RELENTLESS STUDY : THE REMARKABLE EXAMPLE OF THEODORE ROOSEVELT

“There cannot be mental atrophy in any person who continues to observe, to remember what he observes, and to seek answers for his unceasing hows and whys about things.”— Alexander Graham Bell

On January 6 1919, the United States President, Theodore Roosevelt, died in his sleep at his Long Island Estate, Sagamore Hill, in Oyster Bay, New York.

The remarkable thing that made him the focus of this article is that right under his pillow was a book he was reading. He was unrelenting in his studies to the point of death.

He was studying and consuming all the knowledge he could, until the very last, despite the fact that he was suffering from coronary embolism. 

For Roosevelt, this was not a random occurrence, this was a firmly fixed idea in his subconscious mind; this was a lifelong habit.

His was a great example of a great man, who not only encouraged others to study through words and lectures, but he demonstrated that admirable virtue constantly in his life — till his final breadth. If that’s not remarkable, what else can be? 

Evidently, he thoroughly understood — far more than many — the imperative need for us as humans to continuously acquire new and better information, and applying it judiciously to make the world a better place for all.

And that, this need is not just a necessity while we are struggling to rise; it is as important when we are at the top of the rung — perhaps, even more important over there.

It is a cliché that readers are leaders. But, I used to think that refers to individuals who find enrolment in the universities, colleges, and other educational institutes — the professors, the scholars and “the professionals.”

Now, I know better. The thing about learning, true learning, is that, — as demonstrated by Roosevelt — it is not in any way, limited to the classrooms.

Studying to learn is a lifelong process. That’s the clear message, the great inventor; Alexander Graham Bell was passing across in that pithy maxim up there. No matter how old you are, life cannot be boring to you; if you possess an inquisitive mind.

So, I dare to ask:

What lessons can we learn from the example of such a relentless student of life?

What can we imbibe from the life of a man who could easily rest on his laurels but didn’t?

What change can we make in our approach to study, no matter how high we climb?

The collective experience of the ages counsels us that:

We must make learning a habit in our day to day living. 

Every day we must consciously strive to acquire knowledge that can make our tomorrow better. That’s why Abraham Lincoln said he wouldn’t think much of a man, who is not wiser today, than he was yesterday. The only way not to be such a man is to make learning a daily habit.

Lifelong learning has to be one of our creeds if we desire to make a meaningful contribution in our industry, and to our world.It is a duty not just a wish for anyone who earnestly desires progress in this brave new world of information and knowledge. 

This is the main philosophy of the self-leadership thinker of the 20^th century; Peter Drucker and I quote his words below:

“We now accept the fact that learning is a lifelong process of keeping abreast of change. And the most pressing task is to teach people how to learn.” 

WE MUST DECIDE

Who can rightfully teach us to consciously learn until death, better than ourselves?

The choice and the challenge are ours and ours alone as Isaac Asimov did believe. He said:

“Self-education is, I firmly believe, the only kind of education there is.”

Since true learning happens not by chance but by choice. Then, it must start with a decision on our part. And the decision must be sustained with enthusiasm and regular practice, come what may.

It’s impossible not to advance with this level of commitment to study and learning. No wonder Theodore Roosevelt, the sickly, puny kid became not just a President but one of the best five Presidents of United States.

STUDY EVERYTHING YOU CAN

According to Martin Fisher, the entire world is a laboratory to the inquiring mind. It doesn’t matter whether you are in the classroom; or in the competitive world of business; or at the forefront of politics; the entire world is a laboratory to you — if you have an inquiring mind.

This is the attitude of scholarship. This is the force for relentless study. This is the mindset that will lead us to our best; at work, at home and to the world. 

Just like, Roosevelt, this is the pull that will delightfully make us study for our progress and the advancement of humanity — ceaselessly until we are deceased.

