Redeem Your Academic Pursuits with Three Rs

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Two months ago I wrote about the importance of writing out your six-month, one-year and five-year plan for enrolling or graduating from college. If you read the post FINAL CALL: Hop On The Train to Success then you know how important it is to write and spiritully digest your goals. In case you've fallen off, there's redemption, as I've created a more in-depth outline for you to get back on track:

You didn't think I would let you off the hook that easy, did you? Aha!

Re-Group & Do Over
First things first—write a new list of goals, beginning with your 6-month plan with a deadline for each item. It may include items as simple as "mail off my college application by Dec 31st" or "email my advisor about the status of my application this week."

Next, complete your one-year plan of what you'd hope to accomplish in a year's time, such as "earn a 4.0 in my first year" or "have saved $4,000 toward my tuition." Whatever your goals may be, make them practical and attainable.

Finally, in your five-year plan write down your post-graduation and career goals. In this list, you may include such items as, "graduate with honors," "land an internship or permanent job with a Fortune 500 company" or "begin applying for graduate school." Remember, all things are possible for those who follow & trust Christ.

Re-Mix & Do Better

Place your list of goals in a prominent place. I've written mine in my devotional notebook, so whenever I flip through my church notes I'm prone to stop and take a look. Immediately, I'm reminded of my goals, my progress in accomplishing them and how I can do better. My PhD-pursuing sorority sister has hers on the refridgerator door, so every time she wants a late night snack, she's reminded that she should be studying, instead of pigging out. Your special place may be the bathroom mirror, your wallet or the back of your bedroom door.

Whatever space you decide upon, outline it with scriptures and motivational quotes that'll uplift you and propel you to your destiny. In Part II of Pigeons or Eagles: Which Are You? I offered several quotes that'll do just that.

Re-Connect & Due Time

In my own academic, financial and spiritual pursuits, I've realized that they are all linked. My academic dreams depend on my spiritual desires just as much as my financial goals do. I need a closeness with God in order to be patient and discipline to get out of debt. Likewise, I need God's favor and guidance while in college. You see? It's all connected.

I encourage you to also find the connection. Ask God for guidance, wisdom, knowledge and faith to accomplish everything on your lists in His time. I promise, the rewards will be great.

For more assistance, email me about joining my (free) Xclusive Mailing List for in-depth, one-on-one encouragement on pursuing your educational goals.

What are you struggling with in writing or pursuing your academic goals? How are your academic, career, physical (health), emotional and financial goals connected to your relationship with God?

FINAL CALL: Hop On The Train to Success

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The Bible says that the devil wants to steal, kill and destroy your true purpose and detour you with doubt and fear. He’d have you think that you’re too old to pursue a degree or that the train to success has left you at the station. But, as believers, we're hip to satan's nasty tricks and we know that our God is one of second chances and truth is, the train never left. In fact, there’s a seat in the front row reserved just for you.

So, how do you get on the train?

In an email to subscribers, Bishop T. D. Jakes answers that question with sound advice:

"What's preventing your dreams from coming true? Every person has a vision; if you're alive today there's a dream living in you—a dream for your family, your career, your financial empowerment or education.

I pray over letters and emails daily from people who are dealing with disappointment, and I've had my own struggles and setbacks . . . let me encourage you.

When I first started the ministry in West Virginia, Serita and I struggled financially. I remember how discouraging it was when the electricity at our home was turned off. We had to choose between food for our babies and lights. God carried us through those financial and emotional storms. He continues to provide for our every need, especially now that our ministry has a global impact.

If you believe that you'll never have the resources to act on your vision, then you never will. In Ephesians 3:20, the Apostle Paul explains how important it is for us to expect great things from God: 'Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us . . .' (NASB).

Ignore the doubt and criticism you've heard and imagine walking across the stage to receive your college degree before you even sit in the first class. Despite the political and economic rumblings around you, imagine the sign above the office door of your business while you're drawing up your business plan. A dream born of God has a guarantee on it because the Bible assures us the Lord to finishes what He begins."

Pack Wisely
Firstly, while there’s nothing wrong with taking bags on this journey, the heavy, unnecessary baggage must stay behind or you’ll never leave the boarding ramp. You see, while you waited for your train to pull up, you packed some bad habits, such as regret, lack of faith, thinking less of yourself and other useless stuff that'll get you left behind. But, good thing you learned some good habits, like praising while you wait on the Lord, consistency, learning from your bad decisions and knowing that everything that happened in your life was planned by God.

What's Your Strategy?
Secondly, we must get your physical on par with your spiritual, meaning you must write a 6- and 12-month plan. As Allison Bates describes on DustinBates.org, everything in life needs a strategy. A Plan. What will take you from having your foot in the door to your entire body. You must ask yourself: What do you need to be enrolled within a year? Do you need to save money? Apply for scholarships, grants or loans? Do you need to Google a list of colleges you want to apply to? Whatever it is, it’s time to do it NOW!

No more procrastination!
No more excuses!—These traits belong to the old you and we don’t hang with him/her anymore.

Seeing Is Believing

Thirdly, constantly talk to God about your academic and career goals. Like Bishop Jakes said, begin fantasizing about walking across the graduation stage and the smile you’ll have on your face. Remember, as the mind thinketh so he/she is. I see you as a graduate. Do you see yourself as a graduate, because seeing is believing and it's the first step toward living an abundant life.

What necessary and unnecessary baggage are you toting? What does you final destination look like?