Connect the Dots!

I go back and forth from getting frustrated or even angry with many who always wait till the last minute for everything. Its one thing when it’s something not too important but when it is about work, family or emergency health care there isn’t any excuse. I think most of us can remember the thrill as a little kid having either a puzzle we put together or a connect the dot sheet. It was always fun and interesting to see the result.

I think procrastination isn’t limited to any ethnic group or socio-economic level but a by product of how you were raised and your perception of whether you see yourself as someone that is able to succeed or most likely will fall on their face. I just finished dropping a teen at a community college to enroll for school. This individual had done most of his homework, like financial aid, doing placement tests but hadn’t bothered to actually select classes. I had pestered this individual over the last couple of weeks to do something and not let this slide. The individual was quick to admit that procrastination is part of the issue.

I think what is often so tragic is that someone will do the majority of work for some important aspect of life and then leave the last few details go and not finish. Why would someone go to the trouble of doing a great resume, do job hunting online, go into a potential work place in person and then when they get a call for the interview sleep in or totally forget about it?

I also see the power of what can happen when someone connects the dots and follows through will simple life decisions that aren’t rocket science. I had another individual that really wanted a job so bad that they talked about it, did applications all of the time, went to potential places of employment dressed for success and then the day came, yes, an interview and this individual nailed it. It did require going through what seemed like useless training but ultimately the job is real and there is a paycheck both in the bank but more importantly in life lessons learned.

The biggest frustration for me is seeing too many who have potential, both adults and youth, choose not to do the simple things and then make excuses about the big things that stop them from connecting the dots. I have been around too many that allow the voices around them to stop them from following through and seeing the bigger picture of what could happen with their lives. I get angered and upset when I see someone throwing away their life and the excuse is always someone else’s fault and they are too willing to sit on the sidelines watching others finish while they put their lives on hold.

I also have a few in my life that are younger that have connected the dots and are doing something that not only helps themselves figure out their life passion but also does something for a friend or relative. I’m always jazzed to see someone who is willing to step up and help someone else regardless of their cost and time involved.

The real question most of us face is whether we are willing to be honest about our newest phase in life.  Are we living on the sidelines with a complacent mindset or asking for help and listening to those around us to see the dots connect right before our eyes? It doesn’t matter whether we are a CEO or someone struggling to get our G.E.D. at 40. Connect the dots and see your life rock the world!