If You Don’t Know Where to Start … Start Here

A few days ago, I attended a meeting where each of the participants was asked to make a short intro. We were given specific guidelines, such as provide our name or nickname, occupation, hobbies, and so on.

As usually happens during these introductions, some people stick to the format, and a few feel they should share their entire life story. In one case, a person told us about his many accomplishments and all the good stuff he’s done for the past 30 years.

I am exaggerating a bit here, but it did take him about 10 minutes to complete his intro, which is nuts!

However, as normally happens in my meetings, someone makes a great comment that resonates with me.

During her intro, a lady talked about her involvement in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs. Nearing the end of her share, she said …

“If you don’t know where to start … start here.”

This comment reminded me of a quote from President Teddy Roosevelt …

“Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.”

Now is Good

As a professor and corporate trainer, most of my students are working adults. They are either coming back to school to complete the degree they started many years ago, or they are looking to earn a professional certification to advance their careers.

Here are some of the comments I often hear from my students:

• “It’s crazy that it has taken me this long to come back to school. I can’t believe life got in the way.”
• “I thought I had all the answers when I was young. My parents were on me about completing my studies, but I had a good paying hourly job, so I ignored them.”
• “A friend of mine told me about this project management certification, but I was too afraid that I would fail the exam. I regret all the money I lost over the years because I lacked this credential!”

We’ve all had situations where we failed to take action, and we might have legitimate reasons. In some cases, we suffered a personal loss that made it difficult to take on any additional responsibilities.

However, today is a new day.

Instead of procrastinating, we can start right where we are, even if our current situation is less than perfect. As we know, it is impossible to find the ideal time to do anything.

For some, earning a university degree is important … start now.

There are some people who have wanted to take on a new hobby, such as dancing … start now.

I have many friends who are now retired, and they are looking to stay busy by serving others, such as through ministries … start now.

A friend recently shared with me that her doctor recommended frequent exercise, and she wanted to wait until the summer … start now.

In my case, I want to spend more time with my family and my church friends … no more excuses … start now!

God is Great!

Homework Inquiry

During the next week, here’s your homework inquiry: What is possible when you have no excuses?