When was the last time you were part of a team? Was it at work? Were you at sports practice? Did you work in a group on a group assignment? How did it make you feel to be part of a team? Did it make you feel invigorated, energetic, and excited? If not, then did it make you feel frustrated, annoyed, and agitated?
Normally, I prefer to work alone. I didn't have much success working in teams growing up. I was the person who was stuck doing at least 90% of the group work. It was frustrating to know that my group received the same credit for doing maybe 10% of the work. Even though I learned more from awful group experiences, it is something I do not wish upon anyone.
Recently, my perception of teamwork has changed. Did I finally comprehend the theoretical conceptualization behind teamwork? No, that happened a long time ago. What I finally realized is that not everyone will always work successfully together. When different personalities are brought into the equation, conflict is bound to arise. Heck, who am I kidding?! I already knew that, too.
The truth is that it took a special person to change my perception of teamwork. My boy friend and I have a goal to be physically fit; we want to live a long, prosperous life together. To do this, we have committed to working out 5 times per week. There are days when he is not motivated and vice versa. On the days we don't feel like going, we can come up with every excuse in the book. Instead, we drag ourselves to the gym and work out.When we're at the gym, we push each other. Sometimes, I don't want to continue because I am pushing myself harder than I ever did in gym class. Other times, his knee bothers him; I keep him motivated.
Through this bonding experience, I have realized the importance of teamwork. We challenge each other and push the other to his or her limit. We pound the fist when we accomplish our work out goals. After all is said and done, I now know that it takes team work to be successful at the gym and in every area of my life.
Wednesday, November 27, 2013
Thursday, November 21, 2013
Push it Good
Do you remember the last time you worked out? During the workout, how did you feel? Were you ready to pass out, give up, or start crying? When it was over, how did you feel? Did you feel energized, tired, and happy? If these descriptions don't sound like you, then I hope you feel wonderful as you workout and after it's finished. Many people I know would say they are frustrated during the workout and feel better post workout.
I would describe myself as someone who enjoys working out, but can feel challenged at the end. In the beginning, I breeze through it like the breeze flowing through my hair on a windy day. As the workout comes to an end, I find it difficult to motivate myself to keep going.
I'll be honest, it's easier to quit a workout when there's only 2 minutes left. Who needs to use the elliptical for 2 more minutes? What will 2 extra minutes actually do for me? What's the benefit of pushing myself to do the last set of obliques? Let's not forget about crunches. Those are a real doozey when my stomach hurts.
As a goal-oriented person who likes to achieve everything I set my mind to, I push myself to finish because I set out to do it. It's not always easy. However, if I follow through on my workout goals, then it is easier to follow through on other goals I set for myself.
I know, I know. If you hate working out, then you may be wondering why working out is even worth it. If I, the person who despised gym class in high school and college, can take my rear end to the gym and accomplish my workout goals, then I know you can do it. Once you accomplish goals that are outside of the gym, then it will be easier to follow through on the remainder of your goals.
I would describe myself as someone who enjoys working out, but can feel challenged at the end. In the beginning, I breeze through it like the breeze flowing through my hair on a windy day. As the workout comes to an end, I find it difficult to motivate myself to keep going.
I'll be honest, it's easier to quit a workout when there's only 2 minutes left. Who needs to use the elliptical for 2 more minutes? What will 2 extra minutes actually do for me? What's the benefit of pushing myself to do the last set of obliques? Let's not forget about crunches. Those are a real doozey when my stomach hurts.
As a goal-oriented person who likes to achieve everything I set my mind to, I push myself to finish because I set out to do it. It's not always easy. However, if I follow through on my workout goals, then it is easier to follow through on other goals I set for myself.
I know, I know. If you hate working out, then you may be wondering why working out is even worth it. If I, the person who despised gym class in high school and college, can take my rear end to the gym and accomplish my workout goals, then I know you can do it. Once you accomplish goals that are outside of the gym, then it will be easier to follow through on the remainder of your goals.
Thursday, November 14, 2013
Prior Proper Preparation Prevents......
Have you entered a situation where you weren't prepared? How did you feel? What thoughts crossed your mind? Turn it around and think about how you felt when you were prepared. Did you feel different? Did different thoughts cross your mind? I hope so. To finish the statement from the title, prior proper preparation prevents poor performance.
