The Art of Building

 

The Art of Building 

by Coach Frank Sagasta 

We all have a remarkable capacity for growth that often remains hidden, like a seed waiting to burst through the soil.  We used a word this week in the class called: “Adaptability.”  We all have the potential to build, create, and transform lies within each of us – regardless of age, sex, race, background, or past experiences.  It's a powerful truth that our abilities are not fixed, but fluid and expandable, limited only by the boundaries and limitations we place on our own imagination.  These barriers stem from time, energy, effort, faith, love, and attention.  

Imagine potential as a vast landscape of possibility, where every challenge, circumstance, or event is an opportunity and every setback is a stepping stone.  I call those opportunities lessons of life.  Too often, we view our capabilities through a narrow lens, believing we are confined by our current circumstances or previous limitations that someone else opinions placed upon us.  But the truth is far more exciting: WE have the power and potential to evolve, by listening, learning, and growing.  Our potential is not a static concept, but a dynamic force that responds to our mindset, actions, and willingness to push beyond comfort zones.  

Ever since my sister-in-law passed away and my older brother gave me woodworking tools.  I’ve spent countless hours working on creating items that have meaning or purpose.  I knew from experience that each tool had a unique purpose.   For making bookshelves, christmasy decorations, benches, etc.  Building something out of nothing has given me more clarity.  Because I knew it would take vision, creativity, willingness, and passion. 

The journey of building ourselves like a bunch or a bridge over a canyon begins with a fundamental shift in perspective.  A vision.  A purpose.  It's about recognizing that potential is not something you either have or don't have – it's something you cultivate in your heart, mind, and soul.  Like a muscle, our abilities strengthen with consistent exercise and intentional daily practice.  It takes time, energy, effort, patience, and attention.  This means embracing challenges, seeking out new experiences, and viewing failures not as endpoints, but as crucial feedback in endeavors.  ]Carol Dweck's work on growth mindset](https://www.mindsetworks.com/science/) provides profound insights into how our beliefs about learning can dramatically impact our ability to grow.

Building our potential requires both internal work and external work or intentional actions.  Internally, means developing self-awareness, and self-discipline, and cultivating a positive and resilient mindset.  Continuously, challenging our limiting beliefs.  Externally, involves seeking out learning opportunities, connecting with mentors, and taking consistent steps toward our goals without becoming overwhelmed.  The combination of introspection and proactive engagement creates a powerful engine of personal or professional transformation.

Age is never a barrier to growth and potential. Whether you're 16 or 80 the capacity to listen, learn, adapt, and build yourself remains vibrant and accessible.  Some of the most inspiring stories of personal and professional transformation come from individuals who discovered their potential later in life.  I have read the stories and I’ve shared these stories with my family and students for years.  As you continue on this journey toward building your future.  Please, consider the numerous entrepreneurs who started successful ventures in their 40s, 50s, and 60s, or the countless individuals who learned new skills and changed career paths well beyond traditional learning years. 

I have attached the TED Talks link because (https://www.ted.com/talks) it is filled with incredible stories of people who have reinvented themselves at various life stages.  And YouTube is another wonderful resource or platform that offers excellent stories and strategies.  Resources play a crucial role in our journey of potential building.  The key is to be intentional about our learning, to curate resources that align with our goals, dreams, and desires, and to remain curious and open-minded about other perspectives. 

Ultimately, seeing and unleashing our potential is an ongoing process of self-discovery, self-mastery, self-discipline, and commitment.  It's about believing in the remarkable capabilities that reside within you, taking consistent action, and understanding that growth is not a destination, but a continuous journey.  Every small step, every learned skill, and every overcome challenge contributes to expanding the boundaries of what you believe is possible for yourself.  I know this might sound silly or selfish.  But shouldn’t we be somewhat selfish?  Your potential is not just about what you can achieve, but about who you can become in the process of achieving.  So, I sharing the blueprint with each of you in hopes — that it might reinforce and ignite the spirit within to embark upon the process of building your own marble sculpture of King David like the great artist Michelangelo. 

With gratitude, 

 

Coach Frank Sagasta 

Arizona Professional Skills Instructor, Leadership Specialist, and Educational Researcher