Please leave two responses per chapter in place of today's discussion. I've left some examples.
Thanks
Here are the chapters --
Ch 7: Do You Feel Lucky
Ch 8: Somebody Help Me
Ch 9: Is it Too Late
And if you need a little pick-me-up, watch this video --
I like this comment from Ch. 7 - They’ve mastered a combination of attitudes and behavior that lead them to opportunities and that give them the confidence to take them.
ReplyDeleteI think having a positive attitude is important. And I don't say that because I'm a diehard optimist. I say that because - as you'll see in a video we'll watch tomorrow - you get more of what you focus on. When you focus on something negative, you tend to only see the negative things that happen. However, if you focus on thinking positively, I believe you tend to see the potential in things.
This is true of teachers. My daughter - in her former school - had a ton of teachers who just saw kids as trouble or - worse - didn't like kids at all. What sense does that make? But I've bet you've all had instances where a teacher (or authority figure) didn't look for the positive or potential in you. Instead they just looked for the trouble you could cause or your negative potential.
Why go through life like that? I recall listening to a podcast with a man who spent the day driving around NYC in with Donald Trump. The man talked of how he saw just buildings, many of which were run down. But Donald Trump just saw dollar signs and potential to renovate and remodel. "Do you know how much money I could make on turning that slummy apartment complex around?" he often said.
He saw the potential in things. He saw what they could become with the right approach. I think that's vital.
Just look at the experiment that was done with the restaurant and the five pound note. Totally proves the point.
We need someone who can see something in us that we can’t see ourselves.
ReplyDeleteThis comment, from Ch 8, ties in to what I was talking about in my previous comment about looking for the positive in someone rather than the negative.
The best thing a teacher or role model can do - if you ask me - is look to see a student's potential. That is to see something inside of them that is worthy and important - even if they neither see it nor believe it - and then push them or give them the proper context (full of support and free time to experiment and mess up) for them to discover what it is that the teacher/role model sees. Then allow them to really go after it and flourish.
When I think back to some of the people who have impacted my life, they all have done this is some form for me. And they've totally changed my life ever since.
In ch 9, I especially like his idea of "keeping it plastic," which, I believe, is a nod to neural plasticity (which is a scientific term that relates to how the brain literally changes shape depending on how you think. I know it sounds crazy, but Don Tapscott did some research and found that cab drivers' brains are shaped differently because of all the memorization of places that they have to do).
ReplyDeleteI think this fits very well with the other two chapters. First, if you have a positive attitude, I believe, you tend to look for potential in the world around you. When you do this, you tend to think of how to modify, revise, or improve things. Or at least you are more inspired to contribute to things. When you are positive, people WANT you to contribute more (don't believe me. Think of the most pessimistic or depressing person you know. How much fun is it when they walk into a room?). I believe this makes one more prone to thinking and changing your mind. In other words, it allows you to be more flexible and 'plastic.' That helps to always keep you thinking and growing, to be, in another popular term, a life-long learner.
It also fits in with the concept of a mentor, because if your mentor is one who is positive and is always thinking and exploring, you will be influence by that and be inspired to do the same. This will keep your mind on its toes, okay, that's a horrible metaphor, but that's vital. Do you think the guy who rode around with the Donald will ever see things the same? Or look at the world the same? That's the point. To pick up little bits of knowledge or perspectives from others (as I do from you guys all the same. I mean now I spend more time than ever scouring youtube for creative and inspiring videos) that build on and expand your own.
What I got out of chapter 7 was that a positive attitude is everything. You have to make the most out of every situation, no matter how depressing or discouraging it is. If we have a positive attitude and we are lucky enough to get that big opportunity, we have to make the most of it.
ReplyDeleteEveryone has hidden potential, but it takes a trained eye to see it. Robinson knows first hand how nice a chance really is. Like he said, "Charles Strafford was a window into another world." If everyone was given an opportunity to explore that "other world", maybe we could all find our Element. (chapter 8)
ReplyDeleteChapter 7 First Response: Chapter 7 talks about how your attitude can change your luck or "make" your luck as Robinson describes it. Robinson thinks that having a positive attitude will change your luck, or at least seem to. Lucky people can attribute some of their "luck" to having a great attitude in life and maximizing their chance opportunities. Having this great attitude can seem to improve your luck and helps you live a happier life.
