The Pursuit of Happyness

I just finished watching a movie: The Pursuit of Happyness. The main actor is Will Smith. Anyhow, I found it to extremely sad, and eye-opening.

The entire movie revolved around a man and his son's journey through poverty and finding happiness (incorrect spelling addressed in the movie) in all things...

My movie review: I was expecting a movie that would be sad for 1/2 and happy for the second half. It didn't quite happen that way. It was sad for the majority. :(

One thing it did do... made me think of how thankful I am for the life that I was blessed with and the opportunities that I have. Although I know that I have a high education background (for goodness sakes, I am attending the most beautiful university with the best distance learning program in the country!) and I know a lot of connections in business, it definitely helped me suck it up and realize that I should take nothing for granted.

To think, I was bickering about another teacher taking my hanging files in my file cabinet earlier today. What an insignificant problem that I deal with... while others are struggling to provide for their children and live another day without an idea of where they will lay their head for the night.

Of course I had to do a little research on a site I used to use often at an internship I had in Santa Monica: http://www.imdb.com/ (you can find trivia on any movie/TV show):

- the homeless in the movie were actual homeless people, paid full day's wages and given meals for starring in the film
- Will Smith's son in the movie is his real son

:)

World Observation: Language Around Children

I was reading in my car the other day as I was sitting in front of this store (yeah, anything to get out of my apartment... those stories aside)...

and...

this woman, about 35-40 years old and her about 1 year old child in the stroller were waiting for someone as the woman was chatting on her phone. She began talking about this woman who had just left her house and called her to get directions to where she was going from there. Following the explanation, this grown woman says (in the presence of her child)... "She's so retarded! So mentally retarded!"

My thoughts: At what point can be start being good examples for young, impressionable children? I guess I'm an advocate for proper language around kids because they are picking up everything from us and we are examples to them.

Alright, I'm done with the vent session. Thanks.

Wiki Wacky

I had my first wiki tragedy. As I was attempting to add the information I saved in my word doc. (I knew I didn't want to lose the information), I went to save it and all hell broke loose. Something happened to all of my writing and it deleted huge portions of the paper that I was not even working on.

I wrote about this in the discussion board on wiki and mentioned that I reverted the wiki back to the last person before me who has saved the information, Brent, and had to go back and re-type my information. I tried to cut and paste into the wiki but there were some font issues and wiki doesn't have traditional font to choose from (from what I know).

Regardless, what I was prepared to add and what I thought would only take me about 10 minutes ended up taking close to an hour because of the wiki going wacky.
(I plan to add this to EDC 641's forum posting too).

Looks like technology isn't flawless, even when I do everything I thought was safer.

My Day of Rest

In an effort to break away from my computer (obviously not for 24 hours since I'm here blogging) and to prepare for the Mt. Whitney hike in 2 weeks, my fiance and I set out to do a little exploration. We wanted to go walk around Pasadena because we have never actually spent time there before. Neither of us are much of shoppers, but we enjoy walking around and people watching.

After we finished that adventure, we went for a hike in the mountains just past Pasadena. I'm not sure the name of it, but I believe we took the 213 Fwy. to the 2. Anyhow, we found a trailhead and ended up hiking about 5 miles. We've been running the sand dunes in Manhattan Beach and running a lot more recently to get ready for the 20+ miles hike coming up.

Today was so nice to get away and enjoy what being outside and being surrounded by what nature has to offer. What a great time. :)

Unrelated, Todd saw Freedom Writers! What a great movie. I encourage everyone to see it. Have a great weekend cadre. Go out and enjoy the sunshine.

Final Reflection on Leadership From the Inside Out

(p.179) I loved the idea of seeing you job as earning a living OR feeding a community. That parable was such a good example of how we should be viewing our efforts.

It reminded me of this commercial I saw on the Internet (CNN videos) about Tylenol. Each of the people that spoke were actual Tylenol employees and they expressed what they do. Rather than making a product for salary that will pay their bills, they expressed that their work "saves people's lives."

Another thought-provoking piece that was underlying within this book was the idea of showing your real self, becoming vulnerable, and being real with people. This greatly changes and strengthens you impact as a leader. You become personable, someone of respect, admirable, and someone people want to befriend. The book mentioned how Al Gore was uptight throughout his campaign and finally let himself breathe and be "real" after he lost the presidency. The author speculates whether or not he would have made a better candidate and would have had a better chance if he would have let himself be known by the people in a real way. Possibly.