Life will present different situations. Sometimes we are adequately prepared; sometimes we're not. When I am prepared, I embody confidence and charisma. If I don't prepare, then I can become irritated and frustrated. Lack of preparation can cause frustration an interview, in a traffic jam, or when someone says something sudden.
What do I do to prepare for an unprepared situation? It's simple: I prepare for situations that I can control. For example, I had a phone interview not too long ago. I was asked a series of questions that are meant to get to know someone and designed to weed out candidates. I was asked questions I hadn't expected during the interview, but I successfully answered each question and landed the job. How did I do this? I accomplished this in two ways. The first way was to practice interviewing. How could I become better at interviewing without practicing?! The second way was to improve my impromptu speaking skills. I could practice interview all day, but the ability to think on my feet with no prior proper preparation is a skill that must also be learned.
Not every situation can be planned in advance, but if you take the opportunity to practice when it doesn't count, and view it as a situation that will allow you to grow, then you can be prepared in an unprepared situation.
Thursday, November 7, 2013
What's In a Title?
Do you have a title associated with your name? If so, how does it make you feel? What did it take to get that title? How many hours did you spend earning your title? Was it worth it? Think about these questions as you proceed through this blog entry.
About five years ago, I thought obtaining a title was the thing to do. Think about it. Medical doctors have a prestigious title as do professors, attorneys, etc. When I saw a title attached to someone's name, I thought that person had more value to society than someone who didn't have a title.
Five years later, I now have a title. In the classroom, my students refer to me as professor. Does it feel good? Yes! I couldn't imagine not being in the classroom with my students. Without my M.A., I could not legally teach at the college level (unless I was a Graduate Assistant). Even though it feels good to be called Professor, I inform my students that they can refer to me as Ms., Miss., or even by my first name (I know some wouldn't agree with this.). Why would I let my students call me a title that is not "professor"? It's simple. I don't associate my worth with my title.
I have learned much about titles within the past few years. Below are the lessons:
-A title is simply a title. A title can get a person employed.
-A title doesn't necessarily prove one's abilities and capabilities. Any field has good and bad professors, good and bad medical doctors, good and bad managers, etc.
Having a title is nice. Without it, I could not teach. However, I don't define myself by it nor do I expect to be treated different from someone else who does not have it. I attended a meeting today. The gentleman made the comment that he now should refer to me as professor. I told him to refer to me by my first name. When I go to bed at night, I don't think about me in regard to my profession. I think about my character and the qualities that make me unique. When the day ends, I will always know what I went through and how much time I've dedicated to the academy. The lessons and challenges I've faced thus far have helped to shape who I am and how I see my worth, not the title associated with my name.
About five years ago, I thought obtaining a title was the thing to do. Think about it. Medical doctors have a prestigious title as do professors, attorneys, etc. When I saw a title attached to someone's name, I thought that person had more value to society than someone who didn't have a title.
Five years later, I now have a title. In the classroom, my students refer to me as professor. Does it feel good? Yes! I couldn't imagine not being in the classroom with my students. Without my M.A., I could not legally teach at the college level (unless I was a Graduate Assistant). Even though it feels good to be called Professor, I inform my students that they can refer to me as Ms., Miss., or even by my first name (I know some wouldn't agree with this.). Why would I let my students call me a title that is not "professor"? It's simple. I don't associate my worth with my title.
I have learned much about titles within the past few years. Below are the lessons:
-A title is simply a title. A title can get a person employed.
-A title doesn't necessarily prove one's abilities and capabilities. Any field has good and bad professors, good and bad medical doctors, good and bad managers, etc.
Having a title is nice. Without it, I could not teach. However, I don't define myself by it nor do I expect to be treated different from someone else who does not have it. I attended a meeting today. The gentleman made the comment that he now should refer to me as professor. I told him to refer to me by my first name. When I go to bed at night, I don't think about me in regard to my profession. I think about my character and the qualities that make me unique. When the day ends, I will always know what I went through and how much time I've dedicated to the academy. The lessons and challenges I've faced thus far have helped to shape who I am and how I see my worth, not the title associated with my name.
