Webster defines "tenacious" as "not easily stopped or pulled apart" or "very determined to do something." One of entrepreneurs' most important competencies are their tenaciousness. They persevere, despite all odds, despite waves of negative feedback, and despite failure and rejection.
Now that we're at the half-way point of the course, you've definitely demonstrated tenacity, too! Tenacity is also an entrepreneurial competency.
For this exercise, I'd like you reflect on the past two months. In your post for this exercise, pretend that you're talking to a student from next semester's course. What would you tell them?
1) Tenaciousness is a competency. What are the behaviors that you have used (or developed) to keep up with the requirements of this course?
I have utilized time management more than any other behavior for this course. There is a lot of busy work for this course, that's just the nature of it. In order to stay on top of my assignments and not procrastinate, especially for the assignments that require interviews.
I have utilized time management more than any other behavior for this course. There is a lot of busy work for this course, that's just the nature of it. In order to stay on top of my assignments and not procrastinate, especially for the assignments that require interviews.
2) Tenaciousness is also about attitude. Talk about a moment or two when you felt like "giving up." What pulled you through? Do you feel like you've developed a tenacious attitude during the past two months? What experience or experiences most contributed to this?
Honestly, after the first assignments were due, I felt like giving up. I felt like it was unfair how I completed the assignments but didn't realize how to properly upload the URL in order to receive credit for my work. It was annoying and made me want to get out of the class while I had the chance. However, I reread through the syllabus more thoroughly and watched the lectures in order to learn how the professor would like us to submit our work and learned from my mistake.
Honestly, after the first assignments were due, I felt like giving up. I felt like it was unfair how I completed the assignments but didn't realize how to properly upload the URL in order to receive credit for my work. It was annoying and made me want to get out of the class while I had the chance. However, I reread through the syllabus more thoroughly and watched the lectures in order to learn how the professor would like us to submit our work and learned from my mistake.
3) Three tips. What are three tips you would offer next semester's student about (1) fostering the skills that support tenacity and (2) developing the 'tenacious mindset' ?
1. Invest in time management skills - No matter where you are or what you're doing, this skill will prove successful every time. You can tell people apart from whether they are able to manage their time properly or not.
2. Find a bigger "why" - What I mean by this is that you can no longer coast on your intrinsic knowledge or smarts that got you through high school. Congrats on getting into UF - it's a lot harder to get in now then when I got in - but it's not enough to glance over the study guide the night before and get an A. You get what you put in. I was a straight A student in high school and got a rude awakening on my first exam freshman year of college, but it was a good learning experience.
3. Create a solid support system - Whether that's your family, friends, colleagues, or professors/teacher assistants, create a group of people you can go to and rely on for any questions or concerns, or even a pick-me-up when you need it. They will help you stay on track and remind you important things when you need them most.
1. Invest in time management skills - No matter where you are or what you're doing, this skill will prove successful every time. You can tell people apart from whether they are able to manage their time properly or not.
2. Find a bigger "why" - What I mean by this is that you can no longer coast on your intrinsic knowledge or smarts that got you through high school. Congrats on getting into UF - it's a lot harder to get in now then when I got in - but it's not enough to glance over the study guide the night before and get an A. You get what you put in. I was a straight A student in high school and got a rude awakening on my first exam freshman year of college, but it was a good learning experience.
3. Create a solid support system - Whether that's your family, friends, colleagues, or professors/teacher assistants, create a group of people you can go to and rely on for any questions or concerns, or even a pick-me-up when you need it. They will help you stay on track and remind you important things when you need them most.
Meredith,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed your word choice in this post, really drawing in your audience with a hook. Beyond that, I really liked the tips you had to offer future students. I know personally, I struggled with time management. I was used to the idea of having highschool teachers on top of you, monitoring your every move. After my first college exam, it became evident to me that my habits had to change...and fast.