Have you ever studied the work of a Mason or Bricklayer? Personally, I have not studiously taken note of their work, but I can say that whenever I see where a house is being built, there are two things I have noticed.

When the foundation of the house is being put together, it is not done in a day. [Disclaimer: I took note of this, back home in Nigeria, I have no idea how it works anywhere else]. I know the foundation building takes a longer time. Also, there are a lot of bricks and concretes that are used for the foundation building. You cannot expect to just make use of ten bags of cement for the building of a mansion, and the bigger the building that is envisioned, the more materials used for the foundation.

It is not a nouveau point knowing that the foundation of a thing really matters. Personally, I believe the foundation of a thing is very influential in the existence of a thing/experience. This is applicable in every sphere of a person’s life- physically, spiritually, emotionally, socially etc.

But today’s post will be focusing more on career and ambition wise.

If you are reading this post, I am assuming that as a believer, your career path is not exclusive in your walk with God. Basically, glorifying God is still in the mantra of your career goals.

But still there is a rush….

We live in a generation where everything is fast, things are manufactured to bring results instantaneously. Some of these things have their advantages, and that is not disputable. But I fear that the youths of this age are expecting instantaneous success/riches. An average youth finishes university and expects that the first job they get should yield their dream expectations; or that they start up a new business and boom! Millions start flowing in.

I know there are exceptions to the rule.

I will like to say something crucial that some of us forget- Everybody has a different race. No two people have a similar race in this life.

Then why do we measure our progress with the pace of another? Comparison has never taken any man to where he/she desires to be. There is never satisfaction in comparison.

The truth is some people will get their University degrees and will move up ‘the ladder’; while some won’t have it that way; and it’s high time we faced our work. Some of us will have to still do extra[more] studying or qualifications, ‘menial jobs’  before moving up the ladder, but you will do yourself so much harm, if you decide to throw a pity party and start sobbing with ‘why me’ on your lips, or if you jump the process.

I know it gets hard sometimes. I mean, look at the likes of Davido and Justin Bieber, they are just sweeping people off their feet with music, and their bank accounts are laughing. And maybe you have a sonorous voice, and you are stuck in medical school instead. I am sure your gifts have their place, so does your aim to become a doctor.

I initially said I was not going to quote any bible passage in this post, but during my quiet time, I came across a very relatable scripture:

‘Don’t look for shortcuts to God. The market is flooded with surefire, easygoing formulas for a successful life that can be practiced in your spare time. Don’t fall for that stuff, even though crowds of people do. The way to life- to God!- is vigorous and requires total attention.’ Matthew 7:13-14

The above scripture talks about the way to God, but I believe it also relates to living the successful life God has called us to live.

So what are the things not to do while the foundation of your career life is being built?

• DO NOT COMPARE YOUR RACE TO ANOTHER: ‘Comparison is the thief of joy’; this quote has never lost its potency. Comparing where you are to where someone is, will never breed progress. Just because you are age mates does not mean you have to be at the ‘same wave length’. Most times, our enemies are our minds and our eyes. We are scrolling down Person A’s Facebook and Instagram, and we decide to follow the same steps as Person A. Why? Then after looking, the mind battle begins, you start thinking of how to keep up appearances, feigning poses at companies and shops just to keep up. [I don’t know if I went too far with the ‘companies statement’, I don’t know if people do that either] My point is: Be proud of who you are, where you are and what you are doing. As long as you are making a positive step in the right direction, focus on your thing. Hard work and Persistence are by far the best attributes to emulate over comparison.
• DO NOT ALLOW YOUR HEART YIELD TO JEALOUSY: if there is anything the bible reminds us of guarding, it’s our heart. Why? Because that’s where everything that we act on, builds from. Believe it or not, the end result of admiration can be jealousy. Depending on how we are working with the Holy Spirit, it is very easy to slip into jealousy. XY just landed that job two months after graduation, while AB has been looking for a job for the past twelve years. Two reactions may occur: AB rejoices with XY or AB gets jealousy. The truth is, it is never easy having to deal with such situations, but one thing is certain- when you humbly and transparently tell God your weakness, His strength takes over.
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  Source-Google

  DO NOT JUMP THE PROCESS: while you are building your career’s foundation, there will be a lot of distractions- amazing job opportunities and the likes; but if it is not the time for such, venturing into ‘such distraction’ leads to further delay in the progress you seek, as you will pay one way or another; now or in the future. Anytime, you feel like giving up, remember Joseph. His story is phenomenal. The process is designed to build you; go through it with hope of the future. Let’s pause and think of people who have done successfully well in their careers; there’s always a tale of how the beginning was a struggle, how they made mistakes, how they had to depend on the hope of the future they envisioned which they worked towards. There is a process, so why are we youths in a rush?

• DO NOT BE COMPLACENT: that you are building your career’s foundation does not give room for complacency. It is quite sad that some believers thrive on the expectation that grace will cover for their deliberate negligence. I like to believe that the work of God has the ‘excellence trademark’; so should our careers. Gone are the days when you know that to become a doctor, you have to go to medical school; but you say ‘No, I won’t go to medical school. God will make a way. The vision of becoming the president’s doctor will still be a reality’. Really? I am not saying it may not be possible. I have read of stories where God showed himself despite the less qualifications. But a situation where the opportunity is despised, it may not be regained. In other words, let it be that when you finally take the next step, your work is done in excellence. Mediocrity is a stench and is not found in God, and it shouldn’t be found in you or your hand work. If you want to be a public speaker and your English is not that great, and the opportunity to work on your English is presented. Take the opportunity. Don’t go speaking in tongues and saying- The Lord will give me the right words to speak.

Furthermore, contentment with where you are and rejoicing with others when they succeed, should not be a thing of the past. They are powerful catalysts for elevation.

As earlier stated, building the foundation is never a day’s work, but it is worth it. We represent God on earth, and we must not misrepresent Him because of impatience and lack of understanding. So wherever you are now in your career life, enjoy it, work diligently, do the needful. One step at a time, does not mean you are slow. There’s a time to sow and reap. You’ll reap the harvest, plant good seeds.

This post is not to knock down those that may not have to take longer time in foundation building. Like I said earlier, no one has a similar race. Neither am I saying that their foundations are not solid. No!

I am saying whatever phase you find yourself in; make sure you are doing your best with the resources available to you. Make sure that wherever you are, is where God will have you be. Let excellence be your trademark, you carry God in you.

Stay positive!

P.S What other ‘do nots’ can you add to the above list? Let’s get talking…

PT QUOTE OF THE DAY

There is an opportune time to do things, a right time for everything on the earth. Ecclesiastes 3:1

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Princess Okechukwu!