My mother passed away just 4 months before my high school graduation. I was 17 years old and suddenly an orphan. We didn’t have much money so nothing was left behind other than the priceless life lessons she deposited deep into my mind and heart (many of those lessons I credit for where I am today).
I remember finishing high school not knowing what I wanted to do with my career or my life. I just knew I had a love of learning and if I were going to make anything of myself I needed to be in a learning enviornment. After spending a lot of time wrestling with my career and self-worth, I decided to go forward with my desire to be a college student.
On a hot summer day in July without a dollar to my name, I got up and walked about 2 miles to the nearest University and asked for an application. The cost was $50. I didn’t have a dime. Thankfully that day they made an exception, waived the application fee and allowed me to move forward with the process of enrollment. Within a few weeks I was accepted into the University and my life as a college student began. I went on to graduate magna cum laude, becoming the first member of my family to obtain a college degree.
I’m telling you all this because –
Making that decision was the first thing I had ever done purely on faith.
Most would look at this as a great accomplishment but the truth is…..initially, I didn’t. I looked at finishing college as doing what was necessary for me to get where I needed to be.
Later, I realized and accepted the fact that it was an achievement worthy of recognition but more importantly it was proof that great things happen when you have a made up mind.
Thinking back, I could have easily leaned on the “If I had more money I would have ……” excuse. But in my heart I knew that wouldn’t have gotten me any closer to fulfilling my desire to learn and get where I needed to be. Had it not been for the shifting of my mindset and making a strong decision to do something with my life, I may have been stuck in the “getting ready phase” for who knows how long.
You are the master of your destiny. You can influence, direct and control your own environment. You can make your life what you want it to be. -Napoleon Hill
The point is…
If you wish to accomplish anything in your life you must do these THREE things:
1. Invest in nurturing your mind into deep belief that it can actually happen.
2. You must convince yourself of this absolute truth: You have what it takes to make it happen!
3. Now, roll up your sleeves, stop making excuses and get to work.
Best,
Mary
P.S. Get started now by downloading my Career Planning E-Workbook