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Modern Psychology.

Even though Psychology was my chosen major, I fell asleep more than once during this introductory class.

Why?

A list of facts, dates, pioneers on the subject and such a broad spectrum of topics, it made my head spin. Looking back, there were a whole collection of elective classes which impressed me this way.

When would I get to “the meat” of the subject.  What transfer of knowledge was being imparted to me that I could actually use in the real world?

I don’t believe the focus of college education addresses the concrete, down-to-earth material until the student advances to Master or Phd Level of Education……if at all.   This had always confused me; why would not “an institution of higher learning” not include classes to prepare the average university student a foundation for entering the business world?

Why would the class on How to Succeed “Beyond the Diploma” not be part of the requirements to earn a degree from the University?

If the purpose of attending College is to prepare oneself for the future,  then why not teach the student the basics of survival, getting-ahead, and achieving you greatest self?

Theory is great, learning to interact with your fellow classmates even more important, but the most useful knowledge will guide you in making the life-changing decisions, elevate you above the mediocre and empower you will the tools to succeed in business and in life.

Make sure your education includes a class or classes which allows you to practice your skills:

1. An Internship Program
2. A Mentor Program
3. An On-the-Job Training Program
4. A local or internet class which teaches step-by-step business practices.

Secure your future.  Be watchful for the opportunity to acquire knowledge and experience beyond the classroom and  “Beyond the Diploma.”

Where will you be in five years from now?

If you’re enrolled in the University, you will surely have graduated by then.

Consider these questions if you will:

1. Are you going to be living the life of your dreams?
2. Has College given you all the tools you need to succeed?
3. Are you working in a Career, not just a Job?

If you cannot answer with a resounding Y-E-S,  I can only recommend you seek some additional resources to help you to reach your greatest self.  These may include people (a mentor to take you under their tutoring), or additional classes (supplemental materials that your college doesn’t provide.

Regardless of your choices, 2015 will come and go.

B-U-T

Because of your choices, 2015 can be your best year.

When is the best time to begin planning for your post-college profession?

Good question, wouldn’t you say?

Sure, a good majority might say that after your first two college years. Now it’s time to buckle down, start concentrating on choosing a Major and start looking around at the upcoming employment opportunities.

I say, the best time,  ASAP!

Let me assure you, I’m not advocating a life of pressure and a constant feeling of anxiety.  I believe in having fun as much as the next guy, taking time to experience and enjoy the college-life.  You definitely need a well rounded approach to your weeks, months and years on campus.  This is not only healthy for maintaining your emotional balance, but is essential in your development into a well rounded individual.

With that being said, my answer may still seem rather intense.

You should begin planning your post-graduate career even before starting college.

The student who knows what he/she wants to be doing early in the high school years, is well on the way to success.

John knew he wanted to become a dentist long before enrolling in university.  Susie realized she had a flair for organizing her thoughts and a love of math as young as she could remember and naturally gravitated to her career in Accounting.  But what about the rest of us?

I still say starting early is best. I have seen too many people, including myself, procrastinate on making the tough decisions, procrastinated until it was too late.  Should have, and could have days were days wasted.

Procrastination may become your worst enemy.

It could cause you years of unnecessary struggle and thousands of dollars.

So, where are you headed?

Take the necessary time to look inside yourself.  Discover and define how you want to spend your working career.

A tip to consider:

* Realize, we all have talents that are unique to ourselves.  No one else can excel at the exact same things as you or I.   You just need to discover your uniqueness, decide on the path you feel is right for you, and most importantly,  Act! *

My best advice for your career success beyond-the-diploma is twofold:

1. “Become the Best Version of Yourself.”
2. “Do it now.”

Please let me hear from you.  What are your challenges?  Your roadblocks?  What is holding you back on the road to your greatness?

Bill

“Helping you Achieve your Greatest Self”

Don’t underestimate the importance of a college degree.

Third and fourth year students may be second-guessing the real need to finish. They may not have a clear path for their professional career and start doubting their choice of major.

From my perspective, I would recommend staying the course.

Even if the rewards are not immediate, odds are that the graduate will eventually be the one trusted to be a better hiring risk, the one who will succeed in landing the better job, and the one who will most likely achieve the greatest job satisfaction and in realizing their greatest potential.

Trust me, I’ve been there.

Bill
“Helping You Achieve Your Greatest Self”

It’s hard to admit,
but this picture kind of resembles the roadmap that I used to decide on the life-path
of which I would eventually follow.

It was filled with trial and error. I was often confused as to where to make my next connection.
I had even shocked my parents with some of my decisions and I, on occasion, seemed to overload the whole system, to others who knew me.

Looking back, it wasn’t what I would recommend.
I didn’t have much of a plan for my future.
I guess I was fortunate to find my way at all.
I will say, it was a lot more painful than it had to be.

Now, I shake my head at some of the stupid decisions I made.
The real questions that I should have been asking myself:
“Why not ask someone who has walked this path before?”
“If the shoe doesn’t fit, why wear it?”
“If you’re lost, don’t you think it wise to ask for directions?”
“How do you expect to fly like an eagle, if you haven’t even learned to fly?”

Now, many years later, the answers come so easily.

If you want to be the best person that you can become,
If you want to make a difference in your life and the lives of others,
If you want to have lived a fulfilled life,
you have to discover your unique talents.

You are the only person who can do what you were
meant to do.

You will most probably need some guidance along the way.
You should have role models along the way.
If it doesn’t feel right for you, it probably isn’t.
Neither be afraid nor too proud to ask for help along the way.
There are people who would gladly help, if only you would give them the chance.

These 3 steps are key:
1. Determine your life purpose.
2. Develop a clarity of mind, a plan, as to how you intend to get there?
3. Act on your intentions?

Bill

Helping you discover your life purpose,
live your life purpose, and
achieve your greatest self.