ReplyDeleteChapter 7 Second Response: I definitely agree with what is talked about in chapter 7. Sometimes, the only thing that is different from a good or bad day for me is my attitude in the morning. Having a positive attitude in the morning seems to make me a lot luckier during the day. I only focus on the good things during the day and don't let the bad things get me down. And just like the coffee shop example, having a great attitude (Luck) can help make the rest of your day.
I also agree that chapter 9 fits well with chapter 7 and 8. Being "plastic" is like a metaphor for the messages in chapter 7 and 8. To be plastic means to be malleable, or susceptible to change. If we have a positive outlook on life we are open to change for the better, and being open will allow us to see opportunity in situations, like finding that diamond in the rough. Also, our individual plasticity determines our capacity to grow as learners.
ReplyDeleteChapter 8 First Response: While everyone is talented in some form, often times we do not recognize our potential. This is what our mentors are for, recognizing our potential and pushing us to work hard. Our mentors often help out, or turn up, just in our time of need and help us find our Element. Mentors are very important in our lives, and are one of the crucial parts needed for us to find our Element.
ReplyDeleteChapter 8 Second Response: In chapter 8 it also talks about how being a mentor is important. It is very important to have a mentor, but it can be just as important to be a mentor. We may even find our own Element through mentoring someone else. Without the help of mentors, many people won't find their Element. That is why it is important to have a mentor, and also to be one.
Chapter 7
ReplyDeleteResponse #1: I found the story of John Wilson very inspirational. It was really neat how Robinson states, "He lost his sight and found a vision," and that's exactly what he did. He didn't consider himself to be cursed or let his blindness hold him back, but instead did everything he could to help prevent this happening to others. This gives off a very powerful message, "It's not what happens to us that determine our lives- it's what we make of what happens." In other words, if a tragedy takes place in one of our lives never give up, let it hold you back, or change your positive attitude, because it may open a whole new set of opportunities, like Wilson experienced.
Response #2: I agree with Robinson when he talks about the importance of positive attitudes and also how it has the ability to affect how lucky a person is. For instance, if someone is always negative, it’ll be harder to notice the good in situations. If we do keep a positive mind set, we also have a better chance of becoming lucky because were more open to letting better things happen to us. I think this also results in a person looking at situations in different way. This is also important because if we do keep our focus too tight, we could be missing out on some opportunities. What Robinson means by this is to not always go exactly by the rules but rather reach out a little, and keep an open eye to new opportunities.
Chap 9 Response 1: Is it ever too late to find your passion? Robinson thinks that for most people, it is never too late to find your passion. There are many people who found their passion in life, and are very successful. Many of the declines we see with age, only occur because our lifestyle. Not eating healthy, not exercising our bodies, and not exercising our minds. Growing old doesn't have to be a long horrible decay, it can be fun (or as fun as you make it). I think this is true for all those elder folks out there (including my grandparents)! When they are more active and out in the community, they feel better and have more fun.
ReplyDeleteChapter 9 Response 2: I though the story about the school in Oklahoma was crazy. When they put the classroom in the middle of a living center, some amazing things happened. The children there are reading at an accelerated level because of the residents helping out. They are also learning some important life (history) lessons from the residents. But the most amazing part is what happened with the residents. The residents are cutting back on the amount of medications they are using and even living longer. Now that they have something to look forward to every day, they are having more fun and feeling better. (I thought of Joe Paterno immediately, because as soon as he lost his love of football, he died months later.)
Chapter 8
ReplyDeleteResponse #1 I believe it to be true that mentors can have such a positive impact on a person’s life, and also can help a person understand and reach their full potential. Like Robinson states, mentors are people who “see something in us that we don’t see in ourselves.” This can be so beneficial in finding our element because it’s taking another person’s perspective of what that person does well in and enjoys doing, and this will help to guide them in the right direction. They can also open a person’s eyes to new possibilities, and help them reach a higher confidence level from all of their encouragement and hope they have.
Response #2 Not only is it rewarding to have a mentor to help a person raise their self-esteem and understand their sense of purpose, but it can also be a very fulfilling role to be a person’s mentor. There the type of people that are seen as a positive example and role model, and the person they are mentoring for has such a strong trust in them to let their thoughts and beliefs have in influence on their lives. They have a lot to feel good about for all the help that they’ve done.