The book was insightful and brought about a lot of "me thinking" which was much needed. Close to the end, I was beginning to get ancy and felt like repetition was starting to kick in. However, I hope that I can use some of this advice to strengthen myself as a leader and use this in assistance with my ARP in the upcoming months.

Leadership From the Inside Out - Book reflections #4

Interesting quote from the book:

(p.111) I don't care who you are or how great you are --no one person can totally claim the victory or totally abstain from the defeat.

In our lives, we are not the only ones the contribute to what happens. There is always a surrounding "team" that holds power and possesses insight into our actions. Haven't you ever seen the Oscars? I always find it humorous that the actors get up and thank everyone in the world (and outside of the world--thanking God is overrated. Glad they remember him them... probably not a second thought later on) ... but the truth is, although they are the only one seen on the camera and in the movie, there are hundreds of others that their success must be tied to.

(p.114) Ask people for their feedback on your views and how you are coming across.

Okay, as nice as this sounds, I find it almost impossible to do. People are afraid of hurting your feelings or losing their jobs. The only real way to do this that seems to work is confidential.

(p.122) ----authentic listening... tough concept! Have you ever been able to just listen to someone without getting thoughts in your head about what you plan to say next?

I was talking to Dervin last night on Skype and we kept interrupting each other, trying to get a word in edgewise. Is it because we are so horrible at authentic listening? Is it fair enough to say that we are trying to help contribute, or that we are selfish to want OUR voices to be heard and praised?

(p.124) --apprecite authenticity. Often, I feel like there isn't enough to appreciate. Rarely in the workplace do I hear teachers, administration, or even students contributing to appreciating others... like really, truly admiring someone's efforts. I have set a goal to encourage and acknowledge and express to others my appreciation at school this year. REMIND ME of this if anyone in fact reads my lengthy blogs. ;)

Okay... this whole idea of "Being Mastery" is so weird. I know it's good to be comfortable and control yourself... but yikes! How difficult is it just to "be" without outside distractions.

I have never meditated, although I did try the breathing exercise in this chapter... not that I felt the serenity I was supposed to... but I guess I was focused on it and expecting it too.

Finally... page 143 talks about Reverence for Nature. Here is where I really connected. I love being outside. I love everything about nature and what is has to offer our souls. My fiance says (I joke with him about this... as we are both Christian), when we go to the mountains, he feels like God lives there. I have since started to view mountains in that same, serene light. I love hikes (although, ask me if I'm ready to hike 26 miles at Mt. Whitney in a couple week... uhhhhh) and all things nature. It really frees me when I am outside of my concrete walls.

On that note... I had to add another favorite of mine (that I am fairly new to, growing up in So. Cal... Skiiing---this one is in Steamboat Springs, CO. I am going back in two weeks!)

Leadership From the Inside Out - Book reflections #3

I hope I am not alone in saying this... but as Bill wants us to blog at least 2 x's /week, I find it hard to do since we have SO much else to be doing, replying to, reading...etc. Blogging has no structure or due date, making it even more challenging.

I am choosing to blog about my readings because I am very much a visual learner. Typing my random notes from the reading is helping me add meaning to what I read. So, if it helps you too, awesome! Here are my thoughts this time around:

(p.85) Life is everchanging-- it is our job to master our ability to adapt to change.

If I said I liked change, I'd be lying. Everyone likes to be informed of every little change but hates it regardless because it's an added stress on our already important and busy lives. This book is certainly helping me realize that the key to leadership (and self) success is being able to roll with the punches... something I have always struggled with ---well, I am good at it on vacation or on the weekend... but in the presence of stress... suck at it!

(p.88) Like a wise student, we can gain insight only if we are open to it.

I just think of how often I am stuck in a rut and want nothing more than to sulk in my situation until I finally cut the pride and submit to listening to others for assistance. It really does take me some time of being on my own and struggling to open up to the insight of others. Tonya (GA) from VirtCamp told me multiple times ---this was such an eye opener to me!-- that I need to consult my classmates for help rather than getting frustrated and doing it alone. At times, she even said it sternly as if she were trying to express, "Cut the crap, Brandy!" For some reason, I feel as though I am bothering people or being a helpless person when I submit to the insight of others. I don't want others to view me as weak and I don't want to lose my pride. I am learning it... the hard way, but I making a real effort to pushing the envelope on this one.

