- Believe you can change your circumstances. You are not powerless. There is always something you can do to make your life better (even if it’s only a change in attitude).
- Discover your resources. If you live somewhere in the USA, there are lots of them. Many at no to low cost. Public libraries, public transportation, and community health clinics should be at the top of your list.
- Visit your local community or state college and register for classes. Commit to being a good student. Make academic life a top priority.
- Visit the financial aid office for tuition assistance.
- Make an appointment with an academic advisor to help you choose an area of study that will teach you a trade or specialized skill you will enjoy.
- Healthcare/nursing
- EMT
- Teaching credential
- Mechanics
- Computers
- Culinary
c) Do not waste your time, energy and money studying a field that will not ensure employment and a living wage post-graduation. You need both skills and knowledge to become successful.
4) Get an entry level job and commit to being on time and a dependable, hard working, honest employee.
- You may not love or even like the job, but if you have a good attitude and understand it’s a necessary stepping stone to reach your goals, gain experience and skills, and pay the bills, then you will develop and grow personally and professionally.
- If finding a job is a challenge, don’t be afraid to take a job that you feel is below your skill/pay level. Supervisors promote quickly from within those who can handle responsibility.
5) Avoid blowing your paycheck on booze, drugs, cigarettes, junk food, electronics and other non-necessity items. Find enjoyable things to do in your free time that are low or no cost. Join a running club, volunteer at a children’s home or pet shelter, join a community theater, or earn some extra money by picking up a second part-time job (banquet server, babysitting, lawn care, etc.)
6) Learn the art of being frugal. Most self-made millionaires stay rich because they know how to manage money. Stay away from credit cards. Buy what you can afford and save the rest.
7) Find friends who have similar goals as you. This way you won’t be tempted to sabotage your own goals with what your circle is doing. This is also a great way to create a positive support system for yourself.
8) Download and read a daily devotional app for inspiration. Proverbs and the Daily Bread are perfect for guiding your way and providing encouragement when life becomes overwhelming. Find a church you like and make a point to attend service weekly. Worship, prayer and an uplifting message can revive your spirit and release the burdens of life. Know that God has a great plan for your life...you only need to listen.
9) Take 5-10 minutes for yourself each day to meditate, clear your mind and spend some quiet time with God. Stress can take over very quickly and affect our physical and mental health and well being. Prayer is the best way I have found to release worry, fear, anxiety and allow the Holy Spirit to guide, strengthen and bring peace and comfort in all circumstances.
10) Take good care of yourself. This includes your mind, body and spirit.
- Eat well. Don’t skip meals or live on caffeine and sugar. You WILL burn out and become sick eventually.
- Drink a liter of water every morning to improve brain circulation and energize and detoxify cells.
- Be physically active everyday. Walk, walk, walk everywhere. Do 5-10 minutes of Yoga sun salutations morning and night.
- Avoid toxins - alcohol, sugar, drugs, cigarettes, fast food, excessive caffeine/energy drinks. All of these things will deplete you of your energy, mental capacity, general health and well being. They are counterproductive to success.
- Drive safely. Wear your seatbelt. Don’t text and drive or drink and drive. Don’t ride with people who text/drink and drive. Avoid spending time with people who don’t make good choices. Practice safe sex or abstinence.
- Go for an annual physical and blood work every year. If healthcare is a challenge, visit a community health clinic. You may have to wait in line a while, but you would anyway for for a free ipad and who’s going to argue that a free ipad is more important than a person’s health?
In the very least, know that Mom and Dad love you with our hearts and souls. You are blessings beyond our wildest dreams. We are here for you in all circumstances, not to enable you, but to love and encourage you. We always want the absolute best for you and will be praying for you every day.
