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February 21, 2001

Being motivated

I just saw the results of a poll conducted at the job web site, Monster.com. According to the survey, most kids feel they can do anything they dream. Yet over half of the adults are not fulfilling their childhood dreams.

My first reaction to this was resignation: Hey, that's what happens when we're faced with reality.

Then I looked back at my own experiences, and those of my friends, since graduating from high school. We hadn't abandoned our dreams. We did have to apply a little first aid, though, when those dreams bumped up against our experiences on the job or in college. A bruise here, a rip there, all mended in time, and even stronger than before.

This process can be sudden or slow. But the end result is the same: new dreams. And new dreams mean going back to do more prep work. Just when we think we're near our destination, we start down another unknown road. We have to recognize new signs and cope with a different environment. That's why education is vital throughout our lives.

There are many points at which we may decide to return to school. Here are just a few possible triggers:

I like this field so much that I want to delve deeper into it. - This field is okay, but I'd like to branch out into a related field.

I like the field I'm in, but I need more credentials.

I don't like this field. I know I'd be better in that field.

I don't like this field. I want to switch, but I don't know to what.

I never had a chance to fulfill my dream before, now it's my turn.

I like to learn.

I'm sure there are more -- but I know these from personal experience. I've done them all on one return to school or another. One reason you won't often find: It's the "thing to do."

Most of these reasons are quite practical. Four of them have a very specific direction. Once you've been out in the working world, you're more likely to know what you don't want, even if you don't know what you want. Either way, you're more motivated to succeed than you may have been when you were younger.

And while this motivation focuses you on your destination, the trip has its own rewards. You'll find:

Greater satisfaction. There's nothing quite like the feeling of achievement when you reach established goals.

Less stress (though at exam time, you may not believe this!). Stress is often a result of doing something you don't want to do, being in a situation where you have no control.

Persistence and strength to stick it out. You may surprise yourself.

Time you never thought you had. Somehow you make the time to study when you know what's at stake.

Renewed enthusiasm and creativity. You'll find yourself totally involved in exploring the new issues, techniques and skills you're learning.

This time around, the trip may be so enticing you won't want it to end. There are always new dreams, new goals and new courses to take!

2/21/01