*A few times throughout reading this book it has reminded me of a book my fiance was reading throughout his MBA program about Toyota and their key to success. I believe the book is called Lean or something of that nature. Anyhow, it explained how Toyota is a growing success and far surpasses the other car manufacturing companies in their business practice. Toyota has a mission to treat ALL of their employees as if they are shareholders and leaders. Even down to the production line, Toyota is constantly consulting the very people who work the nitty-gritty of their product and every single employee to gain feedback on how their exact area of work can be improved to be more productive. Rather than hiring bigshots who aren't working in that area, all employee opinions on change are valued and changes are made according to the employee feedback. It has been their business plan and it has worked tremendously.

A quote from the book worked with this idea: (p.97) We need to invest millions of dollars in people development and keep with it even if we experience a few bumps in the road...the courage to reengineer the total organization (human and systemic) comes form the belief that people really are the capital that drives performance.

Now, I think, how can I use this at school? I already consult my students for help, their thoughts, their buy-in, their interests, their beliefs, their wants... often. But am I doing enough? Am I really making their experience an optimal experience for their growth?

(p.97) All significant changes begin with self change.

And how hard it is to change yourself rather than changes situations around you or situations that aren't working. This one's a toughy.

(p.102) Imagine your life totally free of fear... How would you live? ...How would you lead?

I see it going two ways:

I would be encouraged to try everything, not concerned about failure (which is a fear of myself and many) and I would have many great successes because I tried. Some failures, but they would be opportunities to learn from.

I can also see having no fear... leading to being careless. Going for it even though it wasn't thought out, fully complete, etc.

Leadership From the Inside Out - Book reflections #2

I have to admit, I wasn't pumped about reading this book. I thought, "oh great... leadership. In what ways is this book going to try and make me change?"

But after seeing Todd's postings, I began to get a better sense how to approach this reading. It's another way to see things that normally I possess. Needless to say, it's getting better.

I found this section of the book, Purpose Mastery, to be enlightening. Here are my thoughts:

The question "WHY?" -- quite possibly the hardest word to answer. We don't always have a clear reason for why we do things, but we should. (p.63)

(p.66) Nothing happens without a purpose. --It's true! The book outlines many examples of purposeful occurrences and it's just interesting thing that nothing occurs for no reason. This also sheds some light on the things we do wrong. Why did we choose to make mistakes?

(p.67) Why does a leader see possibilities while another sees only problems?

I believe a leader is constantly looking forward for the good of everyone. Rather than being caught up with the present, leaders view "it" as one big journey with hills and plains, not concentrating on any one point but viewing it as one entity.

(p.72) The more profound the purpose, the greater the energy. Purpose also frees us. Purpose opens up possibilities.

With a strong purpose, we are more likely to work hard in achieving it. We stand up for the purpose and except nothing less than success.

I loved this quote:
When you love the purpose of what you do, the rest flows!

What I loved most about that quote were the explanations that followed it. A few people were described in the book (the baker, the insurance/preacher) and both needed to find a real purpose for their work/lives. Once they found the real purpose, their abilities and attitudes soared, causing their work to flourish based on the change of their purposeful attitude.

(p.76) When we are certain of our meaning and purpose, it is very difficult to keep us from achieving our objectives.

How true is this! It is in line with the same principal that "If you want something bad enough, nothing will stop you" -- it means that purpose-driven people strive for completion and excellence.

(This entire section reminded me of The Purpose Driven Life too... in some areas)

(p.78 #3) When helping others find purpose, it is important that we not expect that what worked for us will work for them. Just like the differences of every human being, we have different purposes for our efforts. We must not lose sight of helping someone explore their options rather than trying to give them an answer of what to claim as their purpose.

Finally... the best quote of the chapter:

(p.82) The truest test of your character as a leader is the manner in which you deal with failure.

Some leaders seem strong and purposeful until an unexpected loss hits them. The leader you once valued and admired can be seen as just another person, lacking leadership qualities where they need it most.

I know that I struggle with this quote. I seem energized and positive until something starts to go array and I just want it to be handed off to someone else. Not always, but many times has this occurred in my own life. I worked on answering the questions in this section and it helped me to find the purposes for what I do in my life.

Leadership From the Inside Out - Book reflections #1

Currently I am reading a book (listed in the title) for my ARP class. I understand that this book is a foundation for what we are to be-- leaders, in designing, shaping, and developing our ARP's.

