Elevate

I have always been drawn to the word “elevate.” In my mind, the definition is simple: it means to rise, to progress to the next level, to grow. When we talk about our skillset or our passion and goals, it’s important to realize that we are always in the process of elevation. Even if there are seasons of digression, our minds are still in a framework of “elevation.” If we fall short of our goals, we are still in the process of growing. If we make a mistake, we are still moving forward. We must not allow our minds to succumb to doubt, complacency, and cold comfort.

I have been in seasons of digression where I had to take a couple of steps back because of the mistakes I’d made. Fortunately, in the end, I am always able to rise above the occasion, learn from my downfall, and continue to climb higher. Nothing will stop me from being the best man, professional, (future) father, mentor, (future) husband, and friend. Nothing will stop me from achieving both my professional goals serving students and my many personal goals.

My worst enemy is the negative thoughts that I allow to circulate within my being. People will always talk. They will say what you can or can’t accomplish, but you must be confident in your truths and in the validity of your pursuits. No one can take those things away from you unless you let them. We are of course all individuals, but I believe that for every single one of us, our only limits are those we put on ourselves.

I think that to “elevate” yourself, your goals must be lofty and not easily attainable. This is easy for me because both my personal and professional goals are way beyond me right now. I like to envision my goals as trying to dunk a ten-foot basket or trying to reach the bell at the top of a long rope hanging down from the ceiling. Of course I want to be able to dunk or have enough strength to climb the rope and ring the bell. Each visual construct speaks to needing to practice and become stronger to reach my goal. You become stronger by the thoughts that you think and the actions you take.

I also think that in order to “elevate” yourself, you need momentum. I believe momentum is essential to generating the force needed to “elevate” yourself. Most professionals can relate to a time when they have been stagnant—when they went through the motions and only got by. To break out of that stagnancy and grow, we must use momentum. Think about it like swinging at the playground. You start with just sitting there, but as you move your feet back and forth, you create a force—you create momentum.

I believe you create momentum by knowing your truth—that is, understanding yourself and having a purpose. The first step to creating momentum is thinking positively and having your purpose align with your goals. I am a firm believer that thoughts followed by action become realities. The thoughts we hold within our minds are the seeds that will one day prosper in our future environments. Formulate your thoughts. Make it intentional what you want and who you want to be and follow up with actions. This month, I challenge you to be intentional about who you want to be and how you pursue your goals. I challenge you create momentum in order to “elevate” yourself.