Our professional development trajectory, by definition, is based on forward progress and constantly pushing into new territories. As in our personal lives, most of us are excited about those new experiences, as they present us new opportunities to be challenged and to grow. And it is that growth that we (as professionals) see as the greatest similarity between our personal and professional lives. We achieve that growth when we step outside our comfort zone and attack those new, exciting, frightening, exhilarating opportunities.

Does this mean there is no place for traditions, standardization, same-ness in our professional life? I'd like to propose three areas where - for most of us - having those familiar and repeatable touchstones can be critical for our success.