The National Society of
Leadership and Success
Building leaders who make a better world
In this Issue: 

Letter from the President | Monthly Motivation | Awards & SCHOLARSHIPS | What's Happening | Society Spotlight

Letter From the President: 

Dear Society Members,

Spring Break is almost here, and with it your hard-earned and much deserved chance to rest, relax and recharge. It’s also a valuable opportunity to look ahead and focus on what’s to come, while you enjoy your free time.

It is my experience that while everyone is busy, successful people are actually productive. The difference isn’t really in how you spend your time; it’s in how you use it. Following a set timetable for things and establishing a hierarchy of priorities will make you accomplish more and give you more time to pursue your passions. So dedicate a little time to think about your time—it’s worth it.

While you’re on break, use the time wisely. This doesn’t mean you have to spend it catching up on work, school or chores, but structuring your precious free hours and days for things that really hold value for you. Take the opportunity to do something off the beaten path. Do something that’s fun for you and helpful to someone else—because making a better world isn’t just what we do, it’s who we are as leaders. Focus inward and see if you discover something new about yourself. Spend quality time with your loved ones and see if you learn something new about them. Do at least one thing that has absolutely no use except to make you happy.

I wish you a fun and fulfilling Spring Break. It passes quickly, so make the most of it, plan ahead, and come back to school as a more successful you. 

Best wishes to everyone,

Charles Knippen
President
The National Society of Leadership and Success

Success Corner: 

Being Still: How Doing Nothing Is Essential For Success

By Deepak Chopra

Most of us were brought up to believe in the Law of Most Effort and Busyness. Particularly in the US, there is a strong cultural belief that success can only be achieved through relentless effort and endless nights “burning the midnight oil.”

If something comes easily, we have a tendency not to value it as much as something for which we struggle. Yet, if we look at nature, we see its intelligence functions with effortless ease. In the ebb and flow of the tides, the  blossoming of a flower and the movement of stars, we don’t see nature straining.

Birds aren’t led on their migratory paths by a coach calling out, “No pain, no gain!” They don’t lie awake at night wondering how they can get ahead, or feeling stress about everything still on their to-do lists. They follow their own internal rhythms, which are in harmony with the universe’s infinite organizing power.

In the Seven Spiritual Laws of Success, this is known as the Law of Least Effort, which is the principle that we can accomplish more by doing less if we’re not wasting energy struggling and trying to force outcomes that aren’t ready to manifest.

 

Do Less and Be More

If you want to align yourself with the infinite organizing power of the universe, the first and most important step is to spend time each day in the inner quiet of meditation.

Meditation takes you beyond the busy chatter of the mind, into a state of expanded awareness. You connect to what is known as the field of infinite possibilities, or pure potentiality; you are open and receptive to new ideas, fresh perspectives and flashes of insight.

The world’s great innovators, athletes and other high achievers have described this state as “being in the flow,” being in the right place at the right time, or a state of grace. Time seems to stand still, and instead of struggling and trying to force things to happen, everything you need comes naturally to you.

You do less and accomplish more. You aren’t burdened by the past or worried about the future; you are flowing in the ever-present, eternal now. This higher state of consciousness, which you can access through meditation, is the birthplace of all creativity.

 

Expand Your Focus and Concentration

Taking time to experience stillness in meditation will also help you to develop focus and concentration. It trains the brain to stay focused on the task at hand, rather than letting your attention be pulled away by every passing thought and distraction.

This one-pointed attention makes you more productive and less stressed. There is a lot of interesting research showing how meditation and mindfulness improve the brain’s focus and concentration.

A study carried out by the Kyoto Convention Bureau found that when people meditated for at least ten minutes before a meeting, they were much better at focusing, listening, retaining information and completing projects.

 

Meditation Sharpens Your Ability to Learn

Meditation will help you tap into your brain’s unimaginable powers to learn and adapt − and to accomplish with more effortless ease.

While scientists used to believe that beyond a certain age, the brain couldn’t change or grow, we now know the brain has a quality known as plasticity, enabling it to grow new neurons and transform throughout our lives.

A growing body of research is finding meditation is a powerful tool for awakening new neural connections and even transforming regions of the brain.

