Conquering College

Tuesday, February 18, 2025

Primary Blog/college/Conquering College

Conquer College


7 Principles for success

Lesson 1: "God Makes a Better Deal"


Imagine standing in front of two tables. One is piled high with the latest gadgets, stacks of cash, and all the junk food you could eat. The other? It holds a simple, beautifully wrapped gift with a note that says, "For your ultimate joy." The catch? You can only pick one. Which would you choose?

This choice is like what Psalm 4:7 reminds us:
"You have put more joy in my heart than they have when their grain and wine abound."

The world’s table looks enticing. It offers temporary highs, fleeting pleasures, and empty promises. But God’s table? It gives a joy that lasts—a joy no amount of "grain and wine" (or gadgets and cash) can touch.

​The world will always try to sell you a lesser deal. "Just do what feels good!" "You deserve it!" "Live for now!" But here’s the truth: God’s joy isn’t just better; it’s deeper, truer, and eternal. When you live for Him, you tap into a happiness that doesn’t depend on circumstances. It’s joy that sustains you even when life gets hard.

​Action Steps:

Identify Your Table: What’s one "worldly deal" you’re tempted to take right now (e.g., chasing approval, comfort, or quick fixes)? Write it down.

Choose God’s Better Deal: Spend 5 minutes in prayer today asking God to show you the joy He’s offering in this season of life.

Anchor in Truth: Memorize Psalm 4:7 and repeat it whenever you feel tempted by lesser things.

Reflection Questions:

What’s one worldly pleasure that’s tried to capture your attention lately?

How have you experienced God’s joy in your life before?

​What’s one way you can lean into His joy this week?

Action items:

  • ​Identify Your Table
  • ​Choose God's Better Deal
  • ​Anchor in Truth

Lesson 2: "Discipline Over Desire"


Have you ever watched a pro athlete perform? It’s easy to be amazed by their skill, but what you don’t see are the countless hours of practice and discipline that got them there. Michael Phelps, the Olympic swimmer, trained 365 days a year for six years leading up to the Beijing Olympics. That’s discipline!

Paul said it best in 1 Timothy 4:7-8:
"Train yourself for godliness; for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way."

Lesson:
Here’s the truth: you won’t drift into godliness. Like an athlete, it takes intentionality and consistency. Your habits—not your hopes—shape who you become. Want to grow closer to God? Build small, daily habits like reading Scripture, praying, and serving. Over time, those habits weave into a cable that cannot be broken.

The Spirit works through discipline, not just desire. So train yourself!

Action Steps:

Audit Your Habits: Write down three daily habits that are shaping your life right now. Are they leading you toward or away from godliness?

Start Small: Commit to one small spiritual habit this week (e.g., 5 minutes of prayer or one chapter of Scripture daily).

Track Progress: Set a reminder and celebrate when you stay consistent for 7 days.

Reflection Questions:

What’s one habit you need to break or change?

What’s one godly habit you can start today?

How can discipline free you to live a more joyful life?

Action items:

  • ​Audit Your Habits
  • ​Start Small
  • ​Track Progress

Lesson 3: "Build Circles, Not Walls"

“Show me your friends, and I’ll show you your future”? It’s true! The people around you shape your mindset, values, and even your faith.

1 Corinthians 15:33 puts it this way:
"Bad company ruins good morals."

Lesson:
As you step into college, you’re leaving behind a circle of friends and mentors who have had a huge impact on your life. That’s scary—but it’s also an opportunity! You get to build a new circle. Seek out people who love God, pursue excellence, and encourage you to grow. Faithful friends will challenge you, support you, and help you thrive.

Action Steps:

Evaluate Your Current Circle: Are the people around you helping you grow closer to God or pulling you away?

Seek Godly Community: Join a campus ministry or church group this week.

Be a Friend: Encourage someone in your circle today. Send them a text, pray for them, or ask how you can support them.

Reflection Questions:

Who’s in your current circle, and how are they influencing you?

What qualities do you want in the friends you build in this next season?

How can you be the kind of friend you want to have?

Action items:

  • ​Evaluate Your Current Circle
  • ​Seek Godly Community
  • ​Be a Friend

Lesson 4: "Wisdom is in the Doing"

Albert Einstein once said, “The value of a college education is not the learning of many facts but the training of the mind to think.” Wisdom isn’t about how much you know—it’s about what you do with what you know.

