tomorrow, and far into the future. It made me ask myself, “Where do I want to be in one year, two years, five years, or even twenty?” This type of reflection is so critical, not just for our careers but for our lives.
As credit managers, we know how important continuing education is to stay sharp and make good decisions. But let’s face it—balancing the pressures of work, family, and ongoing learning can be exhausting. It’s easy to let our personal needs slide to the background. That’s why setting personal goals, both short-term and long-term, is essential. What steps do I need to take now to be where I want to be in the future? What knowledge or skills do I need to acquire? We must make time for self-care—whether that means taking a walk, practicing a hobby, or simply spending time with a friend. It’s these moments that recharge us, giving us the strength to face the next challenge.
Finding Your Motivation
As I’ve navigated this journey, one of the most important things I’ve learned is the power of motivation. What drives you? What keeps you going when things get tough? Knowing your strengths is key, but it’s equally important to acknowledge your weaknesses. I’ve always been a firm believer in the power of self-talk. It’s a simple but powerful tool. Instead of focusing on what I’m not good at, I focus on how I can improve and stretch myself. “I may not be great at this yet, but I’m learning, and I will get better.”
Motivation isn’t just about pushing through the hard moments—it’s about celebrating the small wins along the way. When I accomplished a goal, I made sure to reward myself. Whether it was finishing a project, completing a course, or stepping out of my comfort zone to speak in front of a group, each step forward deserves recognition. It’s a reminder that progress is progress, no matter how small.
Embracing Discomfort and Pushing Boundaries
Growth doesn’t happen in comfort zones. As I reflect on this past year, I realize how many times I stepped outside of my comfort zone—and each time, it was an opportunity to grow. One of those moments for me was public speaking. As someone who’s always been more comfortable behind the scenes, getting in front of a group was intimidating. But pushing myself to do it, despite the discomfort, was an important step in my personal development. It’s that kind of discomfort that drives us to grow. And when we push ourselves in those areas where we feel vulnerable, it often leads to incredible personal breakthroughs.
The Power of Self-Discipline and Accountability
There are days when the last thing you want to do is keep pushing forward. On those days, it’s not about motivation—it’s about self-discipline. It’s about showing up even when you don’t feel like it, sticking to your goals, and holding yourself accountable. That’s when the real growth happens. We all face those moments where we’d rather retreat, but it’s in pushing through those moments that we find out what we’re truly capable of.
Gratitude and Giving Back
As I conclude my time as Chairman of ICEL and as credit manager, I am filled with gratitude. Gratitude for the experiences I’ve had, the lessons I’ve learned, and the people I’ve met along the way. I am deeply thankful for the mentors who have guided me and the colleagues who have supported me. But I also recognize the importance of giving back. Mentorship has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my journey, and I encourage all of you to seek opportunities to mentor others. We all have something valuable to offer, and by lifting others up, we not only strengthen our industry but also enrich our own lives.
Conclusion: The Journey is the Best Part
In the end, it’s not just about achieving the goals we set for ourselves—it’s about the journey we take to get there. The challenges, the growth, the lessons learned along the way—these are the moments that define us. I encourage all of you to continue embracing the journey. Keep setting goals, pushing your boundaries, and taking time for self-care. The journey is the best part of the process, and it’s one that will shape you into the best credit manager—and person—you can be.
Thank you for allowing me the privilege of serving as Chairman of ICEL, and for being part of this incredible community.