A major study led by Massachusetts General Hospital found that participants who meditated for just eight weeks (an average of 27 minutes each day) experienced significant changes in their brain structure, including increased density in regions associated with memory, learning, self-awareness, compassion and introspection.

Conversely, MR images showed decreased density in the amygdala, which plays a vital role in anxiety and stress. It’s amazing to consider how many benefits we reap from the simple experience of being still and silent.

We’ve only discussed a few of the ways in which meditation enhances our health, emotional wellbeing and our ability to tap into our highest potential. Even more important than discussing these benefits is having a direct experience of meditation.

If you’ve never meditated, I encourage you to begin. If you used to meditate and stopped, now is the perfect time to return to your practice and experience all the gifts that await you.

To get you started now, here is a powerful meditation technique you can try:

So Hum Meditation

1. Choose a place where you won’t be disturbed. Sit in a chair or on the floor, using blankets and pillows to make yourself as comfortable as possible.

2. Close your eyes and for a few minutes and observe the inflow and outflow of your breath.

3. Now, take a slow, deep breath through your nose, while thinking or silently repeating the word, “So.

4. Then, slowly exhale through your nose while silently repeating the word, “Hum.” continue to allow your breath to flow easily, silently repeating, “So…Hum…“ with each inflow and outflow of the breath. Whenever your attention drifts to thoughts in your mind, sounds in the environment, or sensations in your body, gently return to your breath, silently repeating, “So…Hum…”

5. Do this process for 10 minutes. Just breathe easily and effortlessly, without trying to concentrate. When the time is up, sit with your eyes closed for a few minutes before going about your usual activities. As you continue to meditate, you can extend your practice period to 20 or 30 minutes.

Don’t worry if you find your mind wandering, if you find it difficult to relax, or if you can’t complete 10 full minutes.

With time and practice, you will find a rhythm to this process unfold effortlessly, and you will begin to experience tremendous mind, body and spirit benefits. You will find your flow.

 

Deepak Chopra, M.D., F.A.C.P., Founder of the Chopra Center for Wellbeing, is a world-renowned pioneer in mind-body medicine and personal transformation. The Chopra Center for Wellbeing holds sought-after workshops and retreats. Dr. Chopra has authored more than 80 books, published in more than 43 languages, including 22 New York Times best-sellers.

Full article originally published in Elite Daily/Wellness on 02/17/15: http://elitedaily.com/life/still-nothing-essential-success/938657

 

                     Inductions! 

     We welcome the Fall 2014 Inducted Society Members!

                     University of Pittsburgh Chapter Induction Ceremony 

See more on our Flickr.

Monthly Motivation: 

"Ordinary people think merely how they will spend their time, a man of intellect tries to use it."

- Schopenhauer

Scholarships and Awards: 

THE SPRING 2015 SCHOLARSHIPS AND AWARDS SUBMISSION PERIOD IS UNDERWAY!

The Society offers over $150,000 in need-based and merit-based scholarships and awards every year. Don't miss out on your chance to have your dream supported!

Spring 2015 submission period ends April 10.

For a full list of our scholarships, awards and grants and to apply, clichere.

 

To see 2014's winners click here, and to read interviews with some of them visit our blog.

 

Order of Sigma honorees!

The Order of Sigma award is the Society's highest honor in our pillar program, reserved for chapters that successfully complete all 10 pillars in the administration of their chaptersCongratulations!

The Fall 2014 and Spring 2015 honorees are:

DeVry University-Decatur                               Miami University-Hamilton
Houston Community College-Central            New York Institute of Technology
Houston Community College-Southwest       Pennsylvania State University-Erie
Kent State University                                      Texas A&M University-Commerce

Founder's List honorees!

The Founder's List award is given to Society Chapters that successfully complete 8 out of 10 pillars in the administration of their chapters. Congratulations!

