Career Focus: Want to succeed? Desire it

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Joseph Mulcahy
  • Team Kirtland Career Assistance Advisor
KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, New Mexcio --  One of my favorite hobbies is visiting philosophy sections at bookstores. It's cool to relax, read and learn from the world's greatest thinkers. I know this may not sound like the most exciting thing to do on a Friday night, but it's fun to study how people behave and think. Besides, it beats hanging out at the self-help section.

When my sons tag along, they make fun of me with comments like, "Hey dad, you reading more stuff from those old dead guys?" I use these opportunities to remind them of the importance of learning from as many sources as possible. Beyond learning for learning's sake, the wisdom we find can help us succeed in life.

For instance, I can visit any bookstore and find hundreds of books on how to motivate people, improve personal performance and achieve goals. Everything in these books about attaining goals and succeeding can be summarized in two words: desire it!

This simple key to success was proposed by Thomas Aquinas -- a 13th century philosopher and monk. Mr. Aquinas was absolutely brilliant. Historians tell us that he could hold three conversations at once. He had mastered all 16 academic subjects taught in universities at that time. He also held several doctorates. Not too shabby for a guy who died at 49.

Yet, his genius was most evident in his ability to take complex ideas and simplify them for any audience. His wisdom regarding the desire for success is just as applicable today as it was in the 13th century.

In our complex world, we may explore or try many options to find success. The key is usually found by discovering and pursuing what we desire in our lives and careers. Desire ignites the fire that propels us toward our goals. If you desire to get promoted, you will work hard and study. If you desire to retrain, you will take the necessary steps to get it done. If you desire to make a positive impact in the world, you will make it happen.

I have had the honor of being a career advisor for two years. In that time, I have learned that the best way to help people succeed is to help them discover what they truly want to be or achieve. I will not tell them what to be or what to achieve, but I love helping them find it for themselves.

Our Air Force offers many opportunities for people to succeed and fulfill dreams. If you don't enjoy your current job, you have choices. You can remain unfulfilled, or you can try something new via retraining or special duties. It might be stressful changing, but the rewards are worth it.

When the desire to succeed is present, there's no limit to how far it will take a person.

If you would like career assistance regarding retraining, special duties or other career enhancing programs contact me at 846-6636 or e-mail me at joseph.mulcahy@kirtland.af.mil.
See you in the wings!