I’m sure you’ve heard many say “set small goals” when trying to help you achieve your dreams in a practical way.
And you may have shared this advice with others, as well.
On my journey, I learned firsthand how setting big goals can lead to a sense of overwhelm, more procrastination, more disappointment, and a sense of defeat.
So, in typical Michele–all or nothing–way, I decided to stop setting goals all together. And what happened was, ironically, amazing.
I began to discover gifts I never would ever give myself credit for having.
And things I had only dreamed of doing in the past began to manifest.
Pinch me!
But, alas, even manifested dreams were not enough. At least not for me.
Despite all of the revelation of gifts and talents bestowed upon my by an all-loving God, because I was comparing myself to the world and not fitting into the box defined by it as successful (ahem, being somewhat “important”, recognized, and making a significant income), I still felt incomplete, inadequate, and not good enough.
So I decided to revisit an “old” goal of going to graduate school to become a licensed counselor.
Once I received the acceptance letter, I knew I had to go. After all, I had applied to similar programs seven (yes, you heard me correctly) SEVEN TIMES BEFORE. And I would defer–with good reason–each time I was accepted (which was ALL SEVEN TIMES).
I needed to start!
What I learned:
Neither a degree, nor a license, makes someone a good counselor. However, the experience of graduate school is priceless!
So, with that, I’ve made a tiny resolution to stop questioning and overthinking, stop doubting and denying, and continue with my master’s degree this semester, which will be my second.
One step at a time, one day at a time, one class at a time.
And, ya know, see what happens.
With humility and love,
Michele
