We all search for models for success that we can emulate: Jay Gatsby had Benjamin Franklin, Luigi had Mario, and pretty much the whole of Generation Y has Steve Jobs. The problem with those types of rigid models is that sometimes they lead to success and other times they just lead to horrible stress.

That’s why you could do worse than to emulate comics legend Jack Kirby. A while ago, Lifehacker posted some lessons we could all learn form Kirby’s tumultuous career. While they may not seem relevant to the budding academic, each has some wisdom to offer on a Monday morning spent trying to motivate yourself for the week ahead:

• Teach Yourself Skills You Need: We may not be learning to draw like Kirby, but as GAs/TAs there is plenty we don’t know.  Worse yet, there’s plenty we want to know/feel we should know/have been told we ought to know. Each of these things we learn in due time from our supervisors and our peers, but the important thing is to never lose that dedication and belief that allows for infinite learning. Always search out new ways to improve your skills.
• Learn When Perfection Isn’t Possible: Specifically, within the academic context, remember that self-improvement is a learning process. It’s not that Kirby was advocating slacking off; it’s just that he recognized that following through on responsibilities is always more important than absolute perfection. Often times the obsession with perfection can be debilitating, preventing us from finishing projects or ever even starting. There will be time for reflection after your project is complete, but you’ll need to finish first in order to have something to review.
• Know How (and When) to Say “No”: Often times it seems like this isn’t an option, especially when things get busy. Some demands that people have of you just aren’t realistic. Don’t overextend yourself in an effort to please everyone. Remember that your work as GAs/TAs is about your development as scholars and educators – not about scoring extra points for walking your supervisor’s dog.