Individuals, groups and numerous external circumstances continuously dictate to us who we are and what should be the purpose and content of our lives. We have difficulty hearing our own voice. Too often we surrender who we are in order to emulate others. The difficulties in life can bring us to a realization and a declaration that we, not others or external conditions, are responsible for the quality of our lives. This recognition and its potential for fulfillment are core motivations for personal growth. Yet, given an awareness of ourselves as persons of worth, we still may procrastinate about living full lives. Let’s add imaginary boundaries to the time in which this work is done.
Let us suppose you have three months (90 days) to make significant plans towards your dream life. If in this time frame you have taken definitive steps towards this achievement, you will receive significant benefits which will allow you to achieve your dream. There would be no time given over to anger, rage, weeping or complaining continuously. There would be no interval to wallow in the blues of perceived defeat, low self-esteem, or lack of accomplishment. Ninety days is the given interval for action for the development of self and the prioritization of goals. Impediments must be confronted and overcome. They may begin to be regarded as learning opportunities. Ninety days to envision, teach, lead, mentor, give, receive, scale heights, descend into valleys and move beyond the commonplace. Three months, ninety days—to become more of you.
This opportunity for personal growth exists every day! Superlative performance does not always get you the desired position, but you do become aware of your worth and skills and in what settings you need to utilize them.
Reflection
Imagine: At the end of three months (90 days), a letter of recommendation is given to the appropriate persons who will consider you for a position which triples your present salary, pays for all benefits, and gives you 30 days of annual vacation with salary. Your performance in your present position will determine your selection. How would you change how you approach your professional responsibilities? Be brutally honest in this self-critique, then work accordingly. At the end of three months, evaluate how you have changed professionally, personally.
Suggested reading: Gladwell, Malcolm. Outliers: The Story of Success. New York: Back Bay Books/Little,
Brown and Company, 2008.
Dorothy Watson Tatem, D.Min., ACC
Senior Associate
Next Step Associates, LLC
Cassandra W. Jones, Ed.D.
CEO & President