Your Toolbox for Success and Self-Improvement in Your Career

"I can't see the purpose in learning about subjects that are not interesting to me that I will never use in real life," my son mumbled while driving to school. I told my son to imagine that he had a tool box with only one tool-- a hammer. If something only required a hammer to be fixed, created or designed, he would be effective. But he would miss a plethora of opportunities if something required a screw driver, wrench or drill because he wouldn't have the resources or tools needed to take advantage of those opportunities. I explained to my son that every time he learns something new he is placing a tool in his tool box; and the more tools that he acquires the more things and opportunities that he will be able to create with his life.

Have you ever read a book that changed your life? Have you ever learned a skill that you were able to utilize later to your advantage? Do you have a hobby or skill that you take for granted? Are you good at tutoring, baby-sitting, typing or organizing files? These are all tools that you can use to create prosperity in your life.

A tool is defined as a skill, knowledge, people, certificates, degrees, licenses and talents that are resources that you have accumulated in your life that allow you to create the things that you want to achieve in your life.

Your tool box is a reflection of who you are. The tools that are currently in your box display your interests, talents, and abilities. These tools indicate to yourself and others where you have been and where you are currently capable of going because you have the resources necessary to create and take advantage of opportunities that need what you have to offer.

Your tool box is also a reflection of who you are not. For example, if you do not have a law degree, if you can't braid hair or if you are not an excellent cook these tools would not be available in your tool box, and most likely you would not be able to take advantage of opportunities that require these skills. The tools that are missing from your box are not a disadvantage to you unless you want to succeed in a particular area and you have not acquired the tools necessary to create or take advantage of these opportunities.

Tools are the building blocks of goals; they create opportunities and fix broken dreams. If your dream is to be an elementary teacher, your tool box must include a bachelor's degree, certification, and excellent interpersonal communication skills with children. If you know how to perform CPR or speak a second language-these are also tools that you may apply to a variety of jobs?

If people constantly ask you to bake cakes for their social events-baking is a tool. Some tools can have multiple uses. You can teach baking at a local college, sell pies to local bakeries or write a cook book. A single tool can have multiple functions by fixing, creating or designing many useful things to accommodate other tools and your unique personality.

What are your goals?

What tools do you need to accomplish your goals?

What tools can you use to help you acquire other tools that you need?

What tools are you currently using that you can use in multiple ways?

What tools do you have that you can combine to create something new?

Make a list of the tools that are currently in your tool box in each of the following areas.

Skills

Knowledge

Talents

Supportive People

Certificates / Licenses

Degrees

Assets (houses, antiques)

Other

Wealth (Money)

Availability of Time