Thursday, October 31, 2013
Communication is Key
What is one of the top skills employers value? How can couples improve their relationships? Which way is the most effective way to get your point across to your audience? It's communication! Without communication, we cannot communicate our thoughts.
Most people think they are effective communicators. For crying out loud, babies communicate with their parents from the moment they're born. Babies will cry, scream, and coo. As babies turn into toddlers, young children, and eventually adults, they develop communication patterns based on their surroundings (e.g., mass media, family, friends, employees, etc.).
When we communicate with people in our lives, do you wonder why messages are misinterpreted, misrepresented, words become twisted (aka manipulation), etc.? I don't think there is a singular answer to this question. What I do know is this: if communication isn't improved, then how will we progress?
The following are ways to improve your communication skills. It is not an exhaustive list. It is meant to be a beginning guiding tool. My hope is that these tips will help you to become an effective communicator:
-Know your audience. If you don't know who you're speaking to, then the conversation becomes awkward.
-Pause before talking. Many times, people will fill in silence with filler words (e.g., ah, uh, and uhm). Also, it will prevent verbal vomit.
-Know your facts. Misrepresenting the truth will annoy people and possibly put words into someone's mouth.
-Practice good listening. Put the technology down for 5 minutes. Turn off all devices or put them on silent. If it's an important conversation, let your phones calls go to voice mail.
Most people think they are effective communicators. For crying out loud, babies communicate with their parents from the moment they're born. Babies will cry, scream, and coo. As babies turn into toddlers, young children, and eventually adults, they develop communication patterns based on their surroundings (e.g., mass media, family, friends, employees, etc.).
When we communicate with people in our lives, do you wonder why messages are misinterpreted, misrepresented, words become twisted (aka manipulation), etc.? I don't think there is a singular answer to this question. What I do know is this: if communication isn't improved, then how will we progress?
The following are ways to improve your communication skills. It is not an exhaustive list. It is meant to be a beginning guiding tool. My hope is that these tips will help you to become an effective communicator:
-Know your audience. If you don't know who you're speaking to, then the conversation becomes awkward.
-Pause before talking. Many times, people will fill in silence with filler words (e.g., ah, uh, and uhm). Also, it will prevent verbal vomit.
-Know your facts. Misrepresenting the truth will annoy people and possibly put words into someone's mouth.
-Practice good listening. Put the technology down for 5 minutes. Turn off all devices or put them on silent. If it's an important conversation, let your phones calls go to voice mail.
Thursday, October 24, 2013
Stop Running
When is the last time you wanted something someone else had? How did it make you feel? What did you think? Did you go out and purchase the same item? If you did, did it validate you? If you didn't, did you envy the person who had what you desired?
If I were to ask society if they were thankful for what they have in life, most people would say yes. Out of the millions of people who would say "yes," how many are lying? I cannot give a valid answer, but I am certain that at least one person has lied. Yes, you guessed it. It's me.
This morning, I was on my way to a meeting. I drove in a warm, toasty car. My car functions properly. I had on gloves to keep my hands from feeling like they were in the freezer. I should be thankful that my basic survival needs were met. All of a sudden, I felt something weird. I knew the feeling because I had felt it in the past. It annoyed me all the way to my meeting. Can you guess what the feeling was? No? It was a hole in the big toe of my right sock. Ahh!!!
Many people I know would find this to be annoying. It doesn't seem like a big deal. Throw the socks away and purchase a new pair. As I thought about the hole in my sock, I realized that I actually had a pair of socks to wear. I can only envision how many people, around the world, who do not have socks to wear. At the time of the annoyance, it seemed like a big deal. As I reflect on it, it's petty.
The hole in my sock taught me a valuable lesson. I should be happy with what I have instead of wanting what other people have. I may not have what I want in life right now, but I can be happy with what I have till I get there. It's not about keeping up with the Jonses. It is about doing what's right for me and being happy with what I have.
If I were to ask society if they were thankful for what they have in life, most people would say yes. Out of the millions of people who would say "yes," how many are lying? I cannot give a valid answer, but I am certain that at least one person has lied. Yes, you guessed it. It's me.
