A Future by Choice, Not by Chance

I was asked to speak briefly, 10-15 minutes, to a group of young single adults in the Magna East Stake tonight. Pres. Randy Martin called me a couple of weeks ago to see if I could spend some time sharing some thoughts on the importance of education. Little did Pres. Martin know that I have spent an entire career talking to young people about the importance of education and taking time to plan for the future. The time alotted just doesn't do just tice to the topic -- but I did what I could. I have spent some 24 years going to school -- grades 1-12, 4 years for a B.A., 4 more years for a M.Ed., 4 more years for an admnistrative license.

These are some of the thoughts I prepared --
Each day, week, month, year ahead is the future –
What are you doing about it? Your future?
Are you taking each day as it comes?
Are you taking time to improve on your skills and knowledge?
Are you waiting to save enough money to go to school?
Are you waiting for your lucky chance?

My message to you is to strategically think about the future –
Make sure that your focus is -- A Future by Choice, Not by Chance
A survey recently released by the Gallup organization –

• Seven in ten adults reported that if they were starting over, fresh out of high school, they would get more information about job and career options open to them than they did the first time


• Only four in ten employed adults in the survey reported that they started their jobs or careers through a conscious choice and path.

These survey results seem to indicate that many (adults) rely on chance factors in selecting and getting jobs. They fail to use information and planning to shape their futures.

What is your plan – your strategy – chance or choice?

You are here tonight – What if you could roll the dice, play the game, win the prize, and take your chances on the future?

Chance factors are reduced when good information and a range of skills as you move into and participate in the work place.

Choice – freedom to choose . . . religion, work, are cherished freedoms
Freedom to choose your work has some parameters –

• You can’t choose options you are unfamiliar with


• You can’t choose a job for which you lack the requisite skills

Knowledge, information, and experience increase our freedom to choose. Ignorance, lack of information, and a lack of exposure to the jobs and environments of the real world of work constrict and limit our freedom to choose.

Get it together – if you are planning, acting, . . . if not – get going now! Don't leave your future to chance.

Resources
www.careers.utah.gov
www.utahmentor.org
www.besmart.com