What and Why.

When you grow up, your career is basically what leads your life. It is about 75 percent of who you are and affects who you will become.

When you are young, people always ask “What do you want to be when you grow up?” A simple [insert job title here] is accepted. No one continues the question and asks “why?” The answer to the “why” might just be more important than the answer to the “what.” Think about it…

As we grow up, the “why” starts to become even more important. It reflects who we are and who we want to be. If we cannot answer the “why,” then maybe the question should be restructured or our answers should be rethought. Maybe the sequence of the questions should be reversed and we should focus on “who do you want to become and what do you want to accomplish?” Then “what profession will help foster those accomplishments?”

As I sit here, about to go on an interview (the reason the question “why” popped into my head), I know that I want to make a difference. I want to be a role model, a positive influence and an inspiration to those around me. Often times I see the good people, the obstacles they overcame to be standing in front of me, and I want them feel appreciated and know that dreams can be achieved. The keys to success include support, the right attitude (confidence) and the inner strength that can sometimes be so hard to find. I see too many people who just got to their job, do it and leave...or worse, do it for the wrong reasons. They don’t go home and think about if they are satisfied, fulfilled or are on their way to accomplishing what they planned. They just do it without passion.

As I write this, I sit in the park at Independence Hall and watch the school kids run around. I wonder who each of them will become and where they will go and how lucky those teachers are to be directing them to sit by the tree for lunch and more importantly, directing their lives. Hmmm, I wonder why I took that wrong turn in my life and I am sitting here looking in, rather than being on the inside looking out….

It’s okay because one day, I WILL teach. I will be a positive influence and will have people listen to me and think “that is something I will never forget and will help me get through life.” Teaching, sharing, influencing—those are the gifts I was given and who am I to be so selfish as to keep them to myself? :)