Lessons from this semester

Lessons from this semester: (or at least I hope they are lessons and I don’t repeat the same things over again)

1. Getting what you ask for and getting what you want are not the same thing.
2. To figure out what you like, you need to experience what you don’t like.
3. Some things in life are scary. They are often the most rewarding things. Don’t be a pussy.
4. Failing = Learning (and if life is about learning, then failure is success)
5. There is a time and a place for everything.
6. Follow your heart and you intuition. If something feels like a bad idea, it probably is… don’t be stupid (but if you fail see #4).
7. Don’t walk in the mud with nice shoes. Metaphorically and literally.
8. DIPLOMACY is an amazing skill to have. (Must. Work. On. This.)
9. 720p and 1080p are NOT the same quality. (see #2).
10. Positivity and gratitude are always the answer.
11. When other people disappoint you, it is an opportunity for you to not disappoint others. (see #2).
12. Criticism is awesome, it helps you learn. (however see #5).
13. When challenges come up: recognize them (do not dismiss or ignore them), accept them, find the opportunity they present, and practice gratitude.

That is all. For now.

Oh! and don’t forget to dance! : )

Impact

On Saturday I had the privilege of attending SFU’s first 2010 Orientation Leader Training Session (which is basically a leadership and mentorship thing, helping first years). They had a keynote style presentation by Stephen Tang about the impact and the impression you make on others. He told us three main points:

1. 1. It’s all about relationships.
   2. You can do anything.
   3. Be proud.

which I agree with whole-heartedly. He did say one thing which I wish to disagree with though (or rather, would like to expand upon). He told us that success and failure are not two separate destinations. Instead he suggested that failure is a step on the road to success. He also told us that, “Life is about learning”. I would like to say that

If life is about learning, than failure IS success.

(Aside: FAIL FTW in e-speak? hehe) Apart from that I took several other things away from the presentation. There were some questions he asked us to answer personally on a sheet of paper, the first of which was “I want to thank… for their iMpact on my life.” This led me to wonder (and ask him after the presentation) when you should thank someone. He basically told me that you should try to do it as soon after the thing for which you are grateful occurs, however, when you have the desire to thank them is always the right time. I then asked him what the best way to thank someone is. He said you should think about the person you are thanking and acknowledge them in the way that they would be most appreciative of. He suggested…

• • a heartfelt e-mail
  • a letter
  • a public proclamation
  • a personal conversation
  • a hug

I was very grateful for his responses. I would consider myself a fairly thankful person but I don’t know that I always chose the best method of showing my gratitude.

I’ve spent the past few days pondering the other questions on that sheet of paper and i’d like to share some of them with you.

I have learned… to never leave stuff anywhere, you never know what will happen.

I am proud to be… WEIRD!

I will commit to myself that… I will continue to grow and move forward in health, happiness and hospitality.

I want my “Thank You” to say… that I mattered. That I made someone feel like they belonged. That I touched someone’s life.

So… what say you?