A Cow's Gaze

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Dear Student Leader,

The time to act is now! You can wait until you finish this blog post, but…

Clarify priorities, organize yourself, find accountability, develop discipline, and get to work. Embrace your humanity and don’t be a cow or a bear!

A sense of urgency emerged this week through multiple indicators about the inevitability of change. John Forte passed away, I learned of a friend’s terminal cancer diagnosis, and I read a book by someone who suffered a debilitating stroke. Let’s not mention the daily chaos stirred by dwellers in DC.

Every moment in life is precious.

What about the cow and bear reference in the intro? I had encounters with both animals this week, and their behaviors reminded me of how people either lapse into inaction (like cows) or delay (like the Chicago Bears).

Read on for context.

Sacramento has a mixture of suburban and rural enclaves. While running, I found the field of cows pictured in the header. A fence, a small patch of grass, and the black asphalt separated us.

I paused and took the picture because my wife likes cows. It gave me something, other than body odor, to share with her when I returned home.

Sometimes, like cows, we sit and overthink. We move slowly and establish elaborate plans instead of taking action to change.

At the start of the semester, it’s important to keep pace with the lecture schedule. Don’t wait until the midterm or the first quiz to read the text or attend class. Review the syllabus and take studious actions from the beginning that align with the final assignment.

If one of your assessments is a paper, create an outline, or read a chapter or article suitable to your topic.

Begin with the goal in mind. This holds true for all endeavors unless you’re a player on the Chicago Bears. Last week, they didn’t show up until the final minutes of the fourth quarter in their win over the Packers.

The Bears’ late-game strategy is impressive but unsustainable. One strong opponent can make a comeback impossible. We’ll see what happens against the Rams.

Procrastination prevents progress.

While in previous letters I’ve encouraged you to take a strategic approach to learning in classes and to leading for social justice, I want to discourage you from procrastinating.

As the inscription on the Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. memorial reads, “Press forward at all times, climbing toward that higher ground of the harmonious society that shapes the laws of man to the laws of God.” Powell recommended prioritizing progress.

Avoid sitting still when it’s possible to make moves.

Please, contemplate, meditate, and write down your plans. But once the bell rings, please put the pen down, whisper Namaste, Amen, or Ase, and work. If writing is part of your duties, pick up the pen again or turn on your computer.

The conditions we have today are not guaranteed tomorrow.

Most cows move cautiously. They chew their food in slow motion and gaze.

We also have bulls. With the right incentive, they take charge.

Your incentives include doing your best in school, building collaborations, and leading community initiatives. To accomplish these tasks, you must have the courage to start.

On Monday, we will honor Dr. King’s courageous collaborative actions. When will you begin to make your contributions to his legacy? Begin after this letter.

Support this writing cause by paying your tuition, subscribing to the blog, or registering for coaching.

In solidarity with your success,

Dr. V