Setting Your Goals In Motion

We all have goals that we want to accomplish. Some will take longer than others. Still, when we accomplish those goals we get this great feeling. Sometimes the feeling can't be explained, but it is like a rush that we have made it to the top.

I have a friend who is aiming to fulfill her goals to become a certified art teacher and an accomplished artist. Since graduating from college in 2004, my friend has taught school on a conditional certified level in the Allendale School District, pending that she pass the Praxis II exam. The Praxis II is a an exam that most prospective teachers take in order to receive certification. Each state has different requirements and some states may not require this exam at all. In South Carolina, this test is required.

My friend has tried to pass this test several times and has missed it by as little as 1 point. Since working in Allendale, she has worked in the Florence County School District as a Therapeutic Behavorial Specialist and in the Williamsburg County School District as an art teacher (non-certified. She was being paid as a permanent substitute teacher) . Currently she is still with the Williamsburg County School District, but as a Therapeutic Behavioral Specialist. She says at times while she does enjoy the work, she really wants to pursue her teaching career in art. She is also looking into art therapy, a field that is growing, however the courses and certifications for this career is scarce in some regions.

I am hoping at the next testing (which is in January), she passes this test. I have never taken the Praxis so I do not know what it is like to try to get a passing score. I am sure that it could be really frustrating to get a score of lets say 144, when the passing score to become certified is 145.

When you have a set goal in mind, you have to really put it in motion. That means doing whatever you have to do to stay focus. Yes it is easy to say and sometimes harder to do. There are going to be many obstacles which may hinder you from achieving your goals, but you don't let the obstacles stop you completely. This is when you get up, brush off the dust and continue marching on to the top. Once you are there, you will feel great and refreshed. You will be the ultimate winner. It does not matter how many times it take you to reach that goal. What matters is that you were determined to get there and you got it.

Whatever your goals are, aim for the best. Don't let negativity discourage you from doing what you really want to do. "Doing you" is what matters the most.