Getting Ahead Takes Time, Builds Character

"Sometimes I lie awake at night, and ask, "Where have I gone wrong?" Then a voice says to me, "This is going to take more than one night." -- Charles M. Schulz

Do you feel like you're taking two steps forward and then getting pushed two steps back? Even Peanuts cartoonist Charles Schulz felt this way!

As you take two steps forward, remember to not get too attached to the result. You may have to take two steps back again! If you have to deal with a surprising setback, make sure you do so gracefully, with more wisdom, and with character. Consider the new directions your challenges could ultimately be leading you.

If you get ahead only to have to back up again, you are still gaining valuable insight and experience! Getting ahead is sometimes a game of a few steps forward, a couple steps back. The key is learning how to recover well. In other words, get back on that horse! What if Charles Schultz had given up on his dream because he got stuck focusing on what went wrong? Children all over the world would have missed out on the joy that Snoopy and Charlie Brown have brought!

If you want to get ahead, plan for taking some steps backward along the way. And stay focused on your dream, not the dirt you might step in! :) Be patient, and try to enjoy the lessons the challenges bring along the way. If Charles Shultz did it, so can you!