Ten years later — A view of a rewarding journey
Sunday, March 25, 2007 12:47 AM PDT
Your future, your ability to make your dreams a reality depends on: how soon you can let go of what is holding you back, how you can stay focused on your long-term goal, how you can adjust to prevail in changing circumstances (without compromising your values/beliefs) and how quickly you turn setbacks into stepping stones for a new beginning.
On April 11, 1997, I left a full-time, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. job to be a professional speaker, trainer and author. I could no longer expect a paycheck every other week.
No more employment related benefits —401K, health and life insurances. No assurance of when or if I would be called to give a speech and by whom.
English is not my native or even second language. My college education is not in any remote way related to what I was embarking to do.
There were underlining factors that made the decision to leave a predictable paycheck to uncertain expectations even more disturbing. The needs of my family, of one wife and four children were increasing significantly.
The financial and emotional support of aging parents could not be left to chance. Just two years before that day, we had built and moved to our first house in Eagle, Idaho, bought our first new family vehicle and committed to help a brother with his college tuition.
Now looking back, I can say these have been the most rewarding years of my life. Growth has come in what matters the most in life.
A paycheck or money is not the only currency to operate with in this journey we call life. What we do for ourselves can get us by. What we do for others is what gets us ahead; whether in our profession, spiritual pursuits or relationships. To me a, “THANK YOU” from someone whose future seems brighter after my speech or reading my articles or listening to my 2-hours weekly radio program weighs more than “CHECK ENCLOSED.”
I have identified seven crucial personal assets that can’t be left to chance. As the Chief Operation Officer of your life, you are in charge of your faith, health, finances, relationships and personal and professional growth.
I also have come to conclude that beside our individual relationship with God, the best thing He has given us is other people.
The art and science of achievements, once you have taken care of the personal assets, depends on how well you are in tune with your family; the people you serve; your colleagues; employer; critics and your community.
As you read this, you may be facing a decision that seems to be more marred by obstacles that it is illuminated by the opportunities of your dream.
Maybe your limitations seem to outweigh your strengths. Or maybe your skills, resources and connections are way below what is logically needed for your vision to bear fruits.
Take heart and get moving. Permit yourself to leave the comfort of a harbor that may soon be a dry land of regret for never trying, so that you can discover, learn and grow.
Faith is following a path that may not be a path to anyone else beside you. Faith is what will help you look up as opposed to sorrow that focuses on the past and worry that is concerned with the present.
I have given presentations at the same conferences with Elizabeth Dole and Noble Peace Prize Recipient Bishop Tutu. Idaho honored me by making me the featured speaker at the State Leadership Prayer Breakfast that was attended by over a thousand state leaders.
Within the State of Idaho, I have presented at more than 300 schools. My work has been featured in many magazines and in numerous newspapers and Web sites.
Major northwest television programs and over 30 radio stations, including National Public Radio, have aired my work.
The point here is you have what it takes to make a difference in a situation that you feel convicted to jump in and make a difference.
God has been good. Yes, there has been numerous setbacks — some quite challenging.
But all in all, setbacks have been like darkness in the night that makes it easy to see the stars and contemplate their beauty and mystery.
Read more about Dr. Kituku’s April 10 seminar at www.kituku.com or call (208) 376-8724. Coach Chris Petersen has been invited to speak.
