Welcome to the expanded journey of P33Ps from page 5 of Inspiring Excellence

 On page 5 of Inspiring Excellence: Navigating the Journey to a Doctorate,  

The concept of P33Ps represents those moments in life when we feel vulnerable, uncertain, or in need of guidance. It’s a metaphor, evoking the sound of a young chick—tentative and searching—relying on the care and direction of others to navigate through its early life. In P33Ps, that call is symbolic of our own moments when we, like the young chick, need support, wisdom, and clarity to face the challenges ahead.

The idea behind P33Ps is to help us reflect on those points in our lives when we felt this need for guidance, as well as to recognize the sources of support that strengthened us. It’s about examining how those experiences shaped us, and learning to prepare for future challenges by understanding what practices, people, or beliefs can offer stability and clarity. This metaphor not only emphasizes growth and resilience but also highlights our ongoing journey of becoming, acknowledging that each experience can add to our strength and wisdom.

In the pursuit of a doctorate, the journey often feels isolating, with challenges that seem insurmountable. The "P33Ps" represent that innate cry for guidance, whether it comes in the form of academic mentors, community, or spiritual reflection. Augustine would likely advise that much like God’s irresistible and persevering grace guides the elect through faith; doctoral students are similarly shaped and refined by every experience—both triumphs and setbacks. These moments, though difficult, are necessary to fulfill the divine purpose that lies ahead.

Only a small percentage of people complete a doctorate, and in many ways, these individuals could be seen as "chosen" or "favored" in their academic journey, not because they were inherently more capable but because they remained steadfast through trials, drawing strength from their inner "P33Ps" and embracing the grace that guided them forward. The elect are given the grace to persevere; similarly, those who complete this rigorous path are sustained by an internal and sometimes divine drive that pushes them to overcome personal limitations, develop critical thinking, and find balance between academic pursuit and personal well-being.

Daily habits and the little things—such as reflection, disciplined study, and self-care—become the tools through which grace works. These habits may seem small but, like the constant polishing of a stone, they gradually bring out the brilliance within. Augustine’s teaching reminds us that it is not by our strength alone but by grace that we move forward. In the same way, doctoral students should embrace their daily struggles and see them as part of a larger process of refinement, trusting that their word, their want—what they commit to—aligns with a greater purpose.

The "P33Ps" within you call out, not just for guidance but for perseverance. You must listen, nurture those calls, and trust that the grace in your journey will see you through. Keep moving forward, because your word—your want—is ultimately shaping the scholar, leader, and person you are destined to become.

Inspiring Excellence serves as a beacon of hope and guidance for doctoral students, intertwining themes of personal growth, leadership, critical thinking, well-being, and divine guidance. By drawing on the teachings of St. Augustine, as mentioned throughout the book but more so on pages 53-57, you are reminded that you are not alone in your journeys. Just as the “elect” are sustained by grace, so can you find strength and encouragement through faith, community, and a commitment to your scholarly pursuits. Embracing these principles can lead to a transformative experience, where the challenges of doctoral study become stepping stones toward academic excellence and personal and spiritual fulfillment.

St. Augustine states: "God chooses us, not because we believe, but that we may believe; and having chosen us, He endows us with faith and perseverance."

St. Augustine’s teaching on predestination and the elect was highly influential but also controversial. His ideas about the elect emphasized God’s sovereignty and human dependence on grace, but they also raised questions about free will and divine justice, debates that persisted in Christian theology long after Augustine’s time. Nonetheless, all that matters now is that grace in your journey, guided by sovereignty and providence, which can be strengthened through support, prayer, and reflection, and perseverance through trials, as you draw inspiration from personal experiences. St. Augustine's teachings about the elect and grace offer profound insights for those navigating their academic journeys, or any journey of significance, for that matter, particularly those who may feel isolated or lack mentorship. As emphasized in the book Inspiring Excellence, you can find strength and encouragement by emphasizing reliance on divine grace, embracing community, engaging in prayer, and reflecting on personal experiences. View your journey as part of God’s divine plan, knowing that you are never truly alone and that your struggles can lead to profound personal and scholarly growth.