14A -- Halfway Reflection

For this exercise, I'd like you to reflect on the past two months. In your post for this exercise, pretend that you're talking to a student from next semester's course. What would you tell them?

1) Tenaciousness is a competency. What are the behaviors that you have used (or developed) to keep up with the requirements of this course? 

I'm currently a ranch manager, graduate research assistant, and a full-time graduate student.  Reintegrating into student life after working full-time last summer has been tough.  I've struggled to find satisfaction in work that's rarely tangible.  As a rancher, I understand grit and perseverance despite setbacks.  But, it's often difficult to carry that through to solely intellectual work.  However, is possible.  I had to change my mindset, set realistic yet difficult goals, and build satisfaction.  I've focused on doing everything to the best of my ability.  I watch lectures with intensity, do homework for the sake of learning, and attempt to reward myself with tangible, meaningful breaks.

I've often heard older, wiser individuals criticize taking a break.  But, if you find a true, do-nothing break rewarding and you have accomplished serious goals since your last break, I think you should take that break. I think it's crucial to differentiate between time wasted and calculated rewards.  Timely breaks help maintain vigor and productivity; they help us keep our edge.  Excessive breaks easily devolve into a lazy state of mind, which can persist into what would otherwise be productive work time. Don't let laziness rob you of your goals and dreams and don't let productivity steal your joy. 

2) Tenaciousness is also about attitude. Talk about a moment or two when you felt like "giving up." What pulled you through? Do you feel like you've developed a tenacious attitude during the past two months? What experience or experiences most contributed to this?

I would definitely say these first two months of graduate school have fostered a renewed tenaciousness.  I remember being completely overwhelmed the second week of classes because I spent hours each day on the phone with customers and simultaneously building our brand, marketing, advertising, and creating a website.  Then classes got real and my research began.  It was a huge and simultaneous change.  So, I took a couple hours to regain my sanity the following weekend.  I set hard goals, made a plan of action, and I attacked the next week.

As I have ventured out into adult life, I've had more to worry about than ever before but I've been more at peace than ever before.  God brought me here and I am trying to be a faithful steward of the time He has given me.  I never planned on pursuing graduate studies but God brought me back.  I've since made new friends from around the globe, had meaningful conversations, and see God's grace and faithfulness flow.  

3) Three tips. What are three tips you would offer next semester's student about (1) fostering the skills that support tenacity and (2) developing the 'tenacious mindset' ?

Setting attainable but difficult goals is a fantastically helpful skill to hone.  It has definitely helped me cultivate productivity and find satisfaction in my work, especially when the work itself may not be very rewarding in and of itself.

As far as mindset, I ask you who you want to be?  What do you want?  If you want nice things and a comfortable life, then you're likely going to endure suffering to get there.  Many people never start or even quit part-way through the pursuit of their dreams.  Yet, those same people resent others who are successful, disregarding the work they put in to get where they are. You are free to be either of those people.  But, know that being successful will likely require much effort and strife in the beginning.

Lastly, I recommend traveling sufficiently outside your comfort zone.  Do something you don't think you can do.  That may sound odd but "discomfort is the breeding ground for confidence" (Tony Cowden). You may fail, but don't quit.  You will almost undoubtedly learn something new with each push so push, reflect, and push again. 

Example of a tenacious mindset: A couple of my close friends are about to build a very nice house.  Neither of them makes an exorbitant amount of money. Yet, they have lived incredibly frugal lives for the last 7 years.  They will now have the house of their dreams with very little debt because of their decision to invest in their own savings and cut out frivolous spending. I often joke with them that they never had fun.  While that is, of course, false, they have forgone many activities and material things others their age are drowning in.  But, they know they can and will have those things after they build a house.  Decide what you want and make it happen. It may not appear glamorous to others or even to you at times.  But, keep striving.  Keep pursuing. Achieve.

Don't make excuses, make results.

(A couple photos from work at the Sara G Ranch)