Setting Your Intention

For the past three years, I’ve been going to graduate school. Yes, I did an online program and no, it’s not a sham. It was actually pretty darn hard. I pursued and just completed a Masters in Human Resources Management, and I have to say I’m ready to party like its 1999. Seriously, I wish I could party as if I was 19.
But, alas, this 33 year old is full of aches, pains, and can certainly feel it when I stay awake past the witching hour. But, this accomplishment definitely feels like something to celebrate.  I did the program, one course at a time, often in hotel rooms around the world.  Perhaps, dear reader, you remember when I traveled to Istanbul, Turkey? I attended school at 3 a.m. in my hotel lobby around the corner from the Blue Mosque and the Grand Bazaar.
Other times, I had to leave business dinners early to make it to class.  I attended school in my bedroom, snuggly pajamas on and hot cup of tea by my side.  I’ve missed parties to write papers, spent perfect beach days holed up inside reading journal articles and even coerced my husband into helping me study for HR tests.
It feels like such an accomplishment because I started this lofty goal in 2011. There were so many times I didn’t know if I had it in me to attend school after a long work day or write that 20 page paper while trying to balance work and a social life.  Now at the end of this long journey, I am reminded that every dream starts with an intention.
Often to accomplish our dreams, it just takes sticking with it. In truth, the courses I took weren’t so hard I lacked the skills, knowledge or capabilities, but rather I found myself lacking the motivation. I wanted to bag it and hang out with my friends.  As the famous quote goes, “90% of life is showing up.” Sometimes that simple truth is the hardest part.
Luckily and with support from my friends and family, I did keep showing up and now I’ve accomplished something I dreamed of doing for ten years. If you have something you want to start, signing up or taking the first step can be the hardest. The next hardest part is to just keep putting one foot in front of the other, day after day. I know if I can do it, so can you. Start with your intention and the road to your dreams is one step closer.
 
Katie Wells is a local writer, customer service trainer, and social media specialist. She can be contacted at kewsolutionsinc@gmail.com