...day and night. And yet, we are serving our time in solitary confinement in there this prison… Each one of us has particular aims, and as we move forward in life, our ambitions change, and we set ourselves certain goals. But more often than we realize, we restrict the goals we set for ourselves. We suffer from self-doubt, and our insecurities of which we are not even aware instill inhibitions that spread roots and branches in our minds. The result? Self-imposed internal limits – on ourselves, our goals, ambitions, potential, imagination. We lose faith in ourselves, and at times, we don’t even realize it. At times, our inability to take risks and go beyond the defined boundary becomes so internalized that we do not even realize how we clip our own wings. Like a reflex action, our instantaneous response to any challenge is to evade the situation altogether, because it is too risky. It is almost as if in our own little world, the word ‘risky’ is synonymous to ‘bad’. Our inability to do something new and tough becomes an absolute truth for us. We even lose the capability to think it through, measure the pros and cons, and then arrive upon a decision like an intelligent being with a fully functioning cognition. As a result of living in fear for too long, we manage to condition ourselves to play safe, without evaluating the reason behind reaching this negative conclusion. And even though we may not realize it, this state of mind is extremely dangerous. Not only is progress hindered...
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...affinity towards overcoming challenges and difficult adversity. Throughout life, we adapt to challenges and master the ability to surmount obstacles. Despite the difficulties we experience, the process of overcoming complications allows us to become more knowledgeable on the task at hand. However, it is not just the conquering of adversity that is beneficial, but the adversity itself has positive effects on the challenged. Adversity allows an individual to develop a sense of discipline, as well as encouraging individuals to exercise their mind to confront a problem or conflict. Specifically, students who encounter hardships are more inclined to try harder, which promotes competition within the school. Although adversity may be beneficial towards some students, challenges can be detrimental for students who lack confidence. For instance, some students develop a mentality of despair; they believe that if one has to work hard, then the person does not have the natural ability for the assignment. Based on the effects of adversity aforementioned, I believe that students can both benefit from the obstacles faced in school with the proper mentality or the effects could be hindering. Students face adversity every day, regardless of how transparent the obstacle may be; some problems may not be as evident as others. According to Carol S. Dweck, author of Brainology, all students face adversities throughout their high-school career, specifically, the challenge of overcoming a fixed mindset...
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...Steel., at the University of Calgary [“95 percent of us report having some type of postponement problem”] (Kirsch, February 2008, p. 3). This type of behavior can lead to disaster and affect our daily lives. The key to controlling this type of habit is to recognize when we start to procrastinate and understand why it happens, then take the steps to overcome it by managing our time. Procrastinating (2002), according to Merriam-Webster's Third New International Dictionary Unabridged [is putting off tasks that need to be done right now, and doing tasks that we are more comfortable doing. We procrastinate because we feel like there is always tomorrow to do it]. Tomorrow normally turns into the next day, then the next day and we find ourselves panicking to complete a task or assignment that we had more than enough time to complete if we would have stuck to a plan. For example, you sit in front of your computer to start your assignment. Read the instructions for the first three minutes then find yourself checking your e-mails and responding to them, thus putting off starting the assignment for a later time. People procrastinate for numerous reasons. Some of the more common reasons they procrastinate are [perfectionism, fear of failure, not having a clear goal, overwhelmed with task, disorganized and lack of self-confidence] (Bagar & Fox, 1986). The reasons mentioned above are [nothing more than excuses, “we procrastinate on things we dislike but rarely put off...
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...Critical Thinking in Society PHL/458 August 10, 2014 Describe a situation in which critical and creative thought could have been used for a better outcome. Describe why it is important to think critically and creatively in similar situations. A situation, in which critical and creative thought could have been used for a better outcome, is when investors were making decisions about the purchase of real estate. In 2006 the real estate market was giving signs of weakening where prior to that year it was booming, but investors were not thinking critically and creatively instead, they were greedy and they let greed make decisions for them. To make matters worse lenders where very aggressive in their lending protocols while no one in the government was watching. Investors continue to buy in frenzy at high prices, even paying over the listed prices for properties. Then came the market went bust and investors were stuck with nearly worthless pieces of properties. Had the investors even consider one or two worse case scenarios, their net worth could have been preserved, instead we saw how thousands of properties started going into foreclosure. This was a hard lesson to learn but today the lending rules have changed thanks to a revamp of the lending practices. By thinking critically and creatively the government has tighten the screws on a much-unsupervised system. Define free will, truth, knowledge, and opinion. Explain how we use them to form thoughts...
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...the similarities of these societies. Some specific comparisons between our society and greek society are how crucial property and glory obtained through combat was to a warrior. When comparing our society now to the medieval society at the time of the white snake a specific difference is the social hierarchy . Finally when discussing the similarities it will become apparent that some aspects of life such as war and overcoming great odds will always be glorified throughout time. One of the main differences between what is glorified in our society today and greek society is property and how it affects social status and glory obtained through combat. An example of this is when Achilles’ spoil of war, Briseis, is taken from him and claims his glory has...
