Take The Step
Dorion Baker

Take The Step

The Big Step

I remember when I made the decision to go to Hampden-Sydney College, a small, liberal arts ALL BOY school over William & Mary.  First of all, there were girls at W&M and I was being recruited by the Defensive Coordinator to try out for strong safety alongside Darren Sharper who led a very respectful NFL career in the Free Safety position. Steps like these led to the life and the bed I lie in today.

I'm happy with my bed.

The Smallest Step

Most of my relationships today are the result of that decision over 20 years ago to include my awesome wife and kids. Sometimes the smallest step in the right direction ends up being the biggest step of your life. Since I came home my freshman year looking forward to a big party summer, the last place I wanted to go was to a formal church ladies dinner and the last person I wanted to hang with was my mom.

Somehow, my mom convinced me to go with her and there I met the love of my life. Now, she didn't seem at all interested when I met her, but I knew from the moment I saw her that she was the one. Sixteen years later, we have two great kids and we still love doing life together everyday.

I often wonder would I have missed this blessed life, wife, family, and even my purpose if I had gone to William & Mary instead.  Maybe, just possibly I would rose to the ranks as a 5'9", 195 lbs strong safety and caught one of those NFL scouts eyes long enough to take it to the next level.  That life would have been cool. I would have loved it. But not as much as I love the life I have right now.

Take the Step

When you're seeking a new career or choosing a school or deciding whether to go to college or enter into the armed forces, you are setting yourself up for the next 20 years through the relationships you build. Don't let the moment back you down or cause you to freeze.  Oddly, your decision may not even work out the way you planned it to, but you become the sum of your experiences. Experience life. Take the step. You might become the next safety in the NFL or meet the love of your life and enter into a professional career you've never heard of that eventually leads you into a purpose-filled life. That's part of my story.

Tip toe if you must, but take the step.

Diane Brion, SPHR

Human Resources Director at Parsons Corporation

9 年

Great insight! Thanks for sharing!

Christopher DeLuna

Coach - Mentor - Enterprise Client Executive - Commercial Enterprise & SLED supporting DC/MD/PA/DE - Sales Enablement - Software Defined Data Center, Cyber Security, Networking, Public/Private/Hybrid Cloud

9 年

As a sales leader and someone who has recently changed careers, taking that first step is the most difficult. With every challenge the 10,000 steps become easier. Great Post!!!

Kurt Feick

looking for a position as a Electrical, Project, and System Engineer or Management

9 年

awesome post I would like to invite you to read my post. The Next Best Thing

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