RULES OF SUCCESS: A MESSAGE FOR STUDENTS
Rule 1. Talk and Write – A Lot
Science is a largely verbal enterprise. Successful scientists must speak, write, persuade, and debate. The only way to become skilled at professional verbal behavior is to engage in it. Talk in class. Talk at conventions. Talk in the halls. Listen and respond. Propose and consider. Argue. Share thoughts. If you think you have something to say, say it. If you wonder if you have sometime to say, and worry that it is not worthwhile, say it anyway.
Rule 2. Say “Yes” Easily and Mean It
Early in your study you should expose yourself to different things. You need to take part in many activities. When someone talks about a good project, say “let's do it”. If someone asks for help with a project, say “yes”. Then deliver. Do more than is expected.
Rule 3. Work with Others and Share Easily
You can learn a lot from others. They help you push you and they teach you new things. So collaborate. Form teams. Network. Give more than you ask to receive.
Rule 4. Keep Your Word
This is the most important rule of all. This one rule separates the successful from the unsuccessful student more than any other, but its value cannot be known until you do it. Set up a program, make it life or death. Do it. Of course, no one always does it. OK, so when you slip, go back and do it 100%. Then when you slip, go back and do it 100%. I violate this one nearly every day. Yet I continue to fight like a tiger to keep it.
Rule 5. Realize Your Own Power and Behave Accordingly
Let me tell you something incredible: you can make a huge difference in your discipline. We are talking about fields that are young and accessible, in which even one
person can make a big difference. The successful student will realize their own power, and will push on to make it manifest.
Rule 6. Follow Your Talent
Successful students are confident. I don’t mean they necessarily feel confident. I mean that they follow their talent. They are true to themselves. Be true to yourself. Do not, however, violate what seems important to you. You will pay very dearly for the violation because it will take away your compass for scientific entertainment. You can get lost without a compass.