Self-Discipline

Self-discipline is something that is never fully mastered. I think that there are always going to be areas in our lives that we can improve through our different levels of self-discipline. I think that when I moved to Norman and started college, I knew that self-discipline was going to be something that had to be at the forefront of my mind. Without it, there's no way that I am going to reach my goals. Five areas that I feel like I could work harder on to improve my self discipline are:

1. SLEEP! My most difficult self-discipline area by far! I must, I must, I must, get MORE SLEEP! Making myself wind down and go to sleep is one thing that I most definitely put off until the very end. And when I say the very end, I mean the end--like eyes peaking through a very narrow field of vision caused by the natural desire for my lids to shut. I need to give them what they want way before they demand it. Haha!

2. Relationship building: I think that through all of the business of college, I need to take more time to build relationships with people. The academics can eat up all of my time, if I let it. I’m one of those study-till-you-drop kind of people, but I think that I need to try and make more time for relationships. I need to self discipline myself into putting a limit and/or developing a schedule for school work and then putting it down and making more time for relationships. I have met so many great people up here and have made tons of friends. But… I haven’t spent as much time just having some down time.

3. Fitness: When I came to college I made a goal for myself to workout at least 3-4 times a week. This goal was important to me because working out is a way for me to just feel good. It makes me feel healthy, accomplished, and energized. Confession: I have not stuck to this goal. I have been going 2 days a week for a class I have, but that’s it. When I don’t work out I feel more tired and lazy. Haha! For some reason I have a block that if its past the A.M., I’ve missed my opportunity to work out. I need to remind myself that the gym IS open in the P.M. haha!

4. Faith: I think this is something that I can always improve on. I want to be more disciplined and get back into my schedule. So…..I have been trying to read my bible more often, but I find myself remembering it when it’s way late at night. I want to make it more a part of my day, especially when I have to miss a Monday or Tuesday night service. So….as a reminder, I’m going to keep it where I will see it so that I will remember it before I’m dead tired. Last night when I sat down to read it I found this really neat verse: "We may throw the dice, but the Lord determines how they fall." Proverbs 16:33 That reminded me to let the Lord lead the way.

5. School work: In this aspect of my life, I think I need to make it more scheduled, so I am forced to have self-discipline and not wait until night time to do it. I recently made a schedule for my Art History class for the reading. I found out that by reading 8 pages (not bad, right?) a day, I would be done with the 130 pages by the next test, instead of bogging myself down the week before. So far, it’s going pretty good but I need to discipline myself in other subjects so that I can make it a habit. :)

Someone in my life who has a whole lot of self-discipline is my Oma. She is 76 years old and lives alone. My Opa died two years ago. Before he died, she always walked 3 miles around a track every morning around 6 AM. After he died, there was a little bit of time of when her scheduled stopped. But…before long, even though she was dealing with the loss of her husband of so many years, she committed to herself to start back. Her health is important, so she gets up at the crack of dawn to go walking 5 days a week. Whether it is cold or not. I admire her persistence. Like Casey Partridge was talking about today, once we get past the first 2-3 weeks, it becomes a habit. I can see this when I look at my Oma who has been walking 3 miles constantly for years. By making this goal she has become accountable to herself. Through my life, as I make goals, I become accountable to myself as well as others. Once I have a routine going, it becomes a habit. Once this habit is established, it becomes a way of my life. When I get off track, I feel like something is not right. This feeling of uncomfortableness keeps me accountable. I also become accountable to those around me as I make commitments and promises. I have a responsibility to follow through with those commitments, but with the help of a little self-discipline, I CAN accomplish my goals. :)

My Mission

I am at my best when I am helping others.

I will try to prevent times when I doubt myself.

I will enjoy my work by finding employment where I can help others feel special.

I will find enjoyment in my personal life by being positive.

I will find opportunities to use my natural talents and gifts such as listening, loving, and helping.

I can do anything I set my mind to. I will help people discover their purpose.

My life's journey is to simply help others be happy.

I believe that I have been put on this earth for a purpose; and that purpose is for service to others.

I will be a person who puts others first in everything she does.

My most important future contribution to others will be to love them for all their strengths and all of their weaknesses.

I will stop procrastinating and start working on:
-helping others discover their full potential
-going the extra mile to make others feel special

I will strive to incorporate the following attributes into my life:
-unconditional love
-never-ending optimism
-the ability to make anyone smile at anytime

I will constantly renew myself by focusing on the four dimensions of my life:
-stay physically active by working out on a regular basis
-attend church and continue to trust that the will of God is what is best for me
-believe that through Christ, all things are possible
-meet and get to know as many people as possible because by doing this, I will be exposed to so many different incredible people

OU's mission statement

"The mission statement of the University of Oklahoma is to provide the best possible educational experience for our students through excellence in teaching, research, and creative activity, and service to the state and society."

I think that OU is fulfilling their mission statement completely. I feel like at this university, (as cheesy as this sounds) anything is possible. We have such a large variety of classes and clubs, that there is absolutely something for everyone. I am discovering new things everyday. Like last week, although I had heard of a “math help center”, I never really knew how awesome it was. I was having trouble with one of my assignments so I decided I'd try going to this place... It is math heaven! You just sit there and do what you can. When you're confused, you simply raise your hand, and they help explain the whole equation to you....Love for sure! J

But on a more serious note... I truly feel like OU has really gone the extra mile when it comes to making resources available to us, and by doing everything they can to help us through this journey. I feel like anytime I feel overwhelmed or confused, I'm not alone. The faculty has done an amazing job at being very personable and willing to answer absolutely any questions that us newbies may have. :) When I need to know something, I never feel like there is not an answer right at my finger tips. The professors that I have had the privilege so far to encounter have been nothing less then excited to teach and actually be here to guide us all. Overall, I think that OU has done a great job at putting their mission statement into actions. I’ve grown up learning that "actions speak louder than words," and at the University of Oklahoma, I believe their mission statement does just that..

Who's Who

I got to meet Matt Hamilton today. He has been working with OU for over 20 years! Mr. Hamilton works in the registrar office currently, but has worked in many other positions over the years. He has also worked at the Tulsa campus, as well as Norman. Mr. Hamilton was very personable and easy to talk to. We talked about how quickly the time flies during college. He told me to make the most of the time that I am here, because before I know it, it will be over... I also met many other administrators during our breakfast. I loved the idea of the breakfast and meeting different people who play such a large role in the university. They all had so much great advise to give. I think the few that stick out in my head the most are 1.smile 2.lead by example 3. Most of all, it is important to care about others, because they cannot care about us and help us if we do not appreciate and care for them. I loved the way this advise was worded. Its so true and reminded me of its importance. I think it is so hard to work with so many people if you don't know them on a personal level. Not only is it difficult but I think you miss out on some pretty terrific opportunities to build friendships. Knowing someone's name can make a world of difference. :) As for advise for upcoming freshman? Get involved as much as possible, because in doing so, you get the opportunity to meet soooo many incredible people. An opportunity you definately don't want to miss out on. :)