Thesis-Feces

Strategies for being relevant in Homeland Security.

Often times in your life you travel through different stages. I still vividly remember my days as a young student, staring at the old IBM clock on the wall at the front of the class. Wondering how it’s possible for time to stand still. Of particular remembrance, was a beautiful spring day. It was hot out and Mrs. Payne (pain) was at the front of the room, lecturing and droning on-and-on about something; I don’t recall the exact topic but I have clarity to what I learned. What she taught me was that education is important; it changes your life. At the time I didn’t realize the scope and importance…I wish I had because as I now understand it, life is a continual education opportunity. What we learn and how fast we adapt to emerging threat is critical in Homeland Security. With that, here are six strategies for making Homeland Security more relevant and enjoyable.

1. Plan your time wisely: I have a buddy whose motto is “shoot the alligator closest to the boat.” What he is referring to is taking care of the most urgent assignment first; not really worrying about what’s next, but what’s right now. Get what needs to be done, done; then move on. If you are frantically cramming for tomorrows assignments its time to adjust your time management. Make a calendar and use your time wisely.

2. Answer the right questions: Before you begin to tackle the problem it’s critical you understand what is expected of you. Are you completing a book report? Are you writing a paper? Are you preventing the next big attack? This is so important that I must rephrase my intent here. Figure out what is being asked of you and directly focus your efforts to accomplish this goal. You can write the worlds best thesis on how to solve the worlds clean fresh water issue, but if your being asked to figure out how to dispose of the garbage in the streets, then your thesis for fresh water is nothing but feces.

3. Take time for other parts of your life: No one travels alone. It’s a family affair. Your family includes your friends and biological family. They’re extremely important to your mental health and well-being. Others in your academic family are the professors (ugh: Mrs. Payne), fellow students and yes, even your co-workers because they will have to listen to all of your complaints, grumblings and step up when you’re having a bad day. Keeping your life in balance is crucial to being in your zen.

4. Take responsibility for yourself, your decisions and your actions: Don’t look to place the blame on others for your shortcomings or blunders; own up to them and move on. Being an adult means taking responsibility for all that you do and everything that happens to you.

5. Stay Healthy: Studies show its better to get a good night sleep and not cram by staying up all night. Sleep is that important. Eat right; a balanced diet is part of the winning recipe to stay successful. Exercise, movement will greatly help you feel better. Stress creates changes in your body so it is important to do all you can to keep in top condition. And believe me there will be moments of stress in this line of work.

6. Stay relevant: They say that time changes everything and I believe this is true. So what happens when you stop learning, adapting or understanding the world around us? You become less relevant. Being relevant is different from being current. To be “current” is to be aware. Being relevant assures that you matter to your clients, your constituents and your employer.