| "I can't see the purpose in learning about subjects that | | | | most likely you would not be able to take advantage |
| are not interesting to me that I will never use in real | | | | of opportunities that require these skills. The tools that |
| life," my son mumbled while driving to school. I told my | | | | are missing from your box are not a disadvantage to |
| son to imagine that he had a tool box with only one | | | | you unless you want to succeed in a particular area |
| tool-- a hammer. If something only required a hammer | | | | and you have not acquired the tools necessary to |
| to be fixed, created or designed, he would be | | | | create or take advantage of these opportunities. |
| effective. But he would miss a plethora of opportunities | | | | Tools are the building blocks of goals; they create |
| if something required a screw driver, wrench or drill | | | | opportunities and fix broken dreams. If your dream is |
| because he wouldn't have the resources or tools | | | | to be an elementary teacher, your tool box must |
| needed to take advantage of those opportunities. I | | | | include a bachelor's degree, certification, and excellent |
| explained to my son that every time he learns | | | | interpersonal communication skills with children. If you |
| something new he is placing a tool in his tool box; and | | | | know how to perform CPR or speak a second |
| the more tools that he acquires the more things and | | | | language--these are also tools that you may apply to |
| opportunities that he will be able to create with his life. | | | | a variety of jobs? |
| Have you ever read a book that changed your life? | | | | If people constantly ask you to bake cakes for their |
| Have you ever learned a skill that you were able to | | | | social events--baking is a tool. Some tools can have |
| utilize later to your advantage? Do you have a hobby | | | | multiple uses. You can teach baking at a local college, |
| or skill that you take for granted? Are you good at | | | | sell pies to local bakeries or write a cook book. A |
| tutoring, baby-sitting, typing or organizing files? These | | | | single tool can have multiple functions by fixing, creating |
| are all tools that you can use to create prosperity in | | | | or designing many useful things to accommodate other |
| your life. | | | | tools and your unique personality. |
| A tool is defined as a skill, knowledge, people, | | | | What are your goals? |
| certificates, degrees, licenses and talents that are | | | | |
| resources that you have accumulated in your life that | | | | |
| allow you to create the things that you want to | | | | |
| achieve in your life. | | | | What tools do you need to accomplish your goals? |
| Your tool box is a reflection of who you are. The tools | | | | _________________ |
| that are currently in your box display your interests, | | | | _________________ |
| talents, and abilities. These tools indicate to yourself | | | | _________________ |
| and others where you have been and where you are | | | | What tools can you use to help you acquire other |
| currently capable of going because you have the | | | | tools that you need? |
| resources necessary to create and take advantage | | | | What tools are you currently using that you can use in |
| of opportunities that need what you have to offer. | | | | multiple ways? |
| Your tool box is also a reflection of who you are not. | | | | What tools do you have that you can combine to |
| For example, if you do not have a law degree, if you | | | | create something new? |
| can't braid hair or if you are not an excellent cook | | | | Make a list of the tools that are currently in your tool |
| these tools would not be available in your tool box, and | | | | box in each of the following areas. |