Wednesday, January 18, 2012

Words Are Powerful

We often hear folk say, "Talk is cheap."  In many ways, that is correct.  But, it tempts us to ignore the power of words.  Take a look at this example found on YouTube and you'll get another impression of the power of words. 

The more we think about what we say and how we say it the better off we all will be.

Monday, January 16, 2012

Who Do You Think You Are?

A question we must ask ourselves over and over again.  The reason is simple: we are constantly changing and growing.  What we used to think of ourselves is no longer appropriate in many areas. 

For example, when we were younger we used to play with our food.  Very seldom do you see adults in a restaurants playing with their food.  They have changed.  They no longer think of food as something to play with. 

We must take the time to reexamine ourselves on a regular basis to note and remember the changes that have become part of us.  Once we have a good handle on who we think we are, its a good idea to check with others that we know and trust to see if we have a handle on who we really are.

As we grow we will discover that certain things we used to believe are no longer as important as we used to think.  That applies to all our attitudes, beliefs and values.  That probably means that our behaviors will also be changing.  That is a very good thing.  What we used to think was funny doesn't seem nearly as funny today.  What we thought of as a great meal may no longer meet what we know we should be eating.  Things change. . .we change, and we have to keep track

The reason is simple: we are now empowered to say and do things that we were unable to do or say a short time ago.  We are also able to say things now that just a short time ago we wouldn't have said and had we tried, those around us wouldn't have paid any attention.

Thursday, January 12, 2012

To Assure Success

Since we are all different from each other, because we need one another it is imperative that we find a way to remain forever wrapped in our own skins but still able to accomplish great things together.  To do that you need to know as much about yourself and others as possible within your time constraints.  The greater the common experiences, including education, the greater the chances that we will be able to resolve the inevitable conflicts thus giving each other the best chance to achieve their goals.

Keep in mind that you are human and it will be impossible not to make premature judgements . . . just don't act on them.  Acquire more data (listen). Be certain you have done your best to understand the other person and then taking into consideration who they are, who they think they are, who you are and who you think you are, adapt your communication to the situation.  Useful questions which do not appear to be judgmental will be useful, such as: "By that did you mean. . .?" Following these simple ideas you should find that things should be much smoother.

Monday, January 09, 2012

Overall Goal

Since none of us want to waste time and money by not learning useful materials, consider this.  If you study, apply and ask questions, you should make rapid progress and improvement in your communication abilities.  Start now to follow this suggested plan:
1) study all materials on a daily basis,
2) review what you've studied and practice what you've learned,
3) when no opportunities present themselves to test what you've learned, create some,
4) understand the vocabulary being used in your reading materials as well as discussion,
5) ask for clarification when you're not certain you are on the right track.

If you follow this pattern on a regular basis, no money will be wasted and a grade higher than you expected will likely be earned.  Give it a shot.