The Fall 2014 and Spring 2015 honorees are:

Alcorn State University John A. Logan College Pennsylvania State University-Harrisburg University of Houston-Clear Lake
Auburn University–Montgomery Johnston Community College Rochester Institute of Technology University of Missouri-St. Louis
Barry University Kingsborough Community College San Antonio College University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill
Benedict College Lake Superior State University Sheridan College University of Pittsburgh
Cheyney University of Pennsylvania Los Angeles Pierce College Southern Illinois University-Carbondale University of Pittsburgh-Bradford
Clarkson College Marion Technical College Southern Polytechnic State University University of the Incarnate Word
Dean College Marygrove College Southeastern Louisiana University University of Tennessee-Knoxville
Delaware State University McNeese State University St. Thomas University University of Virginia-Wise
DeVry University-Long Beach Mercer University-Macon Surry Community College University of Wisconsin–Platteville
Elizabeth City State University Methodist University Texas A&M University-San Antonio Virginia College–Spartanburg
Florida Gulf Coast University Miami University-Oxford The City College of New York Vista College-Longview
Florida Keys Community College Missouri University of Science and Technology The University of Texas-San Antonio Wake Technical Community College
Front Range Community College-Westminster Mount Aloysius College Tarleton State University Western Kentucky University
H. Councill Trenholm State Technical College Murray State University Three Rivers Community College Westmoreland County Community College
Housatonic Community College New Jersey City University Trine University Widener University
Indiana State University Northeast Lakeview College University of Arkansas Main Campus Wilkes University
Indiana University Southeast Northwest Missouri State University University of California- Davis William Woods University
James Madison University Ohio University University of Central Missouri Wilson Community College
What's Happening: 

UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS OF THE PERMIAN BASIN CHAPTER HOLDS VALENTINE’S DAY EVENT

The Society Chapter at UTPB held a “Cupid’s One Stop Shop” Valentine’s Day event, inviting students to stop by their table for some cookies, assorted chocolates, S’mores and Magic Potions. What a group of sweethearts!

See more pictures on our blog

MEET SOCIETY MEMBER ERIC KARGE, MARYLAND’S COUNTRY MUSIC ARTIST OF THE YEAR

Society member and High Point University alumnus Eric Karge was voted Maryland’s “2014 Country Music Artist of the Year” during the first-annual Maryland Music Awards. He also placed in the top five in two other categories, “Songwriter of the Year” and “Breakout Artist of the Year.”

To learn more about Eric visit our blog.

THE AMAZING SUCCESS STORY OF SOCIETY MEMBER GENEVIEVE TRINIDAD

I was born in New Orleans, Louisiana. I am a senior at North Carolina State University, where I study Nutrition Science. I challenge myself daily by setting both short term and long term goals, whether this includes learning a new language on my own or mastering a class project, I believe the key to success is establishing long term and short term goals.

To learn more about Genevieve visit our blog.

SPOTLIGHT ON A SOCIETY STAFFER: MALISSA MYERS

I am a New Jersey native who loves to laugh and truly believes you have to enjoy what you do. I have over 10 years of experience with educating, developing and training students of all ages. I began my career path teaching students with special needs for over 7 years before moving into higher education at a private college as a Career Services Specialist. During my experience working in education, I decided to go back to school and received my Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Human Resource Management from Colorado Technical University. Soon after, I continued on to receive my Master’s degree in Psychology with a concentration in Leadership Coaching and Development from Walden University. This brought me to the Society, where I am now a Chapter Support Manager for campuses all across the country.

To learn more about Malissa visit our blog

SEAN ANDERSON, DIRECTOR OF TECHNOLOGY AT THE SOCIETY, PUBLISHES HIS FIRST BOOK!

Sean's book, Boot Sequence: Strategies to Guide Your Career in Information Technology, is a guide for everyone in the Information Technology field, from those who are just starting to experienced professionals. It covers everything from certifications to how to find a mentor or be true to yourself.

In Boot Sequence you will learn how to:

  • Find career peace of mind by having a concrete plan
  • Finally move your career forward by getting a sense of the soft and hard skills you need to master
  • Move up on the professional ladder by striking the balance between competency and character
  • Feel secure in your decisions by learning how to differentiate between a good thing and being stuck
  • Feel valued personally and financially by garnering respect from peers and supervisors

To learn more about Sean's book visit his Amazon page.

Our members are leading and inspiring individuals on their campuses and in their communities across the country every day, and we want to help tell those stories! Articles and other content for upcoming newsletters can be submitted anytime to communications@nsls.orgPlease include photos from your event, and let us know what you were doing, who participated and how it impacted your members and community. So many chapters are making a difference every day.

Keep up the good work!