Education is regarded as key to success and a better life. This is why most people seek education for those without are bound to be left in this competitive world. It truly matters that one has the necessary education duly supported by credentials issued by the learning institution that the person had passed through. One cannot just claim as educated without proof of such, usually through school credentials that is obtained by the grit of ones perseverance to earn education. In the quest for knowledge, many learners had imbibed that mistaken notion that the academic fields are far more rewarding than vocational ones.

The belief had led many students to taking courses that lead to academic degrees, setting aside choices that led to vocational skills on the thought that such are second class.

For several decades we have accepted that mistaken notion, egging our students to take biased preferences for degree courses than vocational. Those who could not cope with the rigors of academic studies are bound to return to the first step of the vocational field. In the same manner, those taking vocational courses who later realize the better prospect of finishing an academic degree would be forced to start all over in taking a new course. The situation had caused many students so much waste of time, money and efforts pursuing the aptest course. The great divide between academic and vocational as set by a national college entrance test had deprived many students from taking the right course or vocation that could bring them to success and a better life.

One taking academic courses is afforded vocational and technical subjects that are integrated in the main course and the same serves as fallback once the student fails to complete the academic ladder. The student may utilize the technical and vocational subjects in obtaining skills accreditation that could be used in finding a decent gainful employment both here and abroad.

Noteworthy is the shift of interest for those who have earned academic degrees seeking technical and vocational skills as a worthy fallback. It cannot be gainsaid that many degree holders are in the class of the unemployed and the underemployed primarily because of lack of opportunities for academic degree holders. The situation is made even worse as the competition among those seeking jobs had become too steep that an academic degree is often still lacking. And there is that question of competence which many degree holders are found bereft, requiring further training despite long years of schooling.

We have reached the time of awakening when we come to the realization that earning an academic degree is not truly worthy of what it promises to bring as technical and vocational skills had turned to be the greater demand in the world of work and global competition. Indeed, the world of work demands workers with skills than degrees.
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THE readings of Tuesday of the Second Week of Easter (Act 4,32-37 / Jn 3,7-15) somehow reminds us of two things: we need to live Christian poverty which demands all from us, and for that to take place, we need to be “born again,” so that the spirit of Christ would truly animate us and not just our human spirit.

Christian poverty is no joke. As depicted in the first reading, the believers of Christ sold or turned over everything, created a common fund which was distributed to everyone according to their needs.

This is a big challenge for us, considering that we always tend to get attached to the things of this world in a way that undermines true love that channels the very love of God for all of us.

Let us remember that in our relation with God, there is no middle ground. It is either we are with him completely or not at all. We have to overcome that strong tendency to think that we can be partly with God and partly with our own selves, even if we can say that we are giving God 99% of what we have and keep only 1% for us.

We have to give all! In fact, with God we have to give our very own selves, and not only things, not only some possessions. Remember Christ telling us that we have to love God with “all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” (Mt 22,37)

Let’s hope that we can echo these words of an old song: “I have no use for divided hearts. I give mine whole, and not in parts.” Let’s strive to reach that goal. It’s not an easy goal, but neither is it impossible. With God’s grace and our all-out humble efforts, we can hack it.
But given our human condition which allows us to learn things in stages, we have to understand that everyday we have to conquer our tendency to some earthly attachments so that we can say we are giving ourselves more and more to God until we give ourselves completely to him.

We have to learn to let go of our possessions, our preferences, our opinions, etc., until we can say that we are letting go of our whole selves so as to give everything to God.
This is what generosity is all about. Instead of feeling emptied, we feel filled with peace and joy. No earthly happening can add or diminish that peace and joy. It’s a peace and joy that can only be the effect of having God with us. As St. Teresa once said, “Solo Dios basta,” with God we have enough.

Christian poverty is never a state of misery and pure suffering and privation, even if in human eyes it can be seen that way. It is always motivated by love of God and neighbor, and is filled with all goodness, generosity and magnanimity.

It is a spirit of total self-giving that goes beyond any effort at quantification and measure. It’s never a matter of how much we give and keep. It’s purely a matter of total self-giving that identifies us with God of whom we are supposed to be his image and likeness.
We have to learn to develop and live this true spirit of Christian poverty which first of all would need God’s grace which we have to constantly beg and, of course, to exert our all-out effort.

Accomplishing personal goals is a significant accomplishment that necessitates commitment, devotion, and strategic preparation. Personal objectives, whether they pertain to career growth, self-improvement, or satisfaction, are important milestones along life’s road.

Strategy 1: SMART Goal Setting

The first strategy is to implement SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) goal setting. Rather than setting vague objectives, it is essential to be clear about what you want to achieve, which means defining your goals in specific terms, making sure they are measurable so that you can track progress, ensuring they are achievable, ensuring their relevance to your broader life goals, and setting a reasonable timeframe for achieving them. SMART goal setting provides a clear roadmap to your destination.
Strategy 2: Prioritization

The second strategy is prioritization. Not all goals hold the same level of importance or urgency. Prioritizing your goals enables you to focus on what matters most. With efficient time management, you can channel your energy towards success.

Prioritization plays a crucial role in achieving personal goals for several reasons:

1. Focus and Clarity: Prioritizing helps you gain more clarity on what truly matters to you. It allows you to identify the most crucial goals that align with your values, passions, and long-term vision. By focusing on these high-priority goals, you avoid putting pressure on yourself and maintain a clear direction.

2. Effective Resource Allocation: Prioritization helps you allocate your limited resources, such as time, energy, and effort, more effectively. It’s important to prioritize goals to allocate resources strategically and maximize success.

3. Time Management: Time is a valuable resource, and prioritization helps you manage it effectively. When you have clear priorities, you can allocate your time in a way that aligns with your goals. Prioritizing helps identify tasks that contribute to high-priority goals, making the most of your time.

4. Motivation and Momentum: Prioritizing goals creates motivation. Achieving high-priority goals generates momentum to propel you forward.

5. Reduced Overwhelm: Many goals without clear prioritization can be overwhelming. Dedicate time to each goal by prioritizing them. This helps in reducing the feeling of being overwhelmed and enables you to achieve your goals more effectively.

Strategy 3: Consistency and Persistence

Thirdly, consistency and persistence are key. “Consistent effort and persistence are essential in achieving personal goals. Setbacks are natural, but perseverance is key.”
Consistency and persistence are vital factors in achieving personal goals. Consistency refers to the regular and continuous effort put towards your goals, while persistence refers to the determination and resilience to keep going despite obstacles or setbacks.

Consistency and persistence work hand in hand. Consistency provides the foundation for progress, while persistence ensures that you overcome obstacles and stay on track despite difficulties. Together, they create a powerful combination that increases your chances of achieving your personal goals. By embracing consistency and persistence, you demonstrate resilience, determination, and a willingness to put in the necessary effort for long-term success.

Strategy 4: Seek Support

Get support from mentors, coaches, friends, family, networks, or groups. They can provide advice, encouragement, and practical help for your goals. Sharing your goals with others can motivate you.

Remember, seeking support does not imply relying solely on others to achieve your goals. It means leveraging the knowledge, experience, encouragement, and connections of others to enhance your own efforts. By surrounding yourself with a supportive network, you can gain valuable insights, stay motivated, and overcome obstacles more effectively on your journey towards achieving your personal goals.

Conclusion:

To achieve personal goals, plan and execute using SMART goals, prioritize, stay consistent and persistent, seek support, and enjoy the journey.