Psalm 119:99-100 says:
"I have more understanding than all my teachers, for your testimonies are my meditation."

Lesson:
The world measures wisdom in degrees and accolades, but God measures it in obedience. It’s not enough to hear truth; you have to live it out. The more you apply God’s Word, the more wisdom you gain.

Action Steps:

Meditate on Scripture: Choose one verse to focus on this week. Write it down and revisit it daily.

Take One Step: What’s one truth you know but haven’t applied? Put it into action today.

Journal the Results: Reflect on how applying God’s truth impacts your decisions.

Reflection Questions:

What’s one area where you know God is calling you to act?

How can you make meditating on God’s Word a daily habit?

What’s the difference between knowledge and wisdom in your life?

Action items:

  • ​Meditate on Scripture
  • ​Take One Step
  • ​Journal the Results

Lesson 5: "Boldness Breeds Boldness"

You’ve probably seen a small spark ignite a huge fire. Boldness works the same way. One act of courage inspires others to do the same.

Acts 4:13 tells us:
"When they saw the boldness of Peter and John… they recognized that they had been with Jesus."

Lesson:

The world needs bold Christians. Not loud, arrogant, or pushy—but kind, godly, and confident in Christ. Your boldness to share your faith, stand for truth, and love others courageously will inspire those around you.

Action Steps:

Identify One Area: Where is God calling you to be bold (e.g., sharing your faith, standing up for someone, or living counter-culturally)?

Pray for Courage: Ask God to strengthen you to act boldly in that area.

Take One Bold Step: This week, take one small action that stretches your faith.

Reflection Questions:

Who’s someone in your life that inspires you to be bold for Christ?

What’s one way you can reflect Jesus in your words and actions?

How can you encourage others to be bold in their faith?

Action items:

  • ​Identify One Area
  • ​Pray for Courage
  • ​Take One Bold Step

Lesson 6: "First in, Last Out, Laugh Loudest"

There’s a quote that says, “A leader is first in every desperate attack and last in every desperate retreat.” True leadership isn’t about titles; it’s about showing up, serving others, and finding joy in the grind.

Philippians 2:3 says:
"In humility, count others more significant than yourselves."

Lesson:
Leadership starts with service. It’s about putting others first, showing up when it’s hard, and bringing joy into every situation. When you serve with humility and resilience, people will follow your example.

Action Steps:

Serve Someone Today: Look for one small way to serve someone—carry a bag, encourage a friend, or lend a hand.

Bring the Joy: Commit to bringing a positive attitude to your next challenge.

Reflect on Leadership: Write down three ways you can lead through serving.

Reflection Questions:

How do you define leadership?

What’s one way you can lead by serving today?

How can humility and joy change the way you approach challenges?


Action items:

  • Serve Someone Today
  • Bring the Joy
  • Reflect on Leadership

Lesson 7: "Resist Distraction, Stay Watchful"

Have you ever been so glued to your phone that you didn’t notice what was happening around you? Distraction is one of the enemy’s favorite weapons.

1 Peter 5:8 warns us:
"Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour."

Lesson:
Distraction isn’t just about wasting time—it’s a spiritual battle. The enemy wants to keep you from God’s best by keeping you busy with meaningless things. When you create boundaries around technology and prioritize your walk with God, you stay alert and ready for the fight.

Action Steps:

Set Screen Limits: Choose a time each day to unplug from devices and focus on prayer or Scripture.

Create a Rule of Life: Write down one boundary to help you stay focused on God (e.g., no screens before bed).

Stay Watchful: Pray daily for God’s wisdom to recognize and resist distractions.

Reflection Questions:

What’s one distraction you need to limit or eliminate?

How can you create space in your life to hear from God?

What does it look like to “stay watchful” in your daily walk?



Action items:

  • Set Screen Limits
  • Create a Rule of Life
  • Stay Watchful
customer1 png

Hi, I Am Connor Baxter

Leadership Coach

While you work hard to serve your teams and customers, I will work hard to serve you, the leader. My heart in producing leadership content is so you can flourish and everyone reap the reward.