As of January, I’m thrilled to announce that I’ve taken a position with the IRONMAN group. More specifically, I’m managing the marketing for a large portfolio of North American IRONMAN events. It’s already pretty exciting and strategic. My inner nerd is glowing. I’m relishing in the size of our team. So many talented marketers and operations leaders.

What’s been the most surprising challenge is returning to work after maternity leave. I was so eager to get back to marketing that I hadn’t realized what a strange transition it would be.

After spending nearly every waking moment with my little guy for the past 18 months, leaving him for 40 hours a week was a huge adjustment. I still miss him, regularly. But I’ve made changes to how I spend my days off with him so that it’s all quality. The chores and phone can wait until after his bedtime.

The work I do now is more focused and purposeful too. Or at least my aim is to make it that way. Partly because I’ve started working from home, but mostly I don’t want to waste any time away from my little one.

Don’t get me wrong, I love the role of being a parent but I’m pretty head over heels about my profession too. I feel super privileged to have the ability to pursue both. Plus, there’s the added benefit of having a new role at a new company to explore. Loads of learning is happening right now. It’s like solving a collection of interesting puzzles, thinking critically about each move. My cup is full.

I’ve had a couple of months to settle in and reflect, so I thought I would make space to set an intention for this new role.

Which brings me to the term “wasted calories”.

It refers to both performance nutrition and a saying that means to waste energy on stalled projects or issues. Similar to suggesting someone not “spin their wheels”. An IRONMAN regional director coined the phrase. To my absolute delight it’s tossed around very commonly in our company’s virtual hallways.

I’ve spent a fair bit of time across my career chasing projects that didn’t come to fruition or more recently worried about securing childcare. Simply put, if it’s out of my control - it’s wasted calories. In my new roles as parent and marketer, my intention is to channel this energy in a better more productive way, when I get stuck.

If this sounds like you as well, here are some cool articles I’ve read that are shaping my plans:

• Psychology Today’s “How to Stop Spinning Your Wheels - Stress Management”

• Diane Bolden’s “How to Get Unstuck”

• Entrepreneur’s “Stop Spinning Your Wheels and Find Passion”

So, I’m putting this in writing to hold myself accountable. I’m going to sweat the small things less. In my newest chapter of life and career I’m going to focus more on the things that matter most. The things I can control. Who’s with me?!