Outside of the Box

I recently took on a new position that I am really excited about. It is an incredible challenge although it seems it may be a high pressure job as well. The team I work with is very sharp and are definitely subject matter experts in a number of different fields. It wasn't too long (2 days) before I relearned a very important lesson from one of them. It was something I myself have forgotten.

I was initially excited to get another degree since tuition assistance is available at this company and so I was mulling over the possibilities. Yes ,as nerdy as it sounds, I was excited looking at the various programs and universities I could learn from; a veritable buffet of learning. As I was looking at all these options, a coworker saw my screen and asked me what I was thinking of doing. So I anxiously ran off a list of things I was interested in learning - a MS in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Math, or Mechanical Engineering. We got into a conversation about the pros and cons. We discussed the practicality of each and the possible end result of receiving each of them. Then however, the conversation shifted in an unexpected and surprising way. He asked me if I have ever dismantled a TV. I thought that was a rather strange question in the context we were in.  So I responded with somewhat humorous - "Why would I do that?". He then asked why, I then responded because "I don't know how to do that". He responded again with "So what! That is your mental block my friend. You don't necessarily need a degree to learn those things. You can do anything you want.".

How could this have possibly happened to me?! Have I not been practicing what I preach? Have I started submitting to inside box thinking? This conversation thankfully set forth a series of thoughts in my head about how my own drive and dreams could be compromised.  As a result of whatever factors, dreams could slowly be swept away like a beach ball in the tide. Unless closely and earnestly guarded, could be moved so far away from their initial starting points that they wouldn't be recognizable.

I woke up this morning with a renewed sense of drive and ambition. I don't believe in limits in any way shape or form. The world is already available to encourage all our deepest wants and goals, its merely the sincere sentiment of intention followed by a strong will and determination to make it a reality.

There isn't a person anywhere who isn't capable of doing more than he thinks he can.- Henry Ford