Lead, Follow or Get the Hell Out of the Way

John Wayne,
"I'm Going to Be Blunt, Pilgrim, Don't Leave Your Life To Chance."

Years ago I worked for a large construction firm.  The company president had a sign over his office door that read, "LEAD, FOLLOW OR GET THE HELL OUT OF THE WAY".   At first I was intimidated as I had no idea what it meant but after a while I realized its meaning which brings me to this week's topic.   

I'm going to be blunt because I care about you: 
Today, there are many young people, seventeen, eighteen years old who are ill equipped to deal with life.  They, literally, have no idea where they're going because no one has bothered to teach them.    They've been protected and coddled.  They haven't considered doing anything other than staying at home, sleeping late and playing video games.  They haven't found a job, enrolled in college, don't know how to make a bed, prepare a meal or clean a house.

This oversight will cost them and definitely affect where they end up.

Responsibility is a learned trait.  Trouble is many parents neglect this important tool when raising their kids so kids don't learn how just important it is and how vital it is to their success and well being.     

The world has a place for you but you're the only one who can decide just exactly where your place holder will be.

When you're haphazard with life and thus ill prepared, life can and will reciprocate in kind.  If you can't come up with a plan then life will make one for you.  You'll have no say in what happens afterwards because you never engaged in the process in the first place.

Don't leave your life to chance (being stupid).       

I can say all this because, guess what, I was one of those kids.  I'm passing on my experience to you so hopefully you'll take it to heart.   

So where do you start when you don't have a clue?  First of all I recommend you sit down with your parents and get a conversation going.  Tell them what you'd like to do and ask their advice as to how to get started.  If they don't have any answers or the time, try and find someone in the clergy or a some one else you can trust.

Do you want to work for someone or be self employed?  Maybe you have a burning desire to change the world for the better (don't we all).

In order for you to live your dream maybe four years of college is needed.   Or, maybe you just need an entry level job at Krogers or Walmart in order to get you started.  Responsibility isn't easy but is needed if we are to get anywhere in life.  When you have to get up at 6:00 in the morning to be at work at 8:00 and you forgot to fill up the car the night before or maybe you had one to many with your friends and you're late for work, you'll come face to face with what responsibility is all about.

That's good.  Because it's teaching you discipline, shaping you, turning you and directing you where you want to go in life.     

Like I said before, responsibility is learned and the sooner you take charge of your life the sooner you'll begin to see results.       

Each of us has potential so Get involved, Take charge in mapping out your own destiny.

Don't leave your life to chance.   

     ~Blessings,
            Nightshade