Focus on the Goal

Recently I finished my graduate degree. This was a goal finally accomplished after many years of putting it off.  My ability to come up with excuses was extraordinary! It was hard to put this goal in front of so many other issues that needed my attention. My full-time work schedule didn’t always leave a huge amount of time to devote to classes. Honestly, it was a real struggle at times. I can recall several instances where I seriously contemplated giving up.

When my last assignment had been graded, my final class had been passed, and my advisor had e-mailed my graduation application I cried. I really cried. As I sat at my desk (crying), I thought about how I had accomplished my goal. Three things immediately came to mind.

                      Three Things to Consider

1. Faith– A good amount of time was spent in prayer. I prayed continuing my education was the right choice. I prayed for help in finishing my assignments. I prayed for assistance when the technology was more advanced than my understanding of it. Prayer was at the forefront during the 2.5 years it took to complete my degree and it continues to be to this day.
2. Focus– Always focus on the goal in front of you. I had to wake up early and stay up late. I had to forgo fun activities to complete homework. Everywhere I went I had to drag my folder of assignments with me just in case I had a couple of minutes to study. Planning time for each assignment as well as time for all the other commitments in my life took some effort.
3. Family–  Family was always at the forefront of my thoughts. Family encourages me in so many ways. My husband, my children and my grandchildren all supported my educational goals.

If you have a big goal that seems impossible there are any number of ideas to help you reach your goal. This is a list of three that immediately came to mind in the aftermath of emotions I was experiencing after finishing my degree requirements. Everyone is different but I have always been one of those people who like to analyze a situation and decide what worked, what didn’t work, and what can I use in the future. Hope this list can provide some inspiration.