Wednesday, August 23, 2017

Growing By Layers

Most often, it can take anywhere from four to twelve years for a person to gain an education in a particular chosen field, depending on which area is pursued. Never do we just snap our fingers and we have an instant degree in anything. This can be a daunting adventure and not everyone will actually complete it the way they originally dreamed.

However, if a person stays on course, and never gives up, it can really happen! Many of these successful graduates did it the right way and began by seeking an advisor’s direction in how to get where they wanted to go. Some wasted time by taking needless, individual classes instead of pursuing a certain course of action for the degree they needed. That is why it is important to examine from the beginning exactly which career direction is best. It may even become apparent that on-the-job training or a trade school will be a better option.   

Have Your Cake and Eat It Too
The same is true in most anything we desire in life. Perhaps we really want to start our own business. So, there are certain steps to attain that goal. Finding an advisor or partner is helpful. Perhaps a few night courses in business, accounting, or marketing would be in order if we don’t already have that on our resume. Finding out about a Small Business Loan (SBA) may be what we need. There are many avenues to find success.

How would we become a chef, a hotel manager, a preschool director, or CEO of a software company? No matter where we want to go in life, there is a way to get there. Knowledge, education, first steps and last steps. The important point is to not let time get away from us. Don’t get discouraged, just jump in and begin with the first step. No matter if we are in our 30s, 40s, 50s, or beyond, determination will push us forward. [Side note: a fabulous book currently about this subject of reinventing your life is, It Ain’t Over. . .Till It’s Over by Marlo Thomas].

So we may be asking, how in the world do we go after our dreams? Actually, perhaps a better and more fun way to look at it, rather than “steps” (which can dissolve over time once they are complete) is to see our life dream in “layers,” which together create a “whole,” much like baking a multi-layer cake. Once we definitely figure out what we want to do with our lives, we can begin to build one slice or sliver at a time as needed. We will need a slice of Wisdom, one of Strength, and a sliver of Confidence, etc. etc. Now you have the idea. Whatever we don’t have, we can always find someone who does and are willing to share how their “cake” came out of the oven!

The Best Ingredient
A very important part of creating a new life, is starting with a Spiritual framework to hold everything together. God was the first Creator and desired for us to be filled with His love, strength, and a heart where He could make His home. We can also build a relationship with Him in  “layers” through getting a Bible and reading it each day, creating a quiet time, and finding a church home. Be sure not to leave out this critical ingredient!

“Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong” Ephesians 3:17 NLT.

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