Inspiration is defined by Merriam-Webster as a divine influence. Often times in life we find that we need to be inspired to meet or attempt to reach our goals in life. The inspiration can be derived from a advertisement, a picture in a magazine, an individual's condition, or perceived image in the eyes of peers or others. The funny thing I have noticed is that inspiration comes from within as much as it does from exterior forces, but at times the exterior forces are that little push we need to reach greatness.
Today I sit on the cusp of finishing three degrees within the next six to eight months. I had put off finishing my educational goals through excuses and not being willing to give up my free time for academics. Almost eighteen years later I find myself reaching for the goals I should have chased earlier in life. While I regret not pursuing these goals earlier, I am pursuing them today with an increased vigor and determination to maximize my efforts to reach my goal. While my goals motivate, my inspiration comes from an exterior source, family.
2012 has been a year of great accomplishments for my family. I was selected for promotion to Master Sergeant. My little brother recently graduated college with his Bachelor's Degree in Information Systems Management and I will graduate from the Community College of the Air Force this fall with two degrees. With my inspiration pushing me to reach my goal, I am three weeks away from obtaining my first goal. One degree will be in the Human Resources field and the other degree will in Safety. I should have completed these degrees years ago but it was not until I met my wife, Tracy, was I truly motivated and inspired to reach these goals to ensure success after my retirement from active duty.
Tracy has impacted my life in many areas in the time we have been together. In fact, I can say she has influenced me as a person in profound way. I know I am a better person for knowing her and she inspires me to want to be the person she thinks I can be. With this motivation and inspiration I will proceed to my second edicational goal and try to complete my Organizational Management degree by March 2013 so I can take my leave from Thule AB, Greenland and walk across the stage for my graduation at Ashford University in Iowa. While I could be content with completing those two goals, I want to start and hopefully finish my Master's degree before I retire from the Air Force. While I am not sure if I want to pursue Environmental Management or Law, I know my inspiration will continue to push me towards the goals I have neglected for many years.
Thank you Tracy for being my inspiration. My victories are your victories as well. I could not do this with out you!