BECOMING ORGANIZED: THE HABIT OF STEADY & FLOW

"No business (or life) can succeed in any great degree without being properly organized."_James Cash Penny

Systematic and efficient way to live and work, I will admit, is something I have had quite a hard time, learning.

When I younger, I loved to read. And as much as I could, I would stockpile any readable materials that seemed interesting to me — newspapers, magazines and books — though I may not have the time to read many of them for days or months.

My step-mother was the one to compel me on a particular Sunday like that to clean up my storage space, organize my books and keep everything in order. Undoubtedly, I was and still am a pack rat. 

Growing up, this poor habit of disorganization with physical items slipped into other areas as well, like areas of duty and getting things done. 

I found myself procrastinating, a lot of times. And subtly worse, choosing to do first, less value activities and later, higher value ones. 

Thank goodness, for the golden grace of self discipline and self development, I am on a quest to getting better by learning to live and work in a systematic and efficient way. 

There is a poem by Douglas Malloch, the Lumberman’s poet, that illustrates beautifully the flaw of disorganization on how he worked and lived, at a point in his life.And clearly, it is not just a weakness peculiar to me but to many potential greats who just need a little redirection to make the most of the opportunities at hand. 

The wisdom of the poem lies not in the illustration of the weakness itself but in the essence of the need to grow as a result. And the literal challenge of what can be accomplished, if it is rectified.

Now, let’s get to it:

“IF I COULD JUST GET ORGANIZED…..

There may be nothing wrong with you, the way you work and the work you do. 

But I can very plainly see exactly what is wrong with me.

It isn’t that I am indolent or dodging duty by intent. I work as hard as anyone, yet I get so little done.

The morning goes, the noon is here and before I know it, the night is near and all around me are things I haven’t finished yet. 

IF I COULD JUST GET ORGANIZED….

Often time, I have realized that not all that matters is the man, but a man must also have a plan.

With you, there may be nothing wrong, but here is my trouble right along: I do things that don’t amount to very much….that really seem important though…

I never finished what I am at. I work as hard as anyone, and yet get so little done.

I will do so much, you will be surprised, IF I COULD JUST GET ORGANIZED?”

If we could just get organized, how much of a difference will it make in our lives?

How do we know the answer for sure? We don’t! Until we try.

As a result, I will share some tips we can all learn from some of the masters in the game. 

So, what does it even mean to get organized?

WHAT IS ORGANIZING?

“Organizing is what you do before you do something, so that when you do it, it is not all mixed up.” – A. A. Milne

The definition of organizing by A.A Milne makes good sense. Essentially, it means exactly what it says as far as doing good work is concerned. 

However, I will add emphasis to the word ‘BEFORE’ in the quote, for this is the key of the whole thing. 

You don’t organize in the middle of an important project.You do it before you begin. An error of delay in this instance can cause a big mess. 

The best way to prevent a disorder is to make a plan for the work at hand, and then work that plan till the work is done.

WRITE EVERYTHING DOWN

“Once you have a clear idea of your priorities – that is your values, goals and high leverage activities, organize around them.” – Stephen Covey

If you have a project or an important task to accomplish, write out in detail, everything you have to do to accomplish it. Everything; big and small; important and trifle. Write down…everything.

This is how we can make the most of the opportunity.

Now examine them carefully to see which of them is the most important.Once you do, give it number one and then number the rest accordingly. After the numbering, get to work by tackling each task according to its position on the scale. 

This is critical. 

Never do task number two until you finish task number one. 

Trust me, I know. And John Maxwell also knows for he says that, when we live our lives putting second things first, big problems can arise. Invariably, they will.

FIX A PLACE FOR EVERYTHING.

“A place for everything, and everything in its place.”_Benjamin Franklin

This idea from Franklin is very effective in saving us a lot of time looking for misplaced stuff and the accompanying stress of such a frenetic search.

Personally, I am still learning to fix a permanent place for everything in my space, but for some few important things, I don’t even think about them anymore.