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...can look and see themselves in the past, a very calm and relaxed place. But I can only see where I am now. A world of brilliance, of speed, of change, and yet even though humans have come so far, we are weak. We are vulnerable to violence and cruelty. Elements of our weakness, that if placed in the wrong hands, can cause the downfall of man. I believe in peace, in stability, and yet I fear we approach darkness and war. I fear few of us will be able to remember such times of peace and happiness. Man is capable of overcoming any challenge. He moves with slowness and has infinite mistakes, but he is also capable of great heights. Man has made critical errors which have turned the world over, but he continues to adjust. We work toward darkness just as we can work toward light. I believe in history. I believe it is a mistake to take ourselves too seriously. Man thinks he is developed, but he is not. I think we are savage, reveling in greed and power only to further ourselves. I believe in time, where man can fail and succeed only to have to start over again, because time is infinite. I think I use time unwisely, that man uses time unwisely, because our success is only preceded by more failure and more success. I believe man rushes into a solution so quick, so recklessly, that he does not see he solution is only another failure. We only travel towards darkness because I know we are not ready. I know that man is not at its most capable, at its peak, at its glory. It is only dark because...
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...The inherent desire to belong is an integral part of the human condition that affects the way in which we view ourselves and others. Experiences of communities often shape personal identity and decisions to belong and not belong. Max Lucado’s picture book ‘You Are Special’, and Harper Lee’s novel ‘To Kill A Mockingbird’ delve into the intricacies of belonging within community. Both texts explore how personal differences can alienate individuals from their community and cause a loss of self-worth. However people often overcome this disconnection to community through experiences of belonging in their own unique identity. Lucado’s ‘You Are Special’ follows the story of a Wemmick (puppet) named Punchinello who lives in a small village, where the same creator carved all the inhabitants. The Wemmicks that excel in fields deemed worthy such as looks, physical and mental ability, are given golden stars, whilst puppets that do not have these characteristics are given blue dots. Punchinello is a puppet that is given many blue dots, due to his lack of skills or looks, alienating him from his small community of puppets. This alienation from his community causes Punchinello’s loss of self-worth, ‘I cant walk fast. I can’t jump. My paint is peeling.’ Lucado uses dialogue to highlight Punchinello’s insecurities due to the predetermined societal rulings of what it means to be beautiful. This idea connects to that of superficial morale and is reiterated through the accumulation of imperfections...
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...To achieve any goal or personal plan you must be willing to overcome obstacles and have a great time management. Having the ability to overcome obstacles and having a great time management will allow you to be successful in your journey at University of Phoenix. Knowing some of the things that can come in your way and not allow you to achieve your personal plan will help you to plan ahead so you can avoid these encounters. Overcoming barriers are the main frustration that most people deal with on a day to day basis. In overcoming obstacles, there are distractions and procrastination that many people feel are hard to deal with at times. Those two obstacles, distractions and procrastination, are quite similar in a way. You may become so overwhelmed with day to day activities that they become a distraction and often time lead to procrastination. You then start to make excuses of all the reason you cannot continue with your personal plan or goal. Time management is another issue people deal with. Not being able to manage your time wisely will make your goals and personal plan seem so distant that you no longer want to obtain it. To manage your time better make a plan of all the things that need to be done on a set day and time and stick with it. Sticking to your program will help you become more organized when it comes to planning out your goals and your personal plan. I am able to incorporate these obstacles in my career goals and that will help me to keep focused on my degree...
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...Having the capability and power to succeed by overcoming problems and challenges is what it takes to be empowered. Gaining knowledge of yourself by taking charge of your life empowers an individual. As pointed out in the text, the empowerment of man comes when there is assistance in decision making, which makes it almost effortless (Rubin & Rubin, 2008). Therefore, the influence that empowerment has over a person’s life can make or break their behaviors. It’s the attitude that results in feeling empowered or not. Often times our trust in our ability is a matter of perception, and not necessarily the reality. When we are courageous enough to believe in the power of ourselves, and our voices, then we have taken charge of decision making for ourselves, or perhaps an organization(s) we may be affiliated with. The development and empowering process is affirmative, and has positive effects on individuals, as well as, society as a whole. To be empowered is to be stimulated and inspired to reach a specified goal; to broaden our horizons, and face adversities and challenges. As one is empowered, others should be too. Empowerment should be shared and spread to others as to help the continuum of an empowered society of people. The evidence of disempowerment may be situations of failed relationships, poor work performance, decreased or stagnant income. When we lack empowerment, it can cause doubt and fear of progression and benefits in our lives. People can be disempowered...
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...Bria Bass 2 February 2016 Crystal Eaddy Ap Lang (4th) Adversity “Adversity has the effect of eliciting talents which in prosperous circumstances would have lain dormant.” What the Roman poet Horace was saying was that when there is an obstacle in our way, our true colors will radiate. I could not agree more. When we as human beings feel passionate about achieving a goal, we may learn something new of ourselves, maybe a new trait that we did not know we possessed, when we reach new heights we did not know we could push ourselves towards. To rise after failing a thousand times and then winning, that is truly overcoming adversity and achieving greatness. Everyone faces some sort of adversity throughout their lifetime. Adversities or obstacles agreeably involve weighing one’s options and then deciding what to do. The decisions we make shape who we are. So consequently adversity plays a crucial role in developing a person’s character. In Richard Rodriguez’s Hunger of Memory, Rodriguez is left feeling socially disadvantaged from his inability to speak English. He also had Mexican immigrants as a child which coupled with all his other “disadvantages” led him to be studious. He became distant from his family and chose to become a student, looking towards teachers for role models. Without this disadvantage adversity, he wouldn’t have realized his true potential as a student and writer. Those who truly experience pain and misfortune and are willing to work to improve their life...
