A Sling and A Stone

Discover the Power Within You to Overcome Your Greatest Challenges

Dr. TaKesha Jones James, PhD, SHRM-CP

I/O Psychologist

Exitus 2 Excellence Consulting, LLC

Identify Your Sling, Your Stone, and Your Opportunity

One of my favorite biblical narratives is the story of young David. His journey from shepherd boy to warrior and king of Israel is legendary and inspirational. But for me, the most powerful part of David's story is where he began.

David was hardworking, determined, observant, and confident enough to recognize which battles were his to fight. Yet, in the eyes of others, he was ordinary. He was young, inexperienced, and barely noticeable.

Then came Goliath.

The Philistine giant challenged Israel, and no one was willing to accept the challenge. Goliath was intimidating, experienced, and confident in his reputation for winning.

David overheard the challenge and accepted it.

This battle would change his life forever.

David did not have years of battle experience. He did not have the armor or weapons everyone expected a warrior to have. He did not have an army of people cheering him on.

But he did have a SLING and a STONE.

He used what he had, and he used what he knew worked. David had one shot to hit his target, and this was his opportunity. With confidence, David secured the win.

At that moment, the young shepherd who had been barely noticed became legendary.

There Are So Many Lessons in David's Story That Apply to Our Personal and Professional Lives:

1. Know your value. You are enough.
2. Tap into what you believe about yourself. That belief becomes confidence.
3. Make the voices of naysayers and mockers small. Their opinions do not define your capability.
4. Use what you already know and what is already within your reach.
5. When you hear "you can't," remind yourself that you can.
6. Never assume you are too young or too old to make an impact.
7. What worked in smaller arenas can prepare you for larger ones.
8. Recognize your qualifications. You may be more prepared than you realize.
9. Remain humble, but stay focused on the mission.

Identify Your Sling, Your Stone, and Your Opportunity

David's gift, confidence, and ability to use what was already in his hands secured the win—not his title, family name, network, or years of experience. This is an important reminder for all of us.

You already ARE:

Equipped for the opportunity.

Equipped for the promotion.

Equipped to pursue the degree.

Equipped to secure the contract.

Equipped to recognize when it is time to walk away.

In this journey, do not forget that your education, social and professional networks, and certified acronyms are valuable, but they are supplemental to what you already know about navigating situations, recognizing opportunities, and trusting your ability to respond. The tools are already available and waiting in your pocket or bag.

Use what you have.

Trust what you know.

And be willing to use it when the opportunity or the challenge presents itself.