Day 11_Activate

Sometimes we get in our own way when it comes to pursuing our vision. More seems to be going against us than for us, making us want to give up and admit defeat.

Yet those same difficulties can serve as a catalyst to shoot us toward what we most want in life. As strange as it may sound, maybe we couldn't have gotten what we really wanted any other way.

For example, there's a man named Chris Gardner who was the subject of a movie. Will Smith played him in the film, 'The Pursuit of Happyness.'

Mr. Gardner lost his wife, his home and his job. He was left alone to raise his son with no support, no money and no home.

Did he quit?

Go to the 'video' icon and catch a glimpse of this inspiring man who was desperate enough to pursue his vision.

Let us know what you thought about the clips when you've finished.

Mr. Gardner had a vision and pursued it against all odds.

Nothing was in his favor...except what was inside of him. That made all the difference.

When you were putting together your vision board the other day, what did you feel?

Did you begin to see the possibilities?

At the same time, did it seem like you could never make it given what you're up against?

We're going to help you develop your plan. Trust the process.

You can start by committing to yourself that you'll pursue your vision with everything you've got. Do it quickly before the doubts crowd out your initial excitement.

Will you commit?

Let's set the foundation for your plan.

Describe how you would like to see yourself in 20 words or less.

Those 20 words are the basis for your game plan.

Your future hinges on what you do to become that person, starting with the career you choose, the people you work with and the boss who can bring out the best or the worst in you.

Beginning now, we encourage you to pursue opportunities that allow the best part of you to be nurtured and developed.

If you're working your way through college, or plan to work your way through school, choose environments that will keep you focused on becoming the man or woman you were meant to be.

The 'best possible you' can be developed through work or volunteer experiences and internships where you choose a supervisor willing and capable of developing those qualities you wrote about in Step 2, even if your 'real job' hasn't yet begun.

Think about Mr. Gardner. He did an internship without pay to prove to his boss that he could be an asset as a stock broker.

He had promised his son he would be a good father, a man his son could respect, and he would be successful in his field.

He did what he had to do. He began by choosing a leader who believed in him enough to give him a chance.

You can do this, too. Hey, it was a real-life story.

It doesn't mean they're going to be easy jobs, and you may not even like your boss at first. But you'll know you're in the right place because you're becoming stronger, smarter, more confident, happier and more honest with yourself.

You're stretched in a way that feels right.

How willing are you to follow this advice?

Mr. Gardner got the coveted internship by pounding the pavement and talking to people who could get him in the door.

He was not shy! He set aside his pride in order to find that one person who could get him closer to his goal.

What type of bosses and work environments would bring out your best?

Who could you talk to about getting your foot in the door even if it's an internship or summer job?

Don't forget to check your pride at the door.

If you're concerned about not having the right clothes for the job, then refer again to Mr. Gardner who showed up for his first interview in a dirty t-shirt. In fact, he arrived straight from jail with paint in his hair.

For the right boss, clothes won't matter as much as your enthusiasm, confidence and a sincere desire to be a great part of his or her team.

There's something else to include in your plan.

Mr. Gardner knew he would have to pass a very tough exam in order to get his broker's license. Without that license, his dream would never happen.

He's broke and doing whatever he can to keep his son safe and fed, AND he's having to study in a Men's Room late at night for a complicated exam.

So...what about your situation...what kind of character traits, skill sets and academic credentials or licensing does your vision require?

List them in the space provided.

Are you presently doing what it takes to earn the credentials or licensing?

If not, what is the step you can take now to earn a degree, complete your certificate program or fulfill a licensing requirement?

Mr. Gardner had just about every hurdle possible in his way. But quitting wasn't an option.

What keeps you going?

Pursuit of a dream is not easy, but nothing of great value is. That's why people feel so good when they make it.

Each step is important in your unique adventure. There are highs and lows and some dull spots and places where you get stuck. There are people you meet who you'll come to appreciate and value, people you may never have had a chance to meet otherwise. There will be moments of pure joy and incomprehensible inspiration.

Checkout or stream the movie, 'Pursuit of Happyness'.

Watch the film all the way to the end even if you've seen it before. Pay attention to Mr. Gardner's challenges and his attitude that helped him overcome great odds.

Willing?