‘Begin at the beginning,’ the King said, very gravely,’ and go on till you come to the end: then stop.’ – Lewis Carroll

I have to admit, I was a bit reluctant to use this quote today in the daily positive thought.  It seemed kind of  kind of trite, and not really encouraging.  But then, I started thinking about it, and even better, I had a chance to apply it to a real life situation.  I was talking with someone about reaching a goal.  The completely understand that they need a plan, but that’s where they were getting lost.  “I don’t get how to come UP with a plan,” was their lament.  I told them to start at the beginning – figure out the very first thing they would need to do, and then just move on from there.  You need a plan, sure, but it doesn’t have to be a detailed step by step plan.  At least not when you’re starting out.  I think the best plans have some flexibility built in.

I always wanted to be a teacher.  That goal was set when I was in 8th grade.  The plan was finish junior high, graduate high school, and go to and graduate college.  I completed steps 1 and 2 without any issues (well except for a few math struggles) I even accomplished step 3 – I went to college.  Then the plan hit a few snags.  I was in no way, shape or form ready to be in college.  So after completing 2 years, I left school and got a job.  Eventually, I went back to school and became a teacher and got a job.  Sure I hit a few speed bumps on my journey, my plan changed, but I never really lost sight of my goal.  It took longer than I anticipated, but you know what?  I’m actually a better teacher because of it.

So listen to the words of the King of Hearts.  Begin at the beginning and keep going until you come to the end.  You can do it!