If I should take them away for use at anytime, and I need to use them again at another time, I already know where they are, without fail. My habit ensures that I return them to their fixed place, every time.

So, choose one thing you need to fix a place for and start today. The calm that you will get when it becomes a habit will be well worth the effort in the long run.

KEEP FLAT SURFACES CLEAN

''Keep what is worth keeping and with the breadth of kindness, blow the rest away."_Binah Mcraik

It is always tempting for me to want to keep most things — some of which may turn out not to be very important after a while. 

Nonetheless, I want to hold on to them. Even if I can’t use them at moment. I want to keep them within my reach. I want them on my table. Remember, I am a pack rat.

That’s why my desk most of the time looks like the desk of Albert Einstein, filled with many books, journals, papers, and so on. 

Since it may be overwhelming to keep all flat surfaces clean at once, let’s start with a single table, the desk, the space where you do your work. 

Make that single flat surface a no clutter allowed zone. 

Anything that is not useful for today’s work should go. Keep only what you need now, and calmly blow the rest away; into the library; the bags or any where you choose but not on your desk.

This will make you work better; your desk will look neater; your chances of misplacing important things slimmer.

Becoming organized is one of the things I realized its importance a little late and in fact a core fundamental of high performing people. The people who do important work with apparent ease; the people who are quick and efficient in their actions and are rarely in hurry; the people who make things happen like a force of nature; the people of steady and flow.

I believe I can become one of them, and I believe you can too. We can all learn to become more organized, day bay day, until it becomes a fixed investment that will continue to yield bountiful results for the rest of our lives.

According to Genevieve Behrend, “organization” is heaven’s first law. 

So let’s make a habit of giving proper place to everything in our lives, and experience the amazing power of steady and flow. Remember the phrase “organize or agonize.” I prefer the former. What about you?

PUT IN THE TIME, TO DO THE WORK, EVERY TIME

 “Gardens are not made by singing 'Oh, how beautiful!' and sitting in the shade.”― Rudyard Kipling

That is so true. And, yes, it is easy to understand. But, no, not so easy to do — especially by the majority.

How wonderful will it be if we can merely talk and sing our way to success? How fantastic would it seem, if our forbearers had just talked their way into today’s opulent civilization? How fabulous will it be if we can bank the future of our children on talks and wishes alone?

Daydreaming and fantasy apart, the real world in which we exist, lush gardens, don’t  happen by talk, neither do they happen by chance; lush gardens are made happen by intelligent work — with your minds and hands on the field, clearing weeds, tilling land and fertilizing plants. 

Sing along, if you like, but you must get your ass off the shade and put in the time to do the work, every time — if, in any measure, you desire a truly lush garden. 

That is the veritable truth of life in that short verse from Joseph Rudyard Kipling. And, for the purpose of this article, “the garden” is only a metaphor that applies to every form of success desirable by men — and women. 

Whether the desire is to be a valedictorian, exemplary leader, excellent employee, model parent, dynamic entrepreneur, we should not only dream and talk ourselves into success, but more importantly, we must get off the shade, and put in the time — the quality time — to do the hard work, every time.

Benjamin Franklin concurs with Kipling in his pithy instruction when he said:

“Success in ANYTHING is not about talk, but about action.”

Not that positive self-talk, motivational spiels and inspiring songs are useless in the achievement equation, only that their usefulness is proportionate to our faithfulness in investing the time for meaningful and fruitful labour.

The way to get started is to quit talking and start doing. You know that, don’t you? That was Walt Disney. The principle he lived.

It is on this basis that I studied the impressive work of Malcom Gladwell, Outliers, to learn about what makes success possible for superstars in the halls of fame. 

To learn about what makes them tick; what makes them the finest and the best; the brightest and the most famous, in different spheres of life, and various fields of endeavours.

Since the best demonstration of leadership is example, the insights from the book will be a good urge for anyone seeking productivity guidance.

