Let’s exercise a little forethought. Whether you want to answer this publicly or just to yourself, I always find it useful to consider a “five-year plan,” if you will. Don’t know where to start? Here are some questions/tips to get the juices flowing:
- Where are you at now? For example, consider your place in school, work, or life in general.
- Ideally – and I mean shoot for the stars – what’s your ultimate goal. Don’t say “Oh, I can’t do that.” Really, think about what you want to do.
- Visualize the steps to get there. I’m always reminded of the words of Helmut Schmidt, a German politician a professor of mine once referenced in passing. He once famously said, “Whoever wants to reach a distant goal must take small steps.” Whether it be politics or starting a family, the core idea remains true. See the steps in front of you.
- What do you need to do to initiate those steps? Does the first one require planning or just the confidence to move forward?
- Take a dive. Not to overindulge in personal anecdotes, but I can’t help but to mention how as a child I would, at the lament of my father, run and jump into the deep end of swimming pools, despite my not knowing how to swim. Well, I learned (not without a few rescues in the beginning).
These things considered, where do you see yourself in 5 years?
April 23, 2011 at 8:48 am
I love your story about jumping into the deep end of swimming pools as a child! By God’s glory you are still alive and are able to inspire others through your experience to go for it (whatever ‘it’ may be) in life. I am the chef and owner of Organic Soul Chef, LLC and for the past 6 years I have been empowering my community through wholesome eating and living education. In 5 years I will be publshishing cook/wellness books and cooking and teaching globally, emphasizing the importance of sustainable eating, cooking and living. Ashe!
April 23, 2011 at 9:27 am
I’m glad you enjoyed it, Madea! I truly am lucky enough to be able to tell the story in humor rather than my family in grief. I wish you the best in your goals and I’m sure you’ll make it there with the drive and determination you have!