The Three Steps to Not Failing

I have come to understand in my short time in the world and school that doing the bare minimum is often above average. I went from being a D student in high school to completing a doctorate with honors at Northwestern University by following these three simple guidelines each day and in each class.

1. Show up.
2. Turn something in.
3. Ask at least one question.

Show Up

You commonly hear the phrase “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know.” But this is wrong. It is not who you know, it is who knows you! If you don’t show up, then people don’t get to know you. So you gotta show up to the spaces, communities, careers, etc. that you want to have a future in.

Turn something in

If you turn nothing in, you are guaranteed to get a zero. If you turn something in, you have a shot at getting more than a zero. You may even be often surprised at the grade/feedback/response you get for what you submit.

Ask at least one question

Showing up is great, but engaging is taking it one step further, giving people a chance to get to know you, and most importantly seeing that you are engaged and interested in what is going on. Furthermore, if your constantly thinking “What question could I ask?” you might find that you’re listening more intentionally.