We all know a triangle is a three sided shape that is a fundamental item in basic geometry. And we all know that these triangles come in difference sizes and that the three sides can be in different lengths- which changes the overall shape of the triangle itself.
Now in college I was introduced to another triangle. Yes, it could be drawn on paper but it wasn't taught in relation to math but better yet a theory that was spoken as a pearl of wisdom to be applied to life. In college this triangle was referred to as "The 3 'S': social studies, school, and sleep". Social studies referred to the idea being social; this included all activities from going to the gym to attending clubs, dating to partying, and generally just leisurely interacting with others. School referred to attending classes and studying for those classes. Sleep....welp- that's pretty obvious. Now the idea of this triangle is that the ultimate student would like to have all 3 S's illustrated as an equilateral triangle, but so often is it that balancing these three components leaves at least one of the three ideas unbalanced, resembling an isosceles triangle at best.
SO WHERE WAS I: As I trotted through college this theory stuck with me and I saw it played out by several of my friends and myself. There were some semester where sleep was just not in the equation at all and other weeks where being social didn't work out very well either. As a freshmen- sleep was the component that was most reduced; sophomore year it was social studies; by junior year I was able to better balance as my social circle was reduced...can you say isosceles! And by senior year...I had this triangle in full balance: EQUILATERAL.
As I neared the end of my final spring semester I began to rethink my career goals and became frantic for direction in the next phase of my life. In the midst of it all I was told about another triangle; this one was related to careers; often it is the case that individuals have jobs they are good at (dedication), jobs that make a lot of money (potential), or jobs they truly love (passion). This theory was presented like a triangle because it also requires balance but as I entered the world of true adulthood with college loans instead of college classes, and the need for employment I thought this theory was better described as a Venn- diagram; where the ultimate goal is to find bliss in your career.
In our more recent years the goal has been just to find a job in general upon graduation; for some disciplines this is a bit easier than that of others; and even still the location or salary or benefits are likely lacking. So I quickly understood that a more accurate depiction of this theory is below: illustrating that even if you find 2 out of 3 you likely still feel you are lacking in one regard or another.
So what's the struggle in that!? The struggle is in finding where you are, where you want to be, and devising a plan to get there. The struggle is in finding where you are because for some this will require self-reflection; who wants to admit to themselves, and others, that they are so far off the path from which they had initially embarked upon. The struggle is in making a plan because you aren't sure where you are or where you want to be. The struggle in is waiting while the plan unfolds as patience is a virtue. And to add one more struggle that is likely the most frustrating because it's beyond your control; the struggle is in beating the odds in our current economy and not becoming comfortable with what you can find in the mean time. So I challenge you to this struggle....and like most other things- the first step is the hardest and the first cut (rejection) is the deepest; but don't become discouraged. The hard times are what makes the struggle real.
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