Chapter 7
ReplyDeleteResponse 1 -- In Chapter 7 I found something that I really liked! Robinson writes, "Getting there depends fundamentally on our view of ourselves and the event in out lives. The element is also a matter of attitude." I really liked this because I am all about having a positive attitude each and every day. I agree with Robinson completely. Having a positive attitude is a huge key to finding you element(passion) and being happy with yourself. Like Robinson writes in his book, making everything positive in every situation will bring you the best fulfillment!
Response 2 -- Another thing that I really liked about Chapter 7 is that it explains what "lucky" really means. Robinson shows examples of people who are in their element, however they plain they're not lucky, and vise-versa. However Robinson states that it isn't a case of being "lucky" or "unlucky", Robinson states, "What makes the difference is our attitude toward the things that happen in our life." I again completely agree here with Robinson. One can't really place luck on finding your passion. Sure, things such as the lottery and gambling are luck. But can you really compare your passion and winning the lottery? I think not. Have a good attitude and things will be bond to come your way.
Chapter 8
ReplyDeleteResponse 1 -- Throughout Chapter 8 I often found myself thinking about group projects. I made the connection here that this chapter is comparable to doing group projects. Robinson's story of Polio and growing up through the complications really makes me think. Anyone now days would be considered to at a downfall of any other kids if they were sent to a "special" school. However, he shows that by the help of the people around him he made it the best possible thing that he could and made a great outcome of it. When I was talking about group projects I mean to say that many of us think, ahh crap I'm going to get stuck with someone and I'll have to do all of the work. However, I feel that we should look at it in a way that Robinson looked at it. Trying to make the best out of what you thought was a disadvantage, could possibly turn into your advantage. Just being positive, and getting the help from the people around you can do amazing things.
Response 2 -- Also in Chapter 8 I like the concept of mentoring. Robinson talks a lot about what a mentor is and how it is different than a hero. I completely agree with him. Being a mentor is something that will inspirationally affect a person. Where as a hero could do something of the complete opposite. I think being a mentor is a great thing, and if you have the chance to make a change, do it!
Chapter 8
ReplyDeleteResponse #1 I believe it to be true that mentors can have such a positive impact on a person’s life, and also can help a person understand and reach their full potential. Like Robinson states, mentors are people who “see something in us that we don’t see in ourselves.” This can be so beneficial in finding our element because it’s taking another person’s perspective of what that person does well in and enjoys doing, and this will help to guide them in the right direction. They can also open a person’s eyes to new possibilities, and help them reach a higher confidence level from all of their encouragement and hope they have.
Response #2 Not only is it rewarding to have a mentor to help a person raise their self-esteem and understand their sense of purpose, but it can also be a very fulfilling role to be a person’s mentor. There the type of people that are seen as a positive example and role model, and the person they are mentoring for has such a strong trust in them to let their thoughts and beliefs have in influence on their lives. They have a lot to feel good about for all the help that they’ve done for someone!
Chapter 9
ReplyDeleteResponse #1 Robinson uses many successful stories to help us realize that it’s never too late to find our passion. Some people may think it’s “too much work” or their already “in too far,” but really there is no rush, because it’s more important to find happiness rather than sticking to something that a person doesn’t enjoy. This doesn’t just pertain to one’s element, but it can also be a dream they have or something that they’re passionate about and wanting to achieve. It’s never too late. Robinson explains that if you don’t feel quite accomplished or you think that something is missing, then get out and do what you’ve always dreamed of doing. Age can only hold you back to a certain extent.
Response #2 I also thought it was true about the importance of living healthy and excersising your mind and body. It’s very interesting that 70% of aging is not real aging, it’s decay. The many lifestyle diseases that people face are examples of decay, and in some situations, it’s from bad decisions that we make. Robinson also explains that are attitudes impact on our aging as well. We need to keep our minds young, and to do this, we need to keep a positive attitude and find happiness. “Laughter does have a huge impact on aging,” Robinson states.
Chapter 9
ReplyDeleteResponse 1 -- Just the title of this chapter really caught my attention. The big all mighty question of, 'Is it to late?' Robinson gives a great story of the elderly woman who found her element in her seventies. Her story just goes to show that it is never to late to take action and make a change! Theres always time to find your passion!
