Monthly Archives: March 2016

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You Don’t Have to Be in School to Stay Sharp

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Photo Credit: Death to Stock

The last quarter of college, I felt like I’d finally figured it out. School, that is. I’d written a 40+ page research paper that I was proud of, I’d learned how to present my ideas with confidence, and I’d learned how to appreciate the richness of the academic life. And then, just like that, school was over.I wondered what I would be like when I wasn’t in school. For example, I told myself that I loved to learn. But would I really stay motivated when I didn’t have grades, deadlines and professors encouraging me to study, think and write?

It turns out, my love of learning became even more a part of my identity once I wasn’t in school. I had time. Time to think. Time to read. And I could study one thing at a time, instead of juggling multiple course loads.

Also, my brain was less cluttered and distracted. If you’re like me, as a student you are pulled in so many different directions. And so is your brain. You’re constantly prioritizing what class you’ll spend time on, which test you’re going to study for, how to balance research and writing, and how you’re supposed to get sleep and have a social life on top of it all.

When you’re working, your time is more structured. And in your off-time, even if you spend some of it commuting, your brain can wander where it wills.

Here’s the key: if you want your mind to stay curious and sharp, you need to cultivate it. You need thought-provoking ideas to wrestle with, adopt and simply challenge what you thought you knew. You need thinkers who you admire and look up to, who you will allow to challenge your thinking, or whose ideas you’ll take seriously and truly consider.

There are so many sources out there — books, podcasts, online courses. They’re free or low-cost, especially when you compare them to the amount you paid for college! Take care to stay sharp. It will invigorate you, keep your days from growing dull, and inspire you to think differently about your work and the life you lead. And who knows, you might just learn a thing or two.

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4 Tips for Waking Up & Training Yourself to Like It

Last week, on my birthday, I shared 26 things I’ve learned. One of the items that a number of people commented on was setting out your clothes for the next day the night before. It’s such a simple task, but makes a big difference in starting your day off smoothly!

This week I want to share some additional tips for beginning the day both smoothly and in a good mood. (As a bonus, here’s a great podcast on the topic.) Think of these as steps to help you wake up on the right side of the bed.

  1. Set your alarm to play music that you like. An alarm will likely be a jarring experience no matter what noise it makes. But if it plays a song or music station you like, there’s a better chance of you welcoming (or at least not rejecting) that trigger.
  2. Have a power phrase that puts mind over matter. One of mine is “You’ll feel better once you’re up.” Another is “You won’t feel any less tired 20 minutes from now” (if I were to keep sleeping). I say this to myself when I’ve turned off the alarm but haven’t yet gotten up. It’s the boost I need to actually become vertical.
  3. Have a mantra that puts your focus on something positive. Say this to yourself as you’re waking up. One of mine is “This is the day that the Lord has made.” Another example is “I’m so grateful to be alive.” Have this be a sentence that directs your focus beyond petty complaints, worries or frustrations. Say the sentence to yourself, even if the tone in your head is one of angst, grogginess or sheer silliness. The words have the power to shape your thinking and how you feel.
  4. Run a washcloth under hot water and press it to your eyes. I have my mother to thank for this technique. If you normally take a shower in the morning, this is probably redundant. But if you don’t, the warm steam will soothe the sleepiness out of your eyes and leave you ready to see the world through a bright gaze.

Some days you will want to hit snooze, and you’ll decide it’s important to sleep more. And that’s fine. But don’t let it be the norm. Getting up successfully is your first chance for a win in the new day. Don’t pass it up or fail the meet the challenge.

Why do you think it’s so challenging to wake up? What techniques or tips help you wake up in the morning? Share your thoughts in the comments. 

 

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26 Things I’ve Learned: Thoughts on My Birthday

Happy birthday to me. Rather than include in-depth reflections, I’ve listed a 26 things I’ve observed or learned–in particular, things I’ve learned in the past year. As you read these, think about what lessons you’re learning at this time in your life!

26 Things I’ve Learned: 

  1. It’s not as hard as you thought to be successful in a job.
  2. Sleep is important.
  3. Being grateful is an excellent mood lifter.
  4. Singing aloud, in the car, is also a good mood lifter.
  5. Eating a salad with your lunch everyday is a great way to get daily vegetables.
  6. Keeping in touch with professors is worth the effort and potential self-consciousness you might feel when initially reaching out.
  7. It’s attractive when someone shows interest in getting to know you. Showing this interest to others will build connections and help you get to know people more quickly.
  8. One of the best ways to learn is to find people to emulate. They can be a person in your life, a peer you look up to, or a public figure who writes, blogs, etc.
  9. Being married is not the same as dating or being engaged. It’s easier to take your spouse for granted, because you think they’ll always be there. But your spouse is the one person you absolutely should not take for granted.
  10. Setting out your clothes the night before is a good way to fight decision fatigue the next day (tiredness that results from having to make decisions.)
  11. That extra 20 minutes of sleep won’t make you feel any more rested. But being rushed and late to work will make you feel more frazzled.
  12. Connecting with family is important  – whether you do so through visits, phone calls or a family group text.
  13. Podcasts are the bomb! A few I subscribe to are Longform, This is Your Life with Michael Hyatt, The Chalene Show, This American Life, and (a new favorite) Call Your Girlfriend.
  14. Hot chocolate + peppermint schnapps is a top-notch evening snack, even when it’s no longer wintertime.
  15. Taste your food while you’re cooking it (if you can.) Then you’ll know what it takes like before serving it up to guests, and also, you can adjust the spices/cook time/etc. if it needs improvement.
  16. Tithing is a good reminder that money is a resource to steward. And once you’re accustomed to generous charitable giving, it’s easier to consider giving on top of your normal amounts.
  17. Good friendships are a rare gift. Treasure them and make your friends feel appreciated.
  18. Make your co-workers feel appreciated, too. You see each other every day, and a small gesture of thanks is an investment in the health of your long-term working relationship.
  19. Don’t worry so much about healthy eating that you find yourself not eating enough. Transitioning to a healthy diet can take time, and doesn’t need to happen all at once.
  20. Attending the theater is magical. Getting a season subscription ensures that you won’t miss the magic. And it makes you feel classy.
  21. Prayer tunes you in to see how God is working in your life. It’s a reminder that you’re not going through life alone.
  22. Having a regular coffee shop makes it easy to build up a store of positive memories in one place. It can also be a trigger — for getting good writing done, sharing good conversations, or engaging in thoughtful reading/thinking.
  23.  One of the perpetuators of bias is lack of representation. When it becomes the norm to see/talk about/and expect women, non-white people, and others who have been discriminated against to be in positions of power and authority, we will begin to change our biases.
  24. Writing is a good way to gain clarity in your thoughts.
  25. There is so much beauty around you. Take time to gaze upon a sunset, appreciate the changing seasons, and be grateful for the inspiration of nature.
  26. There’s so much to learn — don’t be daunted by this, be humbled and excited.

Thanks to those of you who have been reading this blog, and who have shared your thoughts and feedback with me. I’m so grateful that you’re a part of my life — whether I see you everyday or whether we simply keep in touch via the web. Be well.