Don’t be reactive but be a conscientious thinker. Your future and your destiny is determined by how you think. I believe that we were place here on this earth to fulfill a destined purpose. Have you discovered what your purpose for being is and what gifts and talents your were given to help fulfill that purpose?

I believe that we have been given our own unique gifts and talents. Some people know what their gifts and talents are and they have claimed it to be rightfully so. While there are others who have not made that discovery as of yet. Are you one of those who have not yet tapped into what you were naturally created to do?

My understanding of a gift is when someone gives you something just because they want too. There’s nothing you did to earn the gift. It was given to you freely. Gifts are given because the gift giver wants to give you something they believe you should have. That’s what makes it a gift.

You always have a choice to either receive the gift, or decline it. In my experience, when someone gives you a gift, you’ll generally accepts it. Not only do you accept the gift, but you become extremely anxious about unveiling the gift to find out what it is. I said all that to say, have you accepted the gift that has been given to you? If you haven’t already done so, I challenge you, to dig deep inside yourself to unveil what gifts has been placed in you.

Know that the gifts and talents you have can only help you move forward into your destiny. It’s those gifts and talents that help us to become who were were truly meant to be. Upon learning about what gifts and talents you naturally have, don’t waste it in doing nothing. There are people who lives can be influenced, renewed and changed as a result of the gift and talents that lies within you.

Yes, this is true, what you have inside of you, was meant to be shared with others in such as way that they too can begin to enact their talents and help others become better too. I live by the motto, “Building Better Lives and Inspiring Hope for tomorrow.”

If I inspired one, and give hope to another then I did what I was created to do. Have you used your gifts and talents today? Will you make a difference in the life of another by sharing what you do naturally and well? I surely hope so. If not I encourage you to join me as I continue my mission to, “Build Better Lives and Inspire Hope for tomorrow.”

I keep finding myself going through transitions. From one stop to the next, and sometimes I feel like giving up. I know that I’ve worked hard to get to where I am in life but when I see the challenges that lie ahead, it’s easy to start doubting myself.

But who would have thought five years ago that I’d be sitting here at this very moment, thinking an operating as a business owner and entrepreneur. I always knew that I had it in me, but five years ago this task seemed to be out of my reach. Nevertheless I made it here, and I’m three years in.

So in light of all that I may be feeling or even experiencing right now, it’s just another phase in the growth and development process. I know some people are thinking as they read this, “Why be afraid?” “Fear is not good and you should not speak it into existence,” but I say to you, “Much like Anger, Fear is relevant, and it can be a positive emotion, if it’s processed appropriately.”

I guess you’re wondering why would I even say that “Fear is relevant?” Well, it’s quite simple. For me, I see fear as being motivational, a form of protection, and a source of guidance. When I’m place in a position that I feel like “I can’t,” or “I’m afraid too,” Fear prompts me to overcome it, just to prove that I can and I’m very capable. Yes, I’ve turn what could have been an immobilizing disaster, into an positive, self motivating factor. So the way I see it, Fear is relevant and it has a place in my success, and here’s how:

1. Fear motivates you: Instead of retreating, Fear has a way of pushing you forward and it dares you to believe. No more staying stuck and feeling intimidated by what you thought you could not do. Let your Fear motivate you, and prove to yourself that you are more than capable, and that you can do, what you thought was not even possible.

2. Fear protects: It puts you in a position to be vigilant, on alert, and self aware at all time. It helps you to take a look at things from all angles, and it prompts you to be conscientious about the choices and decisions you have to make.

3. Fear Guides you: It compels you to think and process before reacting to any situation. It informs you about the choices you make, and makes you aware of the consequence (positive and negative) that can impact future. It helps you to think critically through each step you take, as you recognize that where your headed, is on a journey that will change your life forever.

When you’re looking to grow professionally and develop into what you know you could be, and when your working hard to read your maximum potential, just know that you will experience moments where fear will creep in. But I say to you, that’s ok. Remember, Fear has a place and it’s relevant in the growth and development process. How you process and navigate through your fear, will determine the outcome you’ll experience. Fear could immobilize you, or catapult you into becoming the best version of yourself, imaginable. I say execute the power of Fear and let it motive you, protect you, and guide you into your destiny.

Bridgette N Montgomery
​MSW LCSW MSNPM CSOTS

Test taking is not something that comes easy for me.  In fact, I down right dread it.  When I see multiple choice questions, instantly I panic.  So yes, you guessed it, the ASWB Licensing Exam was no different for me.  Upon learning about the licensing exam, and all that it entailed, fear and anxiety over took me. I asked myself, “How am I suppose to take a test to show the ASWB that I am a competent Social Worker? What would happen if I fail this test? How will I ever get ahead, if I don’t have the credential to show that I have the Knowledge, Skills, and Ability to perform the duties of a competent Social Worker.”  These questions and many more, bombarded my mind.  So, in order for me to make peace with it all, I had to research and explore for myself, how best to approach this exam, so that I could achieve my goal and earn the license that says, I have Mastered the core competency Skills needed to be a competent Social Worker.

Before I took my ASWB exam, I thought nothing of it.  I had no fears or anxiety in regards to taking the exam.  I honestly believed that I was capable of passing my exam, simply because, “I’ve been practicing as a social worker for many years.”  Well, to my surprise the ASWB Licensing Exam was not that simple. I quickly learned that the ASWB was not interested in how well I practiced as a social worker, rather they were interested in knowing if I had the knowledge and Competency Skills, that are at the foundation of who we are as social workers.  

Being in practice for many years, some things got away from me. What the ASWB Licensing Exam did for me, was challenged me to a level of remembering why we practice as we do, and it re-enforced and strengthened my critical thinking skills.  Once I changed my mindset and approach to taking the ASWB Licensing Exam, taking the test  became something other than just trying to pass it.  It became a way for me to solidify who I am as a social worker and to establish myself as professionally, competent in the field.

Simply put, in my opinion, changing my mindset towards taking the exam is what helped me achieve my goal.  Im sharing this with the intent of helping you develop a new way of approaching the Licensing Exam.  Too many people fail the exam because of the pressure to pass it, that we place upon ourselves. Yes, you are preparing to earn a license that will show that you have master the (KSAs) Knowledge, Skills, and Ability to perform the functions of a competent (Clinical) Social Worker, but it does not define who you are as a professional.  

So as you prepare to study for and take your exam, remember, YOU ARE COMPETENT and you’re a great Social Worker. You practice these skills daily and many people lives are changed as a result of the work you do daily.  Learn test taking strategies, and apply it with the skills and knowledge that you have.  Remember the Social work process to help you navigate through questions.  Find a reputable study program to assist in your learning process and you are good to go.  There was a time when I thought that I would never be able to pass this exam, but after changing my mindset, my will and ability to achieve my goals change to.  Good luck and happy studying.  Now Go Get What Yours!!!!.