At the March on Washington Dr. Martin Luther King,
Jr. mentioned the “fierce urgency of now” in regards to our divided nation moving
forward together, to make things better. While there’s been some progress,
there’s still lots of work that needs to be done. The concept of the “fierce
urgency of now” is something that occupies my mind often. When I wake up,
I’m already in an urgent state of mind. I believe that time is valuable and
precious, and shouldn’t be wasted, which is why I can’t understand why some
people waste time. I hate wasting time and I certainly don’t enjoy having my
time wasted, which is why one of my biggest pet peeves is lateness. I
understand that things happen, and I can even understand running five minutes
behind, but if someone continually makes lateness a habit, I get annoyed;
especially if we’ve made plans in advance. I’ve been late before, but I’m a
prompt person – most, if not all of the time. I also recognize that time stops
for no one. This is why I’m urgent about pursuing opportunities, chasing my
dreams, following up with people who’ve contacted me, and making moves.
Everything I want is forward, and I know if I’m going to grab hold of what I
want, it’s going to require me to be urgent and ready to go, or else the opportunities
and especially the time, will pass me by. I believe that’s the fierce urgency
of now. Someday, one day, or waiting until you feel
like doing things, or taking care of something, may cost you opportunities
you might not get, if you’re being slothful. Be productive, take breaks when
you need to, and then get going. What are you going to do with the time you
have left?
As you embark on your career, I want you to know some things and stay woke about what you’ll be up against. Please understand that no matter what, you have value, and you matter. Always remember that. As progressive as this world and different workplaces may seem, every workplace has a culture. You’ll be in different places where a lot of people who don’t look like you will be in the room. But know that you belong in those rooms too. Spend some time observing and studying those spaces and learn as much as you can. There will be people you work with who will make presumptions about your competence, education, and ability to fulfill your job duties. There will be more who will think less of you because of the color of your skin and try to disqualify you the moment you make an error, mistake, or ask questions about things you may not understand. This will all feel uncomfortable and you may get insecure, feel like you’re all by yourself, and think you don’t belong there, but ride it out...