Response 2 -- The subtitle 'There's Time' really caught my attention. It made me realize that no matter what, where, or when, there is always time. When one takes a break from their routine, they will allow themselves to make time. Robinson writes, "We can take ourselves in fresh directions at nearly any point in our lives." This is so true and I think that we all need to slow down and realize this. In the century we are all in such a hurry, and need everything NOW! However, life would have so much more meaning if we could just slow down and cherish all that life had to offer!
#1 Ch. 7 says that having a passion for something and being good at it are essential to finding your element, but our attitude, or how we view oursleves and th events in our lives is just as important to get there. Just like John Wilson, when tragedy hit, he kept a positive attitude and went on to become successful. Most people don't go through stuff like that everyday, hopefully not anyways, but if he can stay positive through that, then the little things that drive our negativity everyday should be able to be overlooked as well.
ReplyDelete#2 I agree with "it's not what happens to us that determines our lives---it's what we make of what happens." I think if people always took the time to be thankful for evrything they have instead of looking at what they don't they'd be much better off; counting your blessings is a great way to maintain a postive attitude.
Chapter 7 Responses:
ReplyDelete#1 pg. 159 "There is a risk in giving examples of people who have found their element. Their stories can be inspiring, of course, but they can also be depressing." I agree with this statement. I haven't found my element yet and I don't know what I'll do with my life. Yes, I have a lot of time to think about it but reading all of these stories makes me wonder what I will be doing.
#2 This chapter focuses on how your attitude affects whether, in a lot of cases, whether you're lucky or not. Typically when you have a good attitude you're lucky because you look at the situations that you are in the right way. I think that attitude towards anything can make you lucky. Everyone likes a good attitude and that could open doors to make you become more lucky.
Chapter 8 responses:
#1 Pg. 174 "Finding our Element often requires the aid and guidance of others." I totally agree with this statement. Mentors are a great thing. I think that a lot of times other people see more in us than we do in ourselves because it is hard to see things in ourselves. Other people could almost know us more than we know ourselves and can push us to do some great things by mentoring us and being our role model.
#2 I like how this chapter talks about the personal heroes we have and the heroes we've never met. This is so true. We all have someone who we look up to that we know and talk to everyday and we all have someone who we just look up to but don't really know what they're like in real life.
Chapter 9 Responses:
#1 The story about Sussan Jeffers at first reminded me of my mom. She went back to college that she never had finished when all of her kids were in school and now has just finished her masters. Sussan obviously did a lot more than my mom but they both had the same ambition to go back to school so they could get a job that they wanted. My mom didn't care how old she was, she just wanted to be happy and being a teacher makes her happy and have a more ful-filled life by teaching 2nd graders.
#2 I agree that we have to keep learning at every stage of our lives. It's what keeps people young. For example, if older people keep up with what's going on with technology they will have a better understanding about what's going on with the world. Not only that but learning, if you're doing it the right way and are fully engaged, is fun! It's something new and interesting and spices up everyone's lives.
Ch. 7
ReplyDelete1)Chapter seven was shorter than it's fellow chapters, but it was far more interesting due to the author telling a personal story right in the middle. I feel like we got to know him along the way and now we're able to sympathize with his life tragedies. I find it important that his attitude about catching polio was more positive than negative, which allowed Robinson to see the relevance of such an event. I believe he's trying to make a point of having the right attitude can bring you closer to the things you want/need.
2)Robinson talks about how in chapter 3 it was all about creativity and how you need to push yourself towards your goals. I didn't connect too well with Vidal Sassoon passion; however, I did connect with how he viewed his work. Like a masterpiece constructed from his own mind that he knew would revolutionize the world of hair. Cake, a famous alternative band, describes the actions of Sassoon, "He's going the distance!"
Ch. 8
1)Well, for one thing, I hadn't realized life as a schoolboy must have been super tough back then, and may still be now. It's incredible that, thanks to a few people and an IQ test, Robinson, and many other children's, lives were drastically changed. Although Robinson was the only one to pass, it set off a domino effect of good fortune: self-confidence, a sense of pride naturally, and a scholarship. What events trigger a change in our existence I wonder, and do we even notice them?
2)Along with "recognition", "encouragement", "facilitating", and "stretching", a mentors role should definitely be advocating. Someone to whom you can rely on and fall back on when things don't always go your way. I think we all have or had someone like that, whether our parents, siblings, or best friends. Our mentor should support us and help us on the right path. I agree with Robinson when he says 'mentors remain with us...then move on." They may move on, but their teachings tay with us and help us blossom into these powerful, confident beings.
