Any Reason to Mention Warren Zevon is an Acceptable One

As is Any Opportunity to Photograph My New Shoes

Written By: Dr. Rich Houston, Director of the Culverhouse School of Accountancy

I woke up frequently last night, thinking that what I had written for today was horrible and that I would not be able to fix it. When I got out of bed this morning at 5:48 (one of my stupid rules is that I must get out of bed when the time is an even number, preferably a multiple of 4), I thought “but what if I what wrote is good? And if it’s not, I’ll just go sit in front of the library when it’s light out and fix it.” For the record, I chucked about 2/3 of what I had written.

I did not write anything last week because I was paralyzed by dread and rumination. I’m somewhat embarrassed to say that, but perhaps sharing it will help you realize it’s not just you. I find that things always look better in the morning, especially when you’re surrounded by beauty, positive vibes, and the color green.

Will I (we?) ever learn that dread and rumination are a waste of time and energy, and that things very seldom turn out either how or as bad as we think they will. By the way, “dread and rumination” has the same cadence as Splendid Isolation, a Warren Zevon song . I mention that for reasons I can neither comprehend nor convey. Come to think of it, how would I convey if I don’t comprehend? Anyway, the message of the song is antithetical to the advice I frequently provide about the importance of human connection; so, if you want a great-sounding song that provides an example of how not to think, give it a listen.

Speaking of the importance of human connection, my class watched this Ted Talk about positive aspects of stress. Important insights include:

• Viewing stress as a sign that you’re energized and as performance-enhancing can make you less stressed out, less anxious, more confident, and better able to meet challenges.
• When you reach out to others for support when you’re stressed, you recover faster from stress and build up resilience. Remarkably, your body’s response to stress motivates you to notice when someone else is struggling so that you can support each other.
• When making decisions, realize that “chasing meaning is better for your health than trying to avoid discomfort,” and trust your body to handle the stress.

This week, students also wrote about who they compared themselves to. There were many who lamented the dead-end comparisons they make to peoples’ maybe real / more likely not selves presented on social media. Some insightful passages:

• In the past, I thought success meant doing what everyone else considered “the best.” Now, I realize that “the best” means what’s truly best for me, without worrying about others’ opinions. It’s been a difficult mindset shift to embrace, but I’m glad I’m finally starting to understand it.
• Instead of constant comparison, I try to look up to people. I understand that everyone’s paths are different, and I continue to remind myself that everyone possesses their good and bad qualities. Admiring others has allowed me to respect what they have done, while also being proud of myself. I may not be the smartest, best-looking, and most confident person, but I can certainly try to be the kindest.

Like many of you, this person sells themselves short in important respects, as did everyone who said they were not smart, interesting, or attractive enough. Resolve to be nicer to yourself when making self-assessments and check the box next to “you are enough.”

• I compare myself to the MAcc class. There are so many hardworking and intelligent individuals, which at first intimidated me. However, I turned those thoughts into drive once I decided that I could be like them too. I realized that they all had to work hard to get to this point and, even though many of them seemed so put together and perfect from the outside, the closer I got to them, the more apparent it became that they all worry about the same things. Now, comparing myself to them is a good thing because it helps me strive to be better.

?Some other thoughts:

• It’s important to recognize when one era is coming to an end and it’s time to embrace the beginning of a new one.
• I find myself saying “no one’s ever asked me that before” a lot this semester. Have the courage to ask the great questions you have in your head.
• It’s amazing how much putting yourself in the right place can impact your disposition, self-respect, and chances for success.
• It’s great when someone who seems to have it all figured out is vulnerable enough to show that they don’t.
• Others may look up to you in ways you hadn’t realized. Embrace it and comport yourself accordingly.
• Don’t forget to sing when you win or be proud of yourself when you should be.
• Thank you to the people who I have spoken to in the last couple of weeks who have been so spirit-lifting.
• Inspiring win for the Falcons last night. How many times has Kirk Cousins been criticized for not being good enough? What does he do about it? Takes the hits, keeps moving forward, does his job to the best of his ability, and succeeds more often than not.
• Inspiring win for the Mets last night. You can apply Tug McGraw’s catch-phrase from their 1973 trek to the World Series, “Ya Gotta Believe ,” to everything you do, and don’t forget to add the words “in yourself.”

And just because I think it’s kind of brilliant: