Some things are teachable; others have to be learned. Today, we’ll
discuss things you have to learn on your own.
Hopefully, you’ll do it
while you’re still in college! If you’re already out, check this list to
see how you’re doing!
#1 – Learn how YOU learn.
Do you learn best by
reading? Listening? Watching? Or some combination? You’ll save a lot of
time, money, and frustration later if you learn this now.
#2 – Learn HOW to think.
Most students focus on
WHAT to think. Get a well-rounded education so you can cut to the
essence of any issue. You fully understand a topic when you can debate
both sides of an argument equally well.
#3 – Learn self-discipline.
Know how to set
goals and schedule yourself to achieve them. Stick to the schedule
you’ve set so you can focus on your priorities and balance work with
fun.
#4 – Learn how to build YOUR brand.
You are the CEO of most important organization – YOU, Inc.
For what will you be famous? What makes you unique? How will you let the world know?
The choices you make are critical. It’s good to be a member of an
organization; it’s better to be a leader in it. Choose internships and
summer jobs wisely because they reflect on your brand, too.
#5 – Learn how to communicate effectively.
It’s
true – you learn a LITTLE bit about this in college. But how you
communicate reflects on your brand. For example, if your written work is
full of typographical errors and grammatical mistakes, the reader may
assume that you’re sloppy or apathetic. Also understand that HOW you say
something is just as important as WHAT you say.
#6 – Learn how to build your network.
Take every
opportunity to reach out to people with common interests. It’s amazing
how few students get to know their professors. They are great mentors
even after you’re done with college!
There are no six steps to Kevin Bacon when it comes to networking.
You need to get one step removed from the person you need to contact. If
you know me, and I know somebody, you have a good chance with that
somebody.
#7 – Learn how to find your initial vision.
Your
vision consists of your passion, your values, your competencies, and
the environment you face. Here are some great resources to help you:
Your vision will probably change over time. However, developing the
skills to discover it and work toward it are essential to your bigg
success.
Our bigg quote today comes from the great Ralph Waldo Emerson, who said,
“The things taught in schools and colleges are
not an education, but the means to an education.”
Education is a life-long adventure to discover yourself and uncover your full potential.
As he moves on from the game he loves, superstar quarterback Brett
Favre taught us a lesson on peak performance. We’ll discuss it in our
next blog.
Brett’s moving on to the perfect job. One with two vacations a year … six months each!
Until next time, here’s to your bigg success!