“If I went back to college, I’d concentrate on two areas: learning to write and learning to speak before an audience. Nothing in life is more important than the ability to communicate effectively.” –Gerald Ford
NEW TALK LIVE HERE. Part 2 of “How to Prepare a Message” by Mal McSwain is now downloadable. What are the 3 books that Mal recommends all Young Life leaders read? What are the questions to ask as you write a talk?
I just got home from our second gathering with JMU seniors on this “Friday Eve” to talk about “Is there life after college?” It’s basically life wisdom advice that I’ve gathered over the years. Check out the first “Top 7” from last week HERE. Onward to the next 7 tips and tricks.
- You must PRIORITIZE. Ask yourself “What’s the most important thing I should do today?” And then attack it with everything you have. Right away.
- Get in the habit of writing hand written notes. They are gold, especially in this digital age. GO THE EXTRA MILE IN COMMUNICATION. Be clear and concise.
- You need somewhere that you write EVERYTHING down. It’s your hub, your headquarters. Doesn’t matter if it’s paper or in your phone or on stone tablets, but you need somewhere that is your brainchild. Don’t commit to something unless you can enter it into your hub.
- Have a planning time for your week. Maybe Sunday night. Maybe Monday morning BEFORE you go in. Plan out every day in the morning. 10 minutes of planning will save an hour of time**
- Be early, everywhere! And bring something to read or work on (not just your phone). This will show the older co-workers and employees that you take yourself seriously and you take their time seriously.
- Cut back on possible hours to increase efficiency. Have you ever noticed that your work expands or contracts to the time allotted for it? For example, if you only give yourself a half hour to do all your email, you get it done. But it could take 2 hours if you let it.
- Friendship looks a lot different in the “real world.” It is a little harder. Be the person at work or in your group of friends that organizes hangouts. Even if you are introverted (just make it with less people). If you want friends, be a friend. You have to reach out. Organize happy hours. Have a dinner party. It might take a couple of ill-attended gatherings before you find your crew.
What other advice or counsel would you suggest to a graduating senior?