Shoot for the stars

Hello Everyone,

I hope you are all having a great week! I have a bit of news to share that might help some people getting through a tough time.

I just recently I took the Cisco CCNA for the second time. I failed by just 8 points (possible 1 or two questions). After all of that time studying and preparing for a second time I was devastated.

Naturally, at first I was quite upset and embarrassed that I didn't pass. That is normal. Many people are disappointed in themselves when they don't succeed in a goal they have been working towards. Fortunately for me, the support from my family and friends has been very strong. And I am incredibly stubborn when I have a goal. 

I wanted to share something my sister said that really helped me stay focused and encouraged me to move forward.

"Some of the most successful people in life have had the most failures. Don't give up!"

This really hit the spot.

It is a struggle to not feel stupid, unfit or angry when you can't reach your goals. But people who are successful have that little bit of crazy that keeps them moving forward. Of course, reassess yourself, your goals and methods of achieving it to figure out why it's not working. Don't carelessly approach anything worth working for. No path to victory is a straight line. You are going to need to work at it and likely fail many times.

We also need to understand that we are not all the same. Juggling my personal life, my work life and my study time is not an easy task. It may be easier for someone who has a technical role and works with these systems every day. Or someone who came from a technical degree. Regardless, these skills require a lot of work and time. I respect and admire the people who achieve these difficult certifications more each day. These tests are NOT friendly and can not be passed without understanding it well.  

Just like everyone else, I want to sit and watch a movie on my new TV. Just like everyone else, I want to just spend the day relaxing, going to the mall, and not having to worry about the time. But unlike most people, I want to improve my knowledge and prove it to myself. I will get that piece of paper. I need to schedule my days off, get study in when I can and understand that the sacrifices I make now will reward me in the future. I know my path.

Hopefully the 3rd time is a charm. I am planning on smashing it out of the park next time.

Feel free to share a story of your struggles and if you overcame them. I am interested to hear your story. Perhaps we can encourage each other!

All the best!