Don’t Just Sit There Waiting—Move!

With one foot moving in front of the other, where are you headed?  What future destinations have you chosen for yourself?  What are your personal and professional career goals?  Do you have them written down?  More importantly, what is the plan and accountability you have put into place to achieve your goals?

Each year I set goals, create a plan to achieve those goals, and re-evaluate the plan throughout the year making the necessary adjustments when life goes unplanned.  Trust me—there’s been a few unplanned events:  car accidents, surgery, family illnesses, new jobs, starting a new business, boyfriend break ups, and deaths.

In an effort to meet goals and arrive at a specific destination, I have chosen to accept responsibility for getting myself there keeping one foot moving in front of the other.  I have worked hard to prepare myself physically, spiritually, mentally, and emotionally to arrive at my destinations.

When I graduated from college and moved to Sacramento in my 20’s, I secured my first full-time executive assistant job with health benefits, paid-time off, and a retirement.  I quickly started learning about investing and soon set a goal to buy and own a home.  For a few years I made many sacrifices delaying wants and setting money aside.  I picked up a second job part time in the evenings to supplement my income so I could save faster.  Some discouraged me from home ownership suggesting that I should wait until I got married to purchase and own a home.  Seriously!  I’m 41 years old and still single.  I would still be waiting!!

After arriving at my destination of home ownership, I set a new goal—obtain a master’s degree.  While continuing to work my dual professions as an executive assistant and college educator, I enrolled at Boise State University and started taking my first graduate class.  To be honest, I don’t remember a single person encouraging me that this was a brilliant decision without quitting one of my jobs.  After taking graduate courses for five years one at a time and taking two years to work on a master’s thesis, I graduated with a 4.0 GPA.  I used incredible discipline to manage my time and studied intently.

The reason I’ve chosen to share these two life experiences with you is that I had a goal in mind of home ownership and a graduate degree.  Despite the good intentions of family and friends who felt they knew what was in my best interest, I focused and was determined to arrive at the destination that I had charted for myself.  My family and friends are no longer surprised at the goals I set for myself.  They have and will always be my best supporters and cheerleaders.

As you move into 2015, take some time to think about your destination?  Where do you hope to arrive?  What is your plan for getting there?  Write the plan down.  Share your plan with others so they can support you.  I have learned there is no perfect time!  The time to move forward is now.  Get moving!  If you need a cheerleader, let me know.  I would enjoy being on your team to support you as you work to arrive at your destination.