Stuck on the Wrong Point

I recently had a friend listen to Matt Chandler's "Jesus wants the rose video". Surprisingly, he found it funny and felt that Matt Chandler deserved to be embarrassed because of the bait and switch he pulled on his classmate. Talk about completely missing the point. It's almost like walking onto a magnificent and beautiful ship laden with treasures of gold and silver, and only noticing the funny looking crewman. To be honest, I was simultaneously astonished and intrigued. It makes me wonder.

I wonder about the places where I am stuck on the wrong point instead of the magnificent and beautiful over-arching truth. Us humans are stupid like that. And oftentimes we become stuck on the wrong point, which is often a superficial point, because of social conditioning. This is the same kind of programming which leads us to believe that soda (in all of its artificial and sugary glory) is more satisfying for thirst than water. So we become foolish robohumans, who stand near streams of fresh running water, and despair of the wilderness because there is no soda dispenser in sight.

I hope I didn't miss the point today.

Success Secrets for Graduate School

1. External Relationships

a) Advisors (parents): the concept of pedigree is very important.
Ask a lot questions.
Be careful in picking advisors.
If the relationship is not working don’t feel bound to a certain advisor because you started with them
b) Seek out mentors (outside institution):
c) Administrative Assistants: know where the money is; gatekeepers to your PhD.
d) Associates (the community): build or join a small community.

2. Internal Development
a) Reflection (stop and ask questions daily)

Think about how prepared you are for graduate school.

Write it down.

b)Values: incorporate your values into what you’re learning.

Take time to consider what you value most.

c) Goals: you wouldn’t invest in a company whic had no goals.
Smart goals are: specific, measurable, action-oriented, related and time specific.
d) Embrace Failure:
“Only those who dare to fail greatly can ever achieve greatly.” Robert F Kennedy
Learn to learn and not just to get an A.
“Smooth seas do not make skillful sailors.”

3) Marketing
a) Conferences
b) Publications
c) Meetings
d) Develop your own website

4) Escape Occasionally

5) Get the “Body” tight!
a) BODY: Board of Directors...Yours
Executive Director: “knows all”
Technical Director: “knows research”
Finance Director: “ knows money”
Operations Director: “knows structure/process” (guide)