IN BETWEEN - Part 3

In a quest for the things that will actually matter once school is done and we are trying to figure out what to do next - something to pour ourselves into that will make a difference somewhere. Here are my last three in a list of nine things that we can do to keep our skills sharp and to continue to stay relevant in our respective fields:

7. Continually go back to the stuff learned to keep it fresh. 

We learn a lot of stuff in school and sometimes it feels like drinking from a fire hydrant. But there are some things we come across that resonate with our interests, passions, and abilities. Go back to those things. You know you took better notes in those classes than any others. 

Reread your notes. Relisten... (so I was not an English major) to those lectures. 

Do whatever you need to in order to keep the most important things fresh in your mind.  

8. Establish milestones for personal progress. 

Every good CEO, manager, leader of some kind, has a way of measuring progress. Track who you have coffee with, travel to a region where the language you are learning is spoken. Find ways to gauge your progress.

I know a guy who wanted to read more so he set a goal to read one book a week for a year. In his first year doing this he did not read 52 books but he did read 41 and that was way more than the previous year. He set that goal fifteen years ago and in the succeeding years he has taken up that goal he has met or exceeded the goal.

9. Don't lose sight of those who are helping and supporting you through this. 

Be intentional about face time with family friends who are giving you a break on rent or paying for your car insurance or phone bill. Maybe it is your parents or a family friend; be sure they know you appreciate what they are doing for you.

That is all for now. For a look at the first three in our list click here; and for four through six click here. Good luck, and 

Just a Meandering Thought...

PACKED

So we spent the day yesterday just lounging around the house, and running a couple of errands for the trip to India. We visited a picturesque little known spot on the Cape called the Knob.

Last night Sara and I went out for a date just before I head out to India. It was the first time we have been on a date, just the two of us since Samuel was born. It felt new but familiar.

Today I am finishing my repacking before I head out to catch a bus to the Airport.
I am bringing along some reading material for the long plane ride and train rides that I will be taking as I go.
Philip Yancey's - "Soul Survivor" where he lists and talks about the people who most helped him to navigate his youth and early adulthood and survive organized religion to become a man who still believes in God.

Maurice Herzog's - "Annapurna" the story of the first ascent of Annapurna which was also the first ascent of an 8,000 meter peak.

C.S. Lewis's - "Surprised by Joy" which is his account of his early life; the circumstances which led to him becoming a man of faith.

Maybe you see a theme or two. Overcoming obstacles and the things that influence us to be able to over come them. We are all influenced by things every day. Every minute really. The idea being that if you can selectively choose your influences; put yourself in a place where you are mostly influenced by the things that will push you in the direction you want to go, you are way ahead of the game.

I am choosing to allow India to be an influence in my life, one of many. What is influencing you? Your surroundings will affect your direction; your direction determines your destiny.

Just a Meandering Thought...