February 06, 2003
Mantra
1. Intelligence
Not the book smarts, or the street smarts, the general intelligence that is both. The ability to learn from mistakes, to recognize and avoid mistakes seen outside of your own life. To constantly be learning, but more importantly to be open to learning from anyone, anything, anytime.
2. Hard work
A good work ethic in the sense that something is important and that it should be done right, to the best of your ability. This is not blind ambition or the belief that with enough long hours you could paint the moon, but that some things are worth the effort. There are bounds, you do not sacrifice yourself, those that you love, the truly important things, for most goals.
3. Creativity
Never stop thinking. Try to create something new everyday, whether it be an idea or a viewpoint, or a change within yourself. Explore other people, what makes them tick, but explore yourself as much or more. Never create boundries for how you think, don't pigeonhole yourself and what you can do.
4. Attitude
Not the cheerleader mentality with no rational backing, but recognize the fact that believing in something means you are more likely to do it. View yourself, the world, and your place in it realistically, but with a slant towards optimistic views of change and of your ability to create. Disasters are challenges and opportunities to learn after all, and they are when you really discover.