How did I get here? Why do I do the things I do? These are two important questions that we sometimes never look into. Are you a freshman that will next year be a sophomore or a senior getting ready for graduate school?

No matter who you are or where you are in life, we all have to make transitions to new positions. The way in which you move forward will impact lives for generations to come.

From this day on I want you to take a look within and search for greatness. I was inspired to present you with a 6 step process called S.E.A.R.C.H., so that with every transition you will be placed in a better position.

The S is for School. One of the greatest transitions that you can ever make is when you decide to go to school. You have the chance to not only choose a college or university, but also to declare a major. The more in life you learn can increase what you earn. There are two things that people will always pay, and they are what you know and what you show. Take it upon yourself to learn as much as you can and give back even more.

The E is for Experiences. The second transition that you can make is to get some experience. Don’t wait until you get out of school in order to see if you have chosen the right career path. While competition is fierce for internships and co-ops you can find great opportunities by networking with friends, family and alumni. The knowledge you have gained only becomes powerful when you place it in the right occupation that can make the most of your abilities.

The A is for Adjustments. After you take what you learn and apply it you get to truly find out what you are good at. Make a mental list of your strengths and weaknesses in and outside the classroom. See what adjustments you can make now and the ones that you can make later so that you can improve. Success in life is about making adjustments.

The R is for Resume. One of the biggest mistakes that we can make is not to resume what we started. Making adjustments are important but staying focused and never quitting has even greater significance. Resume your life. Resume your education. Resume your career. If you stand still long enough your opportunities will begin fill with dust and rust. If you ever find yourself in this position, give that complacency a shake off so that you can take off.

The C is for Confidence. When you keep moving in life and don’t let the little things turn into big things it will give you confidence. The opportunity to believe and be successful with each transition is available to you right now. Ask the people around you what makes them successful? If you see that no one around you is successful then you need to socialize with some new people. When you have confidence doors will not just open, but stay open.

The H is for Happiness. Confidence breeds happiness. When you are happy and walk into a place people will see a smile on your face. Have you seen the movie The Pursuit of Happyness? In the movie the father tells the son, “Never let anyone steal your dream.” Most of us give our dreams away. What makes you happy and what can you share to make a difference? S.E.A.R.C.H. for the answers and your next transition will lead you to a better position.

Derrick Hayes is the author of Derricknyms From A to Z and is available to speak at Meetings, Conferences and Events. Derrick Hayes can be reached at oneword(at)bellsouth.net or http://www.DerrickHayes.com (706) 615-1662.