To all those who received their A-Level results yesterday I genuinely hope you achieved all you have worked for. These results will enable you to carve a career for yourselves and give you the opportunity to make your way in the world delivering your ability and maximising on your potential.
Don’t be disheartened, however if your plans haven’t come to fruition and your results were different to your expectations. The world and its rich history is littered with examples of failed plans.
A plan is an attempt at a structured approach to anything we set our minds to achieve. Sometimes the plans are simple and easy to execute. Other plans are more complex and are liable to a shift in direction and detail.
I am reminded at this time of my own journey. I had my heart set on becoming a sports physiotherapist and I chose the right A Levels that would propel me into this exciting career. I was even in contact with the Principles of 3 Physiotherapy schools I had shortlisted when I had my results. I was predicted to achieve 2 A grades and a B grade in these exams. I needed 3 B grades to continue my plan.
Unfortunately, I fell short on one of these results. I subsequently received 9 rejections from universities including the 3 I had shortlisted and others I had approached through the clearing process.
I had failed and had no idea what I was going to do with my life. The plan that was so clear in my head (and on paper) was ruined.
To cut a lengthy story short with the help, advice and support of my teachers at the 6th form college especially David Elston, I found an alternative path to reach my goal. Within 1 month attending college I was hooked on another journey and my dreams of becoming a sports physiologist faded as a career in health and fitness welcomed me and taught me so much more than I thought possible.
Fast forward to today having grown through the H&F world winning a scholarship to study in USA, work at one of the top 10 clubs in the world, met great mentors, switched from H&F to club, then training & development and then training outside the industry, further studies in psychology and behaviour change I became the youngest business adviser working for Business Link interacting with a wide range of SMEs across the UK. After my second redundancy I started Expressions Partnership Ltd in 2003.
Today I have one of the best jobs in the world – I get to lead a team of dedicated professionals who share my passion in helping people, teams and organisations achieve their potential. A different path to the one I had planned for and committed to achieving.
Sometimes plans don’t work out but with a purpose to succeed and a willingness to learn from all eventualities there will always be the opportunity to achieve your potential.