What Time Is It?

What time is it? Often, we convince ourselves that it's not the right time to take that next step in your next journey, whether it's career goals, personal goals, or educational goals..

What time is it? Often, we convince ourselves that it's not the right time to take that next step in your next journey, whether it's career goals, personal goals, or educational goals. At some point throughout our lives, we've had dreams and goals.   Over those years, our goals will change and evolve. In high school, I was into athletics (track & field) so my dream was to go to the Olympics. Some may say that's a pipe dream, but what I learned during this time I was reaching. I was researching my event, reading about techniques and training skills for my event, tracking my progress and personal growth. In addition, I began to develop my work ethic through my practice sessions outside the scheduled, organized practices. You might say, Dr. J., what does that have to do with timing? Well, a lot!! When we identify our goals, we have already completed the background work. Researching information, identifying requirements, opportunities, and resources. The only thing left to do is just to put one foot in front of the other. You might say, well, Dr. J., that's easier said than done. My answer is let's try!!! The first thing is we must change the narrative. We spend a lot of energy convincing ourselves it's not the right time to go for our dreams. Statements like I'm not qualified. I don't have any money. I can barely pay my bills. Inflation is out of control. I'm taking care of an elderly parent. I have young kids. I work two jobs. I don't write well. I'm afraid to speak in front of others. I don't know where to start………. Whea!!!! In order to change the narrative, you must speak positivity and confidence to yourself. In an earlier post, we looked at identifying your unique attributes, talents, and skills. Specifically, using the following definitions as a guide.  

Attributes – a quality, character, or character trait that refers to someone.

Talents – an unborn and special ability of a person to do something

Skills – an expertise that the person acquires by learning.

Once you identify your uniqueness, you can develop your I AM statement. For example, my I AM statement is "I AM a leader who motivates and encourages others. Once you develop your I AM Statement, I challenge you to look in the mirror every day and say out loud your I AM statement to yourself internally and out loud. Look in the mirror and say it over and over until you begin to internalize and believe it. Next, for every excuse/ obstacle, come up with a solution. For example, I'm not qualified – what research can you do on the skill you need to have to achieve your dream or goal. Search the internet, read books, and magazines, watch tutorial videos, attend a training workshop, and take a class at the local community college on that particular topic. Intentionally identify what it is that you can work on to begin the journey to achieving your dream/goal. Third, develop a plan. It would be best if you had a plan for two reasons:

1.    Know where you are trying to go

2.    Know how to get there (what route to take)

This could be as simple or as elaborate as you feel comfortable. It can be in an outline form, a narrative form, a graphic organizer, or post-it notes. Fourth, develop a timeline. No, I'm not talking about "5 -3 -1-year plans". I am referring to more attainable timelines, "1-3-6-8 months". Remember, we are taking one step at a time. The time is Now!! You have already done some preliminary work. Think about a baby as they take their first steps. They don't stand up and take off walking across the room. It's a process, having to build muscle memory in their little legs and strength. However, we can learn the lesson of determination and persistence from the. No matter how often they fall, they get back up and keep trying one baby step at a time. It will also be a process for you, but it all starts with the first step.

What negative narrative do you need to address and develop a solution for?

How will you begin the process of taking your first step toward your dream/goal?