At times in life, you may wonder why things are the way they are. This may be especially true when you are struggling or facing tough challenges. Maybe you are being prepared for what is coming, and you don’t even know it. 

A few weeks back, I was speaking to a group about the steps needed to grow a more vibrant community. As a way of introducing myself to the group, I spent some time reviewing my work history. I started with my first job as a special education teacher. I explained that for a teacher in this field, the first step in the educational process is to take time to assess or diagnose the child. This process includes evaluating the child’s strengths, areas of concern, resources available for them at home and in the community, as well as other indicators. 

After completing this assessment, the next step is to set a goal. With every child, it is important to set a high goal that is achievable but not necessarily easy. Why? The teacher wants to make sure that each child has the opportunity to maximize their potential. 

After the desired goal is set, then the process or steps to achieve it must be established. In special education, this is called an “Individual Education Plan.” There is something similar in healthcare called a “Treatment Plan.” Whatever it is called, the plan outlines the actions that are to be taken to achieve the goal and identifies the person responsible for each one. When I taught special education, many people, including the parents, were responsible for certain steps in the educational process. Along the way, reward and recognition were given for progress, adjustments were made when needed, and, on a few occasions, consequences were given for lack of progress. 

When I taught children with special needs, we found it was important to break down activities into small steps. Some might call this taking the complex and making it simple.  

During my presentation, I shared that this same process I’ve just described works in all areas of leadership, whether you’re leading people inside an organization or a community. Afterward, a person shared with me that I may not have been aware while it was happening, but my previous work in education and healthcare had prepared me for my work in building more vibrant communities. Her message was that, though we may not know it at the time, what we are learning, we will use later. We are always being prepared for some challenge or opportunity in life.

At times, of course, what one is going through is overwhelming and creates self-doubt. For example, I follow a family on social media. These parents and their young son have faced health challenge after health challenge. It is amazing to watch how they handle these challenges. My guess is along the way they have gained strength from their trials and have a belief in something greater than themselves that is helping them along in the journey. Their belief, determination, and hard work pay off in multiple situations and also lend themselves to helping other parents who face similar challenges.

How does this apply to you? Take time to think about and write down the various jobs or other experiences you have had. Then write down what you have learned and taken away from each one. How have these lessons helped you and allowed you to serve others? As I have written in the past, at times in my life, I have experienced periods of depression. When I come across someone who is going through depression, I feel I can be helpful for I have been there as well. If not for my experiences, I would not be able to relate to this person.

I have always liked the saying “When the student is ready, the teacher appears.” Each of us is a student, and our classroom is our life. All around us are teachable moments. Each experience, good or bad, is an opportunity to learn. Let’s be great students so that we will be prepared for the next phase of our journey.