Mid-Week Motivation

          As a new professional in the area, I’ve been attending several networking groups to meet new and interesting people – and that I have. This last week I attended a luncheon with Michael Schneider of McPherson College. He was our speaker for the day and he was talking about things he learned on his way to being one of the youngest college presidents in the nation. He had some great points – some that pertain only to business and some that pertain also to life. I’m a real sucker for motivational stuff, so I thought I would share. Who doesn’t need a little pick me up here and there?!

Here’s what he had to say:

     1.     “It’s okay to make mistakes.” We’ve all heard that one before, but for some reason we tend to forget easily. He also said, “If you’re going to make mistakes, make them in the forward direction and learn from them.” Make mistakes while you’re working your way to greatness (whatever that may be – personal, professional, etc.) and take the knowledge you learn from the mistake and carry on your way. 

     2.     “The accomplishment is the QUEST.” Sometimes it’s not the end result that deserves the recognition, but the journey you took to get there.

     3.     “Always take a swing when you’re up to bat. Don’t just let the ball go by.” Don’t let an opportunity pass you by. You’ll definitely strike out if you don’t take a swing.

     4.     “Patience is a load of cr@p.” This one is more of a business principle than a life one. Patience in life will take you far, but in business you can’t just wait for things to happen. You have to make them happen.

     5.     “Don’t overlook the people you surround yourself with.” Look to those around you for help and guidance. They are your closest and best asset.

     6.     “Get in spaces where you are uncomfortable.” It’s easy to stay inside your comfort zone, but magic happens when you get outside of it. Challenge yourself.

     7.     “Some people call it crazy. Others call it a vision.” I’m totally out of my mind, so does that make me a visionary?! ;-)

     8.     “Don’t let your career define you. Define your career.” 

     9.     “Success isn’t measured by how you fit in, but by how you stand out.” These last two go together nicely. You can do alright if you just go-with-the-flow, but sometimes swimming upstream will take you farther. 

I hope these little pieces of wisdom can make you feel as great as they did me. Let’s go change the world!

-Dr. Emily