The standard pace is for chumps. If you’re more driven than most people, you can do way more than anyone expects. Raise your expectations. Realize you are capable of way
more than the norm.
As we begin a new academic year, I’m reminded of an idea I first heard about in a post from @dhh, referring to
Derek Sivers’ book Hell Yeah or No –
What’s Worth
Doing.
Not a month goes by where I don’t remind myself of this fundamental truth: There is no speed limit. It doesn’t
just apply to learning, but also to doing. Everything can be done faster, if you judo the problems, and decide
to see it through.
One of Judo’s core principles is to maximize efficiency – using minimal force for maximum effect. Over the
following weeks and months, the work will pile on, deadlines will get closer, and the pressure will build.
Feeling overwhelmed may become the norm—but it doesn’t have to be the norm. Chaos shouldn’t be the natural
state. Anxiety isn’t a prerequisite for progress.
What can you do when the pace is so intense? For me, the answer is simple: embrace it. Challenge yourself. Get
in over your head. Expect to fail, frequently. And when you fail, pull yourself up quickly and get back to work.
Time is malleable—focus on it and it can seem to go by fast or slow. But if you focus on what you’re doing in
the moment, time is no longer a limiting factor.
The standard pace is for chumps. The system is designed so anyone can keep up. If you’re more driven
than most
people, you can do way more than anyone expects. This applies to all of life, not just school. Raise
your
expectations. Realize you are capable of way more than the norm. Remember, there is no speed limit.
Phil Sinatra
Assistant Teaching Professor
UXID