Tag Archives: motivation

Why are YOU going after the CCIE?

Posted by on November 24, 2009 No comments

Anyone who’s been around my site for a while knows my aspirations of becoming a CCIE have gone on for a long time. I love this field, and thoroughly enjoy studying it. I must say though, things can change very fast- not only in this field we all know and love- but in life. It’s hard to say what road I’ll be heading down, and while I hope it’s in the direction of attaining the CCIE, it’s impossible to know. All I can do is do my best every day that passes, and hope for the best.

This comes because I’ve recently spoke to a guy who had been after the CCIE for a while, and after hearing about the high number of 4.0 failures since the inception of the new version on October 18th- he decided to alter his path. I can’t blame him. This particular individual was making just short of what the average CCIE salary is, and doesn’t stand a whole lot to gain when you consider the amount of work required for the CCIE. In his case, the return on investment (ROI) just wasn’t worth it. Naturally, after hearing his story, I can’t help but think “man, maybe I was wrong“, after my opinionated post about the 4.0 possibly being easier.

All I’m saying is- evaluate your reasons for going after the CCIE. A  gentleman I knew at one time was ex-special forces. This guy and I were talking one time about SFAS- the highly elite (and difficult) Army Special Forces Assessment- the first step to becoming Army Special forces. The pass rate at that course is something like 25% the first time through..very similar to the CCIE lab..although highly demanding in different ways. Anyways, he told me in reference to school: “You better have one good reason you’re there, because when it comes down to the wire, that one reason is what’s going to push you through..if you don’t have a good reason, you’ll fall out with the rest”. What’s your reason? Is it enough? I am not trying to dissuade anyone from going after the CCIE- on the contrary, I am saying, GO FOR IT!..but in a targeted manner, with your eye on the prize, and realize what it will take long before you embark on this journey.


Why I think you should be studying right now

Posted by on April 23, 2009 No comments

This post is somewhat of a tangent, but I hope the message is well-received, and that it hits home for some of you out there. I believe there are two types of CCIE candidates: Those who are born with the gift of retaining information, or otherwise smart- or those who make up for their lack of natural skill with nothing more then hard work and persistence. I fall into the second category. I am not the smartest, or most skilled network professional by far. I am, however, one of the few who will put in the necessary time to bridge the gap between the two. While it may take some guy 1 hour to catch onto a subject and understand the theory, I am the one drawing diagrams, listening to audio clips in the car, and researching the subject at work, to reach the same level of understanding. But I believe that having that level of motivation is what makes me who I am, and why I feel unstoppable when it comes to certification and/or professional development. What does this all have to do with you? Read on.

I am a true believer that anyone can do what they want..with the necessary work. I don’t think I could be the next American Idol, but I do believe if I was dedicated enough, I could be a successful professional musician. Why? Because although some level of natural talent helps, it’s not the only factor. If you have the right mindset, nothing can stop you. A favorite quote of mine is by Thomas Jefferson. He said:

“Nothing can stop the man with the right mental attitude from achieving his goal. Nothing on earth can help the man with the wrong mental attitude.”

As humans, we hold so much potential within ourselves, but so very few people exercise that potential, and push their limits. I’m not just talking about going to school and getting a bachelors. I’m talking about someone deciding that they are going to start the business they always wanted to despite the odds..or the kid growing up who wants to be a millionaire. Why not? By no means am I suggesting you throw caution to the wind and go on tour with a rock band instead of going to college. All I am saying is, if that’s what you want to do, you can.

That being said, ask yourself this- what is holding you back from attaining your goals? Whether it’s to become a CCIE, or attain a Master’s degree, the path of a thousand miles begins with one step! As humans, we are inherently afraid of that which we do not know. I still encounter subjects that I’m “afraid” of. My solution these days is to attack them, and focus all of my attention on them. Before I know it, I realize there wasn’t much to them. The hardest part was just the initial shock of being emersed in something which I knew nothing about!

So whether it’s studying for the CCIE, or CISSP, MCSE, or for your degree…hit the books and never stop learning. Even if it’s only learning something new per day- keep at it!