For almost thirty years, Dr. Mary L. Young has been a highly sought voice as an acclaimed educator, serving in roles as a teacher, a principal, a school superintendent as well as having a key role in the South Carolina Department of Education. However, on the heels of her newfound celebrity as the bestselling author of The Prayer of Achsah: Getting Your Breakthrough From God, now Young is best known for her work as an influencer and motivator, becoming a highly sought coach and mentor by sharing insight into life’s real issues. “The Fairy Godmother of Education,” as she’s now affectionately known by adoring fans, has quickly become a breakout star as a social media influencer, sharing practical tips to face life’s challenges with courage, passion, humor, and fun.
A viewer recently asked: Dear Fairy Godmother of Education, what does success really look like, and how do you define it? Sometimes it feels like I just can’t keep up, and I can’t seem to find the motivation I once had before the pandemic.
Dr. MLY: “First of all, welcome to the club! Welcome to what I like to call ‘real life.’ I think we all feel that way from time to time but never more so than in these recent days following the pandemic. I think to my own life and to a few of my own experiences and, honestly, I can relate more than you may know! When I’m asked about success in my training and mentorship events, I share with my audience that success is never an accident. It’s not something that just happens. It has to be planned, and you have to be strategic where your hopes and dreams and vision are concerned. There are three principles I share with audiences:
Persistence is Key!
If you have a vision, keep going! Persistence is key. At the height of the pandemic, when it seemed like the whole world was falling apart, not only did I find myself out of work and away from my normal routine, but I received a diagnosis from my doctor. The dreaded ‘C’ word. It shook me to my core. But instead of becoming crippled and paralyzed by fear, I realized that I still had work to do and dreams to accomplish. I found a new lease on life and pursued another passion of mine – writing. Little did I know at the time that I would become a bestselling author. I just wanted to stay busy being faithful to my passions and to what I knew God has called me to do. I share this with you to say that no matter what happens in the world around you, hold on to your vision and keep going. Stay persistent!
Be Selfish About Self-Care!
You owe it to yourself to be selfish where your self-care is concerned. There’s a reason why flight attendants advise passengers to place oxygen masks on themselves first in the event of an emergency. You can’t help anyone if you aren’t taking care of yourself first. You can’t pour into others what you don’t have. If the recent pandemic reminded us of anything it’s the importance of prioritizing self-care. While you’re striving toward your goals and dreams and while you’re busy making a life, take a little more time taking care of yourself. Not only will you be recharged, but you’ll find that, in the end, you’ll have a lot more to give. Truly successful people are selfish about making self-care a priority.
Always Leave a Mark
No matter what position you currently find yourself in, you’re perfectly placed to impact the lives of others and those around you. That, to me, is the true meaning of success. It’s impact. It’s realizing that regardless of titles, jobs, positions, and even salary, where you are is a place for you to bring significance. Learn to impact others right where you are! Always leave a mark.
You see, my friend, hopes and dreams and visions come in all shapes and sizes, honestly. There’s really no one-size-fits all model or formula. We all have gifts and talents that makes us unique. You have to decide for yourself what you want life to look like for you. You have to begin to make your own hopes and dreams a priority with alignment of your daily tasks. We live in such a fast-paced, high-stress world, and we all need a reset! Right now, wherever you may find yourself, whether it feels good or seemingly not-so-good, you have a lot to offer to the world. Right now, there are hopes and dreams inside you – visions waiting to be manifested for all the world to see and experience. What I’m being reminded of in this season of my life is that we can always make a difference right where we are. Nothing is by happen stance. Be intentional in your efforts and make it count.
For more information on bestselling author Dr. Mary L. Young, visit www.marylyoung.com.