This morning, I was on my way to a meeting. I drove in a warm, toasty car. My car functions properly. I had on gloves to keep my hands from feeling like they were in the freezer. I should be thankful that my basic survival needs were met. All of a sudden, I felt something weird. I knew the feeling because I had felt it in the past. It annoyed me all the way to my meeting. Can you guess what the feeling was? No? It was a hole in the big toe of my right sock. Ahh!!!
Many people I know would find this to be annoying. It doesn't seem like a big deal. Throw the socks away and purchase a new pair. As I thought about the hole in my sock, I realized that I actually had a pair of socks to wear. I can only envision how many people, around the world, who do not have socks to wear. At the time of the annoyance, it seemed like a big deal. As I reflect on it, it's petty.
The hole in my sock taught me a valuable lesson. I should be happy with what I have instead of wanting what other people have. I may not have what I want in life right now, but I can be happy with what I have till I get there. It's not about keeping up with the Jonses. It is about doing what's right for me and being happy with what I have.
Thursday, October 17, 2013
Stay Strong
Has anyone ever tried to put you down for any reason? If so, how did it make you feel? Some don't care about what others say, regardless of what's said. Many people, however, do care about what others think of them. If you do care, then the comments probably hurt to hear and know.
Ever since I could remember, I placed a lot of emphasis on what other people thought about me. Many times, the comments were positive. There were also many times when the comments were negative. I won't go into the logistics of the hurtful things that have been said to me or about me through someone else. I don't know why people are cruel, but I have faith that the experiences have helped me to be a strong person.
Throughout my life, I've wanted to excel at anything I did; I still do today. When I do well, it is applauded, but when I excel, others seem to have a way of diminishing my accomplishments. When I earned my Master's degree, one side of my family was happy for me. They congratulated me on a job well done. The other side of my family did not say a word to me about my accomplishment; they still won't. Recently, I attended an event. A couple people asked me where I worked. I stated the name of my employer. Instead of being happy for me, they decide to comment about the drive there, questioning the requirements of the position (Hello! I was hired for crying out loud!), and other comments that weren't positive. At this moment, I became irritated and frustrated. Why can't people just be happy for me?! Why do they try to diminish me?
The situation above is only a snippet of what I endure from other people. It's exhausting! Sometimes, it seems easier to throw in the towel and perform at an average level. People seem to be getting ahead in life by giving only what's required. However, I keep reminding myself that I am not average. I will overachieve in any situation and give more than "average."
If you are like me, or know of someone who's like me, then here's the best advice I can give to you. Surround yourself with positive people. Negative people who are miserable with their own lives don't want you to succeed. They want to bring you down to their level. Surrounding yourself with people who genuinely want you do succeed makes a huge difference. It's one of the best decisions I've made yet.
Ever since I could remember, I placed a lot of emphasis on what other people thought about me. Many times, the comments were positive. There were also many times when the comments were negative. I won't go into the logistics of the hurtful things that have been said to me or about me through someone else. I don't know why people are cruel, but I have faith that the experiences have helped me to be a strong person.
Throughout my life, I've wanted to excel at anything I did; I still do today. When I do well, it is applauded, but when I excel, others seem to have a way of diminishing my accomplishments. When I earned my Master's degree, one side of my family was happy for me. They congratulated me on a job well done. The other side of my family did not say a word to me about my accomplishment; they still won't. Recently, I attended an event. A couple people asked me where I worked. I stated the name of my employer. Instead of being happy for me, they decide to comment about the drive there, questioning the requirements of the position (Hello! I was hired for crying out loud!), and other comments that weren't positive. At this moment, I became irritated and frustrated. Why can't people just be happy for me?! Why do they try to diminish me?
The situation above is only a snippet of what I endure from other people. It's exhausting! Sometimes, it seems easier to throw in the towel and perform at an average level. People seem to be getting ahead in life by giving only what's required. However, I keep reminding myself that I am not average. I will overachieve in any situation and give more than "average."
If you are like me, or know of someone who's like me, then here's the best advice I can give to you. Surround yourself with positive people. Negative people who are miserable with their own lives don't want you to succeed. They want to bring you down to their level. Surrounding yourself with people who genuinely want you do succeed makes a huge difference. It's one of the best decisions I've made yet.
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