Ch. 9
1)I think everyone on this entire planet, from birth until death, can relate 100% to Susan in chapter nine. Her world was a roller coaster of bad experiences to good ones. She had fears and was able to confront them, and, in the process, helped others to face or understand their fears. Something else about her was that she never gave up even when put down on so badly by a stream of rejection letters for her book. I find Susan admirable and determined, something we all have in us, but something that takes time to peep it's way out.
2)I'm not too sure about Robinson's idea that we can always go back and make things better. Sure, we can look back and make possibly make corrections, but in reality most of the world just heaps a big sigh and says "what if?" His quote from page 194 says, "If we missed something the first time, we can't double back and take another look because it takes all of our effort just to keep up with traffic." This, he disagree's with, but the metaphor for life is evident here. I know how I live, which is fast-paced, piled high with work, homework, projects, a social life, a relationship, and wide varieties of challenges projected onto my life, like the lives of most of the people in my school. We don't really have time to go back and change things; in school, and life, we don't get many do-overs.
Chapter 7:
ReplyDelete1 - I found John Wilson's story very interesting because it took a tragic event from him to find his element. After losing his sight, Wilson still didn't lose his positive attitude. Instead, he took advantage of the situation to help others appreciate and keep their eyesight.
2 - I didn't agree with Robinson's views on luck. He tries to convince us that keeping a positive attitude, and believing that you're lucky, will lead to lucky events to happen to you. I think the only reason it seems this was is because when you're being positive, you'll notice more of the lucky things that happen, and overlook anything unlucky.
Chapter 8:
1 - I agree with Robinson when he stressed the importance of having a mentor. I think it's important to always have someone to motivate you, to believe in you, and to be there to answer any questions you may have. Without someone like this, it's easy to give up.
2 - I think every role that Robinsons mentions for mentors are very important. Recognition is important because it's disappointing to put a lot of work into something and have no one notice. Encouragement is also essential so you don't lose your motivation. Facilitating is also important because everyone is bound to have questions at some point. Finally, stretching is essential so we don't miss out on being the best we can be.
Chapter 9:
1 - I thought it was interesting that Robinson pointed out how our age doesn't mean the same thing as it used to. Our life expectancies have grown greatly, and most of us are still healthy at even the age of 60. This proves that we all still have plenty of time left to find our elements.
2 - I agree that it's important that we keep learning though out our whole lives. Just because we're out of high school or college, doesn't mean we know everything we need to know. Even once we have a solid job, we should continue to learn. If we don't, we could miss out on a huge opportunity to find our element!
Chapter 7:
ReplyDeleteFirst and foremost I found this chapter to be all about keeping a positive attitude. I believe that if you don't have a positive attitude when trying new things you will never know if you'll love it or not. If you come in with a negative attitude your mind will play tricks on you, so you'll think to yourself you won't like it, but if you keep an open mind, who knows you may love it.
Secondly I find Wilson's story to be a great example of having a positive attitude. He went through so many tragic experiences as a child, but still those experiences made him stronger and he ended up being very respectful because of it. He could have given up and told himself that he'll never amount to anything because of all of the tragedies that have occurred in his life. This didn't occur though. Wilson kept an open mind and had a positive attitude, and because of that he found his element and became very successful.
Chapter 8:
When Robinson states in chapter 8 the importance of having a mentor is key to your element. I agree with him one hundred percent. You need to have people motivating you to succeed to your full potential. If you don't have people motivating you, you'll never reach your full potential and or may ever even find your element.
I also believe that if adults don't pursue the role of a mentor, their pupils will never reach success. The mentors will be key to developing the student into a well rounded individual that will have the tools to help find their element.
Chapter 9:
I agree completely when Robinson says age isn't relevant. You can change your passion at any time during your life to suite your interests. Also the fact that you can discover your passion at any time during life. I mean a person can go their whole life doing something that they aren't passionate about and when they retire, that is the time they truly find their passion. Age is just a number, it shouldn't matter when you find your element as long as you find it eventually.
I believe it is also important to keep learning as you grow up. If you quit learning from mistakes life would be meaningless. Even my elders learn from me everyday. You must keep learning new ideas when you become older in order to stay in balance and to fully learn from life.