Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Polly Windham. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Polly, looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?
From an early age it was apparent I was a creative who has an extroverted personality. This made made me outgoing, try new things and take risks. I would have thought those traits would set me up for a solid work ethic but that was not my case. In retrospect I realize a few things that have developed my personal work ethic, Focus, Approval and Health.
I have to work very hard to stay focused on the task at hand. It does not come easy for me to “stay the course”. I am distracted by relationships as well as my own self control.
The household I was raised in included a sense of “how can I do even better than the accomplishment I have just achieved” I believe this came from my father. The work was never done. This can be unhealthy and healthy. Finding the balance to enjoy your accomplishments is just as important as furthering your development. I work hard to balance seeking approval and being aware in my own self approval.
Focus and Approval are both tied to my self health. Checking in with my mind, body and soul are important factors in my work ethic and make these other factors manageable.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
My name is Polly Windham. I have been a singer/songwriter/performer from a very you age. My focus has been dedicated to the craft of my artistry. However, I made a huge career change that still incorporated my craft but shifted the focus on the expansion of my purpose. The career change was taking an oath and enlisting into the United States Army to become a Soldier. More specifically to become a musician in the Army.
I still write, sing and perform, but I also perform as a representative of the Army. There is a lot of responsibility as well as pride that goes with the expansion of my purpose. I now get to be a bridge between the Military and the American People. A communicator that is important to the health and wellbeing of this relationship. A tangible resource for those who have never met a Soldier or an opportunity to have a conversation with one.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Three qualities I believe are important for anyone on their own personal journey are Interpersonal relationships, communication and listening skills. We are all humans living with the human condition. We are seekers looking for acceptance and love. Being able to navigate all the different qualities people bring to the table can be a strengthening in the human connection and provide guidance and/or purpose in whatever journey or goal your are striving for. So be open to listen. Be present when listening. Ask questions.
Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?
Friends, Family and the Army all play an important role in my own self development. I challenged by life everyday. However, I have become aware that when a challenging obstacle has triggered me, it is time to slow down and investigate why I am feeling the way I am feeing. Asking the right questions. “What is physically happening right now?”, “What are the thoughts I am having?” “What are the feelings I am having ?” Reaching out to others can be a challenge sometimes but those people close to me make it easier to do so.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.pollywindham.com
- Instagram: www.instgram.com/pollywindhammusic
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/pollywindhammusic
- Youtube: www.youtube.com/@pollywindham
Image Credits
First photo by Natia Cinco, Second photo (Soldier in Uniform) by Mark Kersting, Third Photo by Raquel Aguilar Reyes, Fourth Photo is selfie working on self health
