As I sit here in Vancouver, mountains hidden by the rain clouds, I have to pinch myself to think that just over a year ago I was in Copenhagen starting my MBA in similar weather. As I reflect on the past year, I am reminded that completing that year abroad required a lot more than the ability to study intentionally, live off a strict budget, and not take life so seriously. My “secret weapons” that helped me complete my goal of obtaining an MBA were really what got me through it all. They included:
- Rad flatmates. They made it a home away from home.
- Yoga. Getting away from the textbooks for a bit and having a good breathe. Studio or YouTube – either one works.
- Binaural beats. “Going surfing” helped put my brain on the right track to power out those ten-page papers in no time. Big love to Parker Pearson for this one!
- A vision + goals & vision board. When the gloomy days came, it was always helpful to remind me why I was doing what I was doing.
- A passport. It opened up adventures that reminded me of the bigger dream.
- A study group. Discussing the material with great people made it stick that much more.
- Skype. A subscription to call landlines in Canada (or wherever you call home): do it.
- Sidereel.com. Read: procrastination heaven.
- Visitors from home. Its great to explore a city with a true tourist, especially ones as rad as your coolest friends. (Thanks for coming!)
- Oil of oregano. Affectionately known by my flatmates as “hippie juice,” this cold killer was (and still is) a great remedy to have in the medicine cabinet.
- A bike. Life on two wheels made every day exciting. Especially when it rained or snowed.
- Peanut butter. A spoonful at night worked like coffee – providing the energy I needed for those late night study sessions without the crazy ups and downs of caffeine. I like crunchy the best.
- A crew. Having a group of friends that can study together and party together made all the difference. I think of my crew often. Especially when planning surprise parties or listening to Carly Rae Jepsen.
To all of those in the first few months of their academic programs, I tip my hat to you and invite you to uncover what your secret weapons are for this coming year. And share them – you never know who will benefit from your existence.
Pick of the Post: Rebecca Ferguson – Fairytale (Let Me Live My Life This Way)