REFLECTIVE POST AHEAD -- proceed with time and thoughtfulness :)

As busy people, it's super easy to breeze through our day-to-day activities without really thinking. Sure, we have to think during classes about the course topics and learn new material. But do we really have to think?

This week, we're hoping you take some time to reflect and make meaningful connections within the things you're experiencing on and off campus as:

college students.

goal-driven individuals.

organization members.

high-functioning thinkers.

people with ideas, hopes, and dreams.

One of the main objectives of this program is to develop a group of juniors into self-aware, capable, articulate, and prepared individuals -- prepared to step into the world of work and be able to make an impact.

But wait.

Can we truly get there without moments of reflection, refocusing on goals, and restructuring the idea of our future?  I argue no.  We have to take moments to reflect and create meaning; meaning of our experiences, for ourselves, meaning for others -- to provide context and purpose behind everything that we do.

Check out this quote:

This week, we're hoping that you take a look at what you do on a daily basis (the classes, groups, activities, time spent) and question the motivation behind each 'thing'. What are the motives and purposes guiding what you're doing? Are there things that just don't fit with who you say you are or what you profess you want to do? Are there awesome things you do on an everyday basis, perfectly in line with your goals? Are there things that create a sense of flow and play?

...

Be honest.

(the only person you're lying to is yourself)

POINT ONE for this week's blog: Talk about what you do in your everyday life. What things are a little fluffy, or simply futile? What things engage your time, interest, talents, and passions?

Now, think back to Robert J. Thomas' book "Crucibles of Leadership"

...you're remembering...

And if you haven't pulled out the book yet, please go do that now. :)

POINT TWO for this week's blog: Think about your favorite passage from the book and quote it. Then looking at what you've experienced over the past year, what has been your biggest crucible moment? What has challenged you to learn, explore new things, and expand your ideas of the possible? What have been the fruits of that failure?

POINT THREE for this week's blog: Pick something in your life that you haven't considered in a while. Ask yourself "WHY" 5 times. Record your topic, questions, and responses on your blog :)