By Michelle Walker, PhD
Want to know how to navigate your path and achieve your life’s dreams? Begin by believing your life has a purpose! In each stage of your life you fulfill an aspect of that purpose and you contribute to the enhancement of others while achieving your dreams. Regardless of your faith level there is a process you must go through. Process equals “go through and grow-through” according to author, Keith Craft. Your success comes by ‘holding on’, even when others let up or let go.
I played basketball in junior high and high school. My primary position was forward but occasionally I was switched to guard. Regardless of the position I played, passing the basketball to a teammate was an essential skill or fundamental of the sport.
On occasion my late father would coach me and demonstrate a better way to execute a fundamental of the sport. One evening dad instructed me to stand in front of our console television as he demonstrated the correct way to pass the basketball. The goals were (1) pass the basketball with power and speed in order for it to reach the intended teammate and (2) learn to catch the basketball when it was passed with power and speed. I practiced standing with the correct posture, placing my fingers correctly on the basketball to control its direction, positioning my arms to facilitate pushing the basketball away from me and simultaneously stepping forward with one foot in order to pass the basketball to him. When passed correctly, it would be difficult for an opposing player to intercept the basketball.
Why in front of the television? I believe I was intentionally placed in an awkward position. I was unable to remain in one spot and catch the basketball. I had to adjust my position to catch the basketball when dad passed it to me -- sometimes to my left or to my right. I became highly motivated to catch the fast-moving basketball so that it did not hit the television. The distance between us was increased each time we practiced. After the next game we discussed the effectiveness of my passes and identified aspects that were done correctly and incorrectly along with modifications needed. Effectively passing and receiving a basketball became second nature to me during the game. This process of mastering the fundamentals of the sport continued throughout high school and equipped me to excel as a player.
Reflecting on numerous things learned as a youth engaged in sports and student leadership organizations, a college student and a career professional, mastery of the fundamentals are necessary for success. Principles, strategies and techniques mastered in one phase of your life are transferable to other phases. Consider the following as you navigate your path and conquer your dreams:
1. Practice being where you want to be
Model the behavior needed in your future. It is important your work is completed with accuracy and high quality. It takes less time to get it right the first time than it does to unlearn the incorrect way, learn the correct way and implement the work correctly. Secure the proper tools for your work. Create an environment that reflects the environment where you wish to be and learn to feel comfortable in that environment. Remember perfect practice makes perfect.
2. Claim your position
Be your best every day as your reputation will always precede you. To be effective you must know who you are, in what you excel and how to treat others. Focus on mastering one area and gradually expand to related areas as needed. Learn to be confident in your area of expertise.
3. Be secure in your ethical stance
Your ethics convey your value system and serve as a barometer. Be prepared to stand alone for what is right; not bending to doing what is wrong or convenient for others. Your attitude while standing boldly will convey your character. Your career, family roles, community engagement, education attainment and religious values are intertwined. Your gifts, talents, resources and skills are provided and orchestrated by God.
4. Develop endurance
Learn to navigate obstacles. You will encounter many in life. Avoid becoming discouraged and quitting due to challenges faced while navigating your path. Obstacles occur for a reason:
· They often redirect you to a better path.
· They cause you to grow in areas in which you need to be stronger.
· They require you to become creative in solving problems.
· They connect you with individuals who enhance your development.
· They stretch you to reach beyond what you see.
One of my favorite books to read is Wouldn’t Take Nothing For My Journey Now by the late Maya Angelou. Each time I read the section “New Directions” about how the late Mrs. Annie Johnson of Arkansas who in 1903 ‘cut a new path’, I am empowered to continue navigating my path. There is a process you must go through regardless of your faith level. Growing while you go through enables you to develop strength to conquer your dreams.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Michelle Walker, Ph.D.
Dr. Michelle Walker is the Founder & CEO of Trebla Consulting, LLC. An expert in professional learning with a passion for helping others become their best, Michelle helps clients overcome performance challenges by designing and delivering workshops and employee training, developing training materials, facilitating task forces, and convening small group sessions. Prior to founding Trebla Consulting, Walker was Director of Education at DECA Inc. and incorporated diverse professional learning engagement strategies to expand and strengthen the performance of nearly 6,000 teachers and managers in the nonprofit organization's high school and collegiate divisions. Prior to DECA Inc. Michelle was professor at the University of North Texas where she facilitated graduate and undergraduate instruction, developed curricula and contributed to the development of national and state curriculum and learning resources. Walker has spoken and presented at numerous international conferences and is co-author of Marketing Dynamics.