As Steinbeck once wrote in Of Mice & Men, “The best laid plans of mice and men often go awry.” But what exactly does this mean?  Everyone can interpret it differently but to me it means the difference between what we plan to happen and what really does happen.
Sometimes, we have just as much control over these happenings in our lives as mice do – which is none at all. Even though life is all about planning, none of these plans can be set in stone.
I wasn’t planning on switching jobs before graduation but an opportunity arose for me to work in a private personal training studio and I had to make a choice to resign my corporate gym training position and to take a leap of faith – ironically for a place called Faithful Fitness.
Even though I had been hoping to someday get into a private training job, making the change has been scary but absolutely worth it.
I was secure in my previous job but I wasn’t growing. I believe there will be more opportunity for success and freedom at my new job yet the initial choice dared me to be courageous and brave. I am very happy I made the choice even though the decision was very hard to do.
I wanted to share this with our readers because I believe that many of us are growing as we learn at Park. As we develop ourselves, choices for our futures and careers must be made. Many of you will be faced with a similar challenge – to either stay safe yet unhappy or to take a leap of faith.
For me, the choice was made because I had endured pressure and what I consider disrespect from my authoritative boss and coworkers. Being in a competitive corporate environment, it wasn’t a great place for me.
There is a fine line between pride and self-respect, one that we must often hide behind when we are left in certain circumstances that render us powerless both in school and work.
Respect can be a powerful tool if used correctly. As a leader, I try to respect people as much as I can.
So many people will say to follow your heart and that too can be hard to do in tough times. Sometimes being responsible instead of emotional is required in order to be successful. However, when the time does come when you have an opportunity to truly follow your heart and chase your passion, I encourage you to do it.
It’s something I just did and without regret.  The choices that we make today are the choices that we have to live with forever. Happiness is a choice, when all else fails, follow your heart.