MCENTIRE JOINT NATIONAL GUARD BASE, S.C. -- We're told from the get go that we need to be in a state of readiness. From basic, we had to hurry up and wait. In tech school, we had to be ready for class at a moment's notice. At your base now, are you ready to be deployed? I want you to think about readiness from a different, deeper perspective--about you, about your life. Are you ready for the next level (for example: promotion, goals, what's next in life)?
If your boss came to you today and said, "I want to promote you. Are you ready?" what would you say? Would the following statements be true if they came out of your mouth?
"Yes sir. All of my PME and upgrade training is complete."
"I have done X supervisory jobs and tasks to make me better."
"I have led X amount to accomplish the mission and made them better in the process."
What are your goals? Do you have a plan to make them come to fruition? Is it a solid plan? What do your steps toward the plan look like and can you adjust if needed? Are you ready to move on your plan? What’s your Plan B and Plan C? These are some of the things you need to be asking yourself when you prepare to be ready.
You know life can and will be crazy at times. But will you be ready for it when it comes? What finances have you set aside for a time of need? What does your mental health look like and who is helping you through things? What is your physical fitness looking like? How is your overall health holding up? These factors can change life in a flash, but if you're somewhat ready, you can soften the blow.
I'm not telling you what to do with your life but merely suggesting that what has worked for me may also work for you. So when you get some quiet time, sit down and write out your thoughts and develop a plan to accomplish them. Go through the steps needed to take you past the finish line and beyond. Don't forget to ask for help if you need it. The Air Force has taught us mission readiness. But to be a better Airman and better at life, we need to dig a little deeper! #bereadystayready