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...Perception of Media “Many choices reflect your hopes and not your fears”. Some will argue that we make choices based on the moment and in fear. I believe that if we want to be heard, you have to make choices that will leave a mark on you, but in the long run, you will reach your destination. Some of the greatest influences in the world had to go to extreme measure to get want they wanted. In author Sultana Yusufali “My body is my own business” readers should learn that when we perceive ourselves as independent and proud individuals, we make choices that impact other in a positive way. While perception is essential to making and overcoming choices, so is confronting the truth of our own fears. In Sultana’s “My body is my own business” she sees a hijab is nothing but a tiny piece of clothing that covers the face of a woman; it is also a way for Muslim women to respect and honor their tradition. It is, in her eyes, an accepted part of her culture. However, many people from the Western civilization may see it differently. Some believe that the hijab is forced among Muslim women and that they have no choice but to wear it. Others believe that the hijab is a way of Muslim men to hide Muslim women’s beauty. She strongly expresses her feeling on how the world sees her as an “Oppressed female” because of the choices she makes. Nowadays in the world, the hijab and multiple things are causing controversy in the media. The world makes the hijab seem like girls are forced to cover...
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...The group discussion was based on Chapter 14: Affective Factors. We all agreed about how and when stressful, unmotivated, and uncomfortable situations occur the process of obtaining information will be difficult. When applying the factors to ELL students we all tried to put ourselves in their shoes. In other words, trying to see how ELL students struggle with learning new materials in school and why. The causes for the affective factors are the schools system, relentless teachers, and overwhelming assignments given. The group was able to observe the issues through experiences, as a result questions popped up. There were questions like “How can educators like us help improve the affective factors?” or “What can we do to make sure the ELL students...
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...The definition of free will is; the power of making free choices that are unconstrained by external circumstances or by an agency such as fate or divine will. We use free will to form thoughts by allowing ourselves to completely let go of all external and internal influences to create a free will thought. Truth is defined as; “is what is so about something, the reality of the matter, or as distinguished from what people wish were so, believe to be so or assert to be so.”Ruggiero, 2009 in other words a statement proven to be or accepted as true. We use the truth to form ideas or thoughts but must then test that thought or theory for it to be a truth then we can add to that truth or validate that truth. The definition of knowledge is the facts, feelings or experiences known by a person or group of people. We use knowledge to form thoughts by using understanding gained through experiences, observations or from report from other people to form our thoughts. The word opinion is defined as; a belief or conclusion held with confidence but not substantiated by positive knowledge or proof. We use our opinions to form thoughts by one, expressing our likes and dislikes and by our personal judgments. There are three major hindrances to the critical thinking process and they are; mine is better habit, conformity and generalizations (stereotyping). One method to overcome some of these hindrances is to first examine your first thoughts or first impressions of an issue or...
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...superiors constantly complain about their jobs. Most of us complain about our pay cuts, loss of benefits, and our work conditions. I also hear about how much our job has changed, how benefits and work related rules that protect and alleviate our work conditions seem like a dream, a thing from the past. When I go to the supermarket, or even attend church I hear, my congregation complaining. It seems hard to get away from all of this negativity, and at times, trying to stay positive and non-reactive can feel almost impossible. Yes its bound to happen, we all encounter difficulties in our lives, most of them unexpectedly. I can affirm and confirm that most of us, during these difficult times will feel the need to complain, and allow ourselves to be part of this negative wave that can drive us to criticism as well as negative thinking and complaining. We often hear that famous proverb, “misery likes company.” Can this be true? Are we all compelled day-by-day to act and react?...
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...Breakthrough begins with You! Damon Walton Breakthrough begins with You! Introduction Your next breakthrough begins with you! This book is about effecting a radical change in your life. Is about getting out the rut of the day to day life to go to the next level. I was one of the millions of people who needed a change in one's life. This book about providing a radical change in every aspect of life one has from the professional to the personal. What prompted me to write this book was based on life experiences I had with breakthroughs. I like most people, have a life where it consist of barriers and breakthroughs. I will talk about the common barriers we all face and how to break through them to achieve success in our daily lives. Some of you are wondering how I can help you and why me. To answer your first question, is to read the book. Read the following chapters with an open mind and don't pass judgment. The answer to the second question is that I applied the same advice to my life. Am I a celebrity, famous author, or a self-help guru? No, I am not but I am an ordinary person who effected change in my life through some radical yet common-sense principles. I am not writing this book to become a millionaire or to be famous in my right but effect change in our daily lives. We tend to listen to those who share a common background. Hopefully, my message will resonate with those who are looking for a breakthrough in their daily lives. We all are yearning...
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