Are you curious?

If you are, cool down, your curiosity will be sated in few minutes as you are about to have a treat of counsel on what it takes to be a master in your own line of work.

EVERYTIME UNTIL YOU WIN…EVEN AFTER

Everyone!

Everyone wants to win; everyone dreams of achievements; everyone talks about success, and many are even optimistic about making it happen — even if it is being positive that they will only do something about it, someday in the future. 

However, not everyone puts in the time as much as they put in the talk. Not everyone starts the journey. Not everyone does the work. Not everyone does it today. And certainly, not everyone stays the long course.

But, few do — the fortunate few.

This work is essentially aimed to prod myself — and you — in that direction.

The path of the elite few who are always bias for action above everything else. 

The vital few who put in the time to do quality work on a consistent basis, delighting everyone around them and affecting many others far away.

Cherish to become someone?

Please read on to know what it really takes without fluff — the kernel of enduring greatness in all walks of life.

Here are the nuggets from different parts the book that I could extract for the theme of this article:

“The thing that distinguishes one performer from another is how hard he or she works. That's it. And what's more, the people at the very top don't work just harder or even much harder than everyone else. They work much, much harder.”

“Practice isn't the thing you do once you're good. It's the thing you do that makes you good.”

 “If you work hard enough, assert yourself, and use your mind and imagination, you can shape the world to your desires.”

“In fact, researchers have settled on what they believe is the magic number for true expertise: ten thousand hours.”

― Malcolm Gladwell, Outliers: The Story of Success

As you can see for yourself, it is not about talk, nor about luck and chance, but it is about time, quality time fully made of good work, repeated many times, over a number of years.

This is somewhat consoling, to me.

Since our world often seems unfair, in many ways: like being born in Africa compared to Europe; being born by poor parents compared to wealthy families; and being born to elites compared to illiterates. 

The fact that, with quality work, each and every one of us can make something of our lives — in the end — is a source of great solace to me.

Sometimes when I experience the pain of mental rigour, thinking whether I am the only person in the world feeling stress and pain. That whether “the gifted hands” do not work this much, or whether they have some magic power to numb off such feelings while doing it. 

This confirmation gives me enough perspective to endure and persevere. 

Since I now know that, every great one endures and perseveres to surmount the temporary discomforts of work to obtain pleasing future blessings. And that’s what makes them great.

Doing the work is the ultimate equalizer for everyone who earnestly desires to realize the big dreams of their hearts. 

Whatever the disadvantages, we may apparently suffer — naturally or by circumstance — we can surpass them with unflagging determination to do the required work, repeatedly, over a number of times, until we triumph.

MY THREE PRACTICAL ILLUSTRATIONS

VALEDICTORIAN:

To become the best student in your academic pursuits, budget a block of few hours (say, 3 fixed hours) to study and practice every day — without fail. 

Arm yourself with knowledge of the 10,000hr rule and study continuously, even on the days you have the impulse not to. 

Is this not more productive than talking all day about doing it?

EXEMPLARY LEADERSHIP:

Devote some time — say, a fixed daily hour — to learning and improving the key skills of your leadership position. 

Political leadership will include knowledge and skills about your people and your jurisdiction.

Will this not take you there faster than empty grandiloquent rigmaroles?

EXCELLENT CAREER: 

Pay close attention to the fundamentals of your industry and have a daily measurable time — say an immovable block of one hour — devoted to work and improve on them.

Will talk or this, is what will eventually get you a handsome raise from your boss?

Clearly, to make the most of our gardens, we need to leave the shade now and get back to work.

Heed the 10, 000hr counsel, stand up from the shade, get in the game, jump into the field, get rid of the weeds, and start planting the seeds of life, beauty and freedom.

Do that relentlessly, and ultimately your garden will not just be lush, it will be remarkable. And it will remain remarkable, as long as you never cease to put in the time, to do the smart work, every time.