Acheiving a Goal

The entry-level certification for IT professionals is the CompTIA A+ certification. This certification proves that a technician has the knowledge of computer hardware that is necessary in the field. I set a goal to attain this certification. In order to get the certification, I needed to take two timed exams. One tested me on the actual knowledge of computers, while the other tested me on the practical application of the knowledge. I prepared for these exams by taking practice tests. I would take the practice tests and build study guides for myself so that I could study the material with which I struggled. I studied for both of these tests until I felt I was prepared. I took the first test and passed. I had to wait a minimum of thirty days to take the second test. Once I passed the second test, I was A+ certified. Two weeks later, I was hired for my first job in the IT industry. I had been posting my resume on many different job sites for about eight months prior to getting A+ certified. Once I put that I had the certification, I got many job offers. This was important because my unemployment was about to run out. My A+ certification gets me jobs. 

Personal Ritual

One of my personal rituals happens at the beginning of the day when I leave for work. I hop in my car, start it and make sure 102.9 the hog is on. As Bob and Bryan are talking away and making laugh, I'm peeling a banana. Bananas are a great on the go food. When I finish the banana I light a cigarette. Smoking in itself is its own mini ritual and I go through that twice before I arrive at work. I get to my desk and turn on my computer. While my computer boots up I go and grab a cup of coffee. I sign in to my computer account and I head to my one of my favorite websites, cracked.com. I read an article on that site while drinking my coffee. When I am finished with the article I take a second for a big full body stretch. I start checking my work email and the day throws many different things at me. This ritual prepares me for my day, mostly because it helps me to wake up and deal with the issues that arise throughout the day.