When Trish and I met, I was working as a security guard. Honestly, it was a bit embarrassing for me. I took the job when I was somewhat desperate for money and it paid ok, but it was not very fulfilling and seemed like a waste of my potential.
How did I end up there? I had completed an Associate Degree at a community college, taught skiing and snowboarding part-time each winter, but then had an unsuccessful stint in retail and did not have a backup plan.
Trish was in college getting her Bachelor Degree in Early Childhood Education and I started wondering how long she was going to put up with a deadbeat of a boyfriend. A bit of research told me that accounting was a lucrative field, so I signed up for the accounting program at UMASS Lowell.
It was tough going to school full-time during the day while I worked full-time afternoons, weekends and sometimes overnight shifts. Being a security guard finally paid off though as I could spend a good amount of time studying at work.
I remember when my grades came after my first semester. To my surprise, I got perfect grades, a 4.0 average. To say Trish was also surprised is an understatement. I think her reaction was something along the lines of, “Uh, you work as a security guard, decide to go back to school and then get perfect grades? Who are you?”
My time at UMASS taught me a lot about perseverance and the ability to overcome challenges. After our many years together, I still sometimes surprise us both with my ability to find ways to change and improve. Like anyone, I beat myself up sometimes, but then I bring myself back to taking action.
Reminiscing about my transition from security guard to accounting student has a few lessons:
- There is no shame in doing a job to pay your bills, even if you think you should be doing more. Being a security guard was not great for me, but it was better than unemployment and it did not define me.
- Doing something that requires little skill does mean that is all that you can be. Any of us can improve when we make it our focus.
- Instead of judging myself harshly, I should have used a learning mindset and asked, “Why does working this job bother me?” or “What can I do to improve my situation?”
How often do you find yourself judging yourself or others harshly? Could a learning mindset make a difference for you?
Your blogs keep reminding me to keep it simple. Be grateful, set a goal for the day and take one step at a time toward it . The feeling of satisfaction grows.
I am in control and my life is improving .
The bottom of my foot is relaxing and the pain is going away .
Thank you Coach Jim.
I am so happy for you. It is amazing what we can accomplish with slow and steady progress.
I think I have the learning mindset … what I don’t always have is the learn then apply mindset (other than with clients)… in other areas of life o read learn and let go … which often leads to more frustrating thought because then I think I know what I need to do but don’t take action … April is needed
Reading “Mindset” has refined my view a bit.
Learning mindset – observe and learn
Growth mindset – observe, learn and improve