When L.I.F.E. Hits
Written by jdinino October 24, 2017
After less than a week of getting to know each other, my new friends and I started the LIFE program (Leadership Initiative for Excellence). LIFE can best be described as an intensive leadership program in which we broke through our barriers, learned to be passionate, and accepted vulnerability. With all the ups and downs, I ended up loving the experience. Because of this, I compiled a list below of important things I learned from LIFE!
- Passion is key
One of the most important facts that LIFE taught me was in order to be a good leader, I need to be passionate. The passion from the trainers to see us succeed inspired us to go beyond our limits. In addition, the passion I saw my teammates exude was almost palpable. I realized this was one of the most important things I was missing in life, and with this I can be more persistent and take on bumps in the road with enthusiasm.
- The importance of mindfulness
Mindfulness is as simple as taking 10 minutes out of your day to sit-down, relax, and become completely self-aware. The CIMBA staff raves about how helpful it is, and even after I participated in it for two weeks, I already notice a difference in my day-to-day life. I have noticed a stronger focus in class, I take on stressful situations mindfully, and in general I have improved mental clarity.
- Set goals
Throughout college, my goals have been shallow, for example, to get good grades, graduate, and find a steady job. The trainers explained that in order to succeed, I need to have S.M.A.R.T. goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Timely). Defining concrete goals made my broader goals seem more attainable.
- Establish connections
This program was all about the importance of building a team. Our class was the first one that consisted of undergraduate students, MBA students, and participants of the Executive Program. By becoming open to vulnerability we learned this is the key to establishing connections as a team. Now, I look forward to building these connections even more as the semester goes on!
Ciao!
Julianna
