Taking the Stairs

Taking the Stairs 

By: Emily Larrabee

      For our weekly intern meetings, we have been learning from Rory Vaden’s book, Taking the Stairs. He book focuses on how we should “self- discipline” ourselves. We can discipline ourselves in our school work, eating habits, or work habits. Vaden talks about how we live in a world that is full of shortcuts and quick fixes. These things can lead to procrastination and mediocrity. As college students about to enter the working world along with millions of other college students, what can we as Purdue students do to stand out? We can avoid taking the easy way out of things. Though the easy way is still a path some take, it is normally not the best path for students to take to help advance themselves in the workforce. Here are some ways we can avoid taking the easy way out. 

      For one, we can go the extra mile. Taking classes that you know will expand your horizons could help you stand out to potential recruiters. Striving to do well in all your classes and retaining that information will also help you in your future endeavors. If you have a job, going to extra mile to learn how do something you are not familiar with will show your boss your determination to learn. Learning to avoid procrastination and falling into bad habits at work will be a benefit in the future. 

     Second, we need to stay motivated. I know this can be hard, especially now that it is cold, snowy, rainy, and everything else it seems like. If we can wake up and think about why we are here at Purdue, I believe it will help you stay out of the winter slump and keep you on the right track. You could be at Purdue to help your parents when you get older or to better yourself and grow as a person. Being motivated helps give you a purpose to do your best and it helps you avoid falling into the shortcuts and quick fixes. 

     Finally, taking the hard (or path least traveled) way may lead to new and innovative technologies, ideas, or actions. If we can think outside the box, we will be able to think about new ways to do tasks. Not conforming to the “easy” way will allow you to grow and self- discipline yourself. 

     Being able to self- discipline yourself extremely difficult. It is hard admit that you have a problem procrastinating or being a mediocre student. Figure out what you need to do to change your ways and learn why the easy day isn’t always the best way. Do not take the elevator to get to where you need to go, take the stairs.