Don't Give Up What You Want Most, for What You Want Now!

I first found this thought on a sign hanging in my room at the old Millcreek High School in Washington when I first started teaching there. It became my motto as a teacher to share with my students the secret of how to find success and make it to the finish line of high school graduation. It hangs in my current classroom and on the bulletin board in my son’s room.
When asked by a classmate if you want to sluff next period and go get breakfast, think about what you want most. Is getting a sluff and a potential No Grade taking you closer to your goal of graduation? If it is not, be tuff and say no, let’s wait for the lunch break and then go.
When the alarm goes off in the morning and you haven’t had much sleep, overrule the idea of turning off the alarm and going back to sleep with the notion that going to school is going to get you closer to your dream.
When you are tempted to drop out of college and take a job that pays pretty decent money, DON’T! Think of the 40 plus years that you are going to spend in the workforce and increase in salary that you will get if you have a degree on your resume! Put off the temptation to give up and go for the diploma!
When you want to give into satisfying that sweet tooth and indulge in massive calorie intake while dieting, don’t! Remember what you want most is to fit into that summer swimming suit without feeling uncomfortable.
When you are dating that someone special and are tempted to become a little too intimate, Don’t! Remember that goal of being sealed for all time and eternity in the House of the Lord will bring far greater pleasure and happiness.
Remember what you want most and don’t give in to the short term pleasure! The long term goal is worth waiting for.