Welcome to 2009…
by Todd Lammle
The year to focus on winning the battle, not the war!
I’m not saying to give up on big dreams–no way…We need those to keep us motivated! I’m just saying that grasping every opportunity— however small— will be an important key to success this year. Yes, we all know the media can hype things now and then because freaking us out is really good for ratings, but it’s not exactly breaking news that our country/the world is undergoing a pretty challenging period fraught with an unprecedented type of financial debacle that has, and will likely affect all of us. Possibly, dramatically!
But we can’t just respond by shrinking in fear and curling up in a ball. Instead, this is a time for taking action and facing our problems directly. Rethinking our priorities and remapping our life-strategy is critical now, and by overcoming each obstacle— each battle— we can and will ultimately succeed and win our personal wars. For many, one very important battle to win relates to that hugely important asset known as our job. We need to take some serious strategic action to protect this and secure our professional well being. In a world where speculation seems to be everywhere, I can assure you that one very wise, safe and sound place to invest is in furthering you and your career!
That’s because if we focus on bettering ourselves now - during these challenging times - we’ll be poised and ready to score the best top-drawer positions that will inevitably become available when— and even as things begin to turn around. History tells us that most often the best times follow the worst, and this means that making the right moves during hard times can and most likely will result in greater rewards than you’ve dared to even dream of later!
So, how can you best ensure that you keep your job and income, find a new one— maybe even a better one? Take a moment to envision yourself at the end of 2009, and which path you’ll take to get there. Maybe you’re thinking, “I’m going straight for the gold—my CCIE certification”, which is a really great goal! The only potential problem with it is that there are still throngs of you that still don’t have your CCNA. Maybe you think it’s okay to just blow it off because it’s an introductory certification and you feel you don’t need it or that it won’t make that much of a difference. If you’ve been told skipping your CCNA is a wise approach, don’t believe it because it’s definitely not true—even if you’ve got industry experience. Keep in mind that these certifications are Cisco-specific, and the requirements for gaining them change quite often!
I’ve personally had countless students show up for advanced classes who end up hopelessly entangled in the course material and embarrassing themselves by holding up the entire class. These people also happen to be the very ones who usually fail the exam and therefore, fail to get their certifications. What a waste—of money and time! Instead, all they had to do to ensure their success is to take the highly practical stepping stone approach to their ultimate CCIE goal that begins with getting their CCNA. Choosing this path is a solid way to ensure that you’ve got the specific background knowledge needed to attain your goals—however lofty they may be!
You need stick to the fundamentals and take a conservative, long range approach toward your career by acquiring some solid training and adding to your present skill-set. This is true for me as well—I also have my sights focused on learning and growth this year by achieving my CCIE Wireless certification. The reason this makes sense for me is that I’ve got my fundamentals down pat. I’ve taken that stepping stone approach to certifications, and after decades of studying, working in the field consulting, instructing, creating course material and writing over 50 industry standard books, I’m more than prepared to go for that goal. You need to accurately and realistically assess where you’re at along that path, and determine your personal skill and certification level so you don’t aim too high and miss your target!
Each merit, capability and talent you can gain is a battle won in the ultimate goal of winning your war over lost or reduced income and/or employment! By arming yourself this way, you will be able to get a job, keep or significantly advance your current position. You may even become flexibly equipped to change careers and re-enter the workforce in a more dynamic, lucrative sector. The key is to concentrate like a winning racehorse that unwaveringly looks forward toward the goal without getting distracted by the thundering hooves of negative chatter and influences. Stay motivated, stay in training, and stay focused on the prize!
Another way to look at this process is like going for a base hit in a baseball game. After all, four of these make a run, and a few more of them added up together can win the game. What I’m saying is that something that looks like a small opportunity, like a base hit, can lead to a big win— a job, advancement–even a shiny, new career! You really can win in 2009, but to do so, you’ve got to stay motivated and forget about that home run – that’s so 2005! Instead, turn off the T.V. search for, find, and apply yourself to the one, most promising opportunity you have today— it’s there. It may be just a base hit, but it very well could lead to getting you some serious game. As one opportunity evolves into another, you’ll gain momentum, and even more importantly, fulfillment and increased motivation— things that are much more powerful than influence and money. And ironically, you can’t possess either influence or a sustainable income without being motivated!
One opportunity you have in front of you today is GlobalNet Training— a source that will provide the kind of powerful knowledge that can equip you with everything you’ll need to succeed in the prosperous and ever-growing field of I.T. Except for attitude— that part is up to you. However discouraged you may currently be, it’s got to be you that choose action, empowerment, and success over defeat and ruin.
GlobalNet Training meets the full range of I.T. training certification needs— all the way from Introduction to networking, Cisco certification (CCENT through CCIE), Microsoft Certification classes, Security, and my personal favorite—Wireless networking. Armed and equipped with solid, certified skill-sets like those we offer, even the world of 2009 and beyond can truly be your oyster! So be wise and use this time when the economy is down and turn it into a golden opportunity to retrain and retool so you’ll be first in line to grab the great opportunities that will become available before you know it. Time passes quickly, and if you’re really want to ensure that you win your personal war against personal and/or economic defeat, you’ll begin building your best life beginning now in 2009— one base hit gained, and one battle won at a time!
All the Best!
Todd Lammle
CEO, GlobalNet Training, LLC
www.globalnettraining.com
www.lammle.com
www.lammlepress.com
Todd Lammle, CCSI, CCNA/CCNP/CCSP/CCVP, MCSE, CEH/CHFI, FCC RF Licensed, is the authority on Cisco certification and internetworking. He is a world renowned author, speaker, trainer and consultant. Todd has over 25 years of experience working with LAN’s, WAN’s and large licensed and unlicensed Wireless networks, and has published over 50 books, including the very popular Sybex Cisco CCNA Study Guide. He is president of GlobalNet Training and Consulting, inc, a network integration and training firm based in Dallas, Texas. You can reach Todd through his training company at www.globlanettraining.com or through his forum at www.lammle.com.