Here are my reflections as I go:

(p.23) "All significant growth and development begins with self leadership, mastery of oneself."

It is true to thought in saying that leadership starts from within and all great leaders in our world have first become leaders of oneself first. This reminds me of being on an airplane --hear me out. When the flight attendants are explaining the procedures for placing the oxygen masks on your face, they advise that each person place their own mask on first and then work on helping others. Once you are situated, and developed as a leader, you are then ready to train others. You have the play-by-play rules ready to go... because you've used them on yourself.

(p.36) "What we believe, we become."

I think this is going on my whiteboard this year. Maybe very large for the first week of school. Just in the same way humans have this (sad) way of being able to create our own memories, even of things that never occurred, we can believe in making success happen, and we are more likely to pass the finished line. Especially starting something new, many students of any age are fearful of beginnings. This is quite a motivating little quote.

**reoccurring in this book: "As we believe, so shall we lead."

My thoughts: I simply see this quote as a motivation to motivate. If there is something we are passionate about (or passionate against), we are so much more likely to speak up and let our voice be heard--become a leader.

In talking about Conscious beliefs on p.36, there are some questions to which I choose to answer here:

What do you believe about yourself?

I believe that I work hard and often have difficulties taking compliments. I believe that I am self-motivated but become encouraged by others when they are motivated. I believe that I am not strong in certain areas but excel in others. I believe that I have difficulty being wrong and listening to others for advice.

What do you believe about other people?

I believe other people can be judgemental. I believe that other people can be supportive, even when I don't want the support (but usually do, just have too much pride to admit it). I believe others are much more compassionate than I often think they are when I make mistakes. I believe that I have a lot to learn from others.

What do you believe about life?

I believe life is a constantly changing process of which humans are required to adapt. I believe that life is short, life is what you make it, and life is not the same for everyone. I believe that life on earth ends and eternity begins.

What do you believe about leadership?

I believe that leadership is an unnecessarily scary word. I believe everyone is involved in leadership in at least one area of their lives. I believe leadership is different than management and leadership is a mindset, not necessarily activated with a "title."

(p.38) "...He had this nagging anxiety ---can I continue to top my past achievements?"

Don't we all think this way? I think oftentimes, we choose not to "go for the gold" and really make the very best we can, in fear that we won't be able to come back around with that same feeling of accomplishment.

Thinking even further, if for example, Coca Cola were to have 10 ideas of new products ready to launch in September, would it be a smart business move if they revealed all of their new and innovative ideas all at once? No one idea would get very much attention... instead they space out their successes.

(p.44) "Our external shell can be either rigid and thick, preventing new possibilities to enter or to arise, or it can be permeable, thin and flexible, allowing learning and expression of potentialities."

I know that I am guilty of putting up my guard and having this nice rigid shell that makes me look like I can handle the world and then some. Well, truth is, not a person in the world is that strong. It's funny how that's still how we defend ourselves... when we are all human and built of the same structure and internal feelings.

(p.47) "Managers control by virtue of their doing. Leaders lead by virtue of their being."

What a powerful quote! Managers have to take action while leaders are leaders by just setting an example. Come to think of it, leaders are those people that exude confidence, but are not boastful or pushy. Leaders are often experts but do not advertise their expertise.

(p.50) Under sufficient stress, all old patterns return."

It's so true! Even when we try to change ourselves because there is a quality that is not to our liking, we still see that evil trait come back when the right amount of stress enters our lives. For example, I can often lash out at people when I feel like I am being attacked (insecurity). My fiance was helping me design these wedding hotel suggestion cards and I lashed out at him for checking over what I asked him to check. What I asked was, "check these over and see what you think"... but what I really wanted to hear was "Good job" --- not the corrections that he added. Now, the corrections were certainly worthwhile and not at all said in a rude manner. I just put up a guard when I felt I was being attacked even though I have been trying to make an effort to change that. Of course it is suppressed when stress is lacking... but when stress is present, the same darn reaction rears its ugly head...

more to come...

Blackboard Forum Posting

WOW. Posting on the Blackboard is enlightening and... exhausting. It really is like having 100 conversations all at one time. You forget what other people were commenting to (you read it 3 days ago and they are just replying now) and can be lost easily without being perfect in expressing without ambiguity.

I didn't check BB for 1.5 days and I had about 75+ postings to read. I have a feeling that is how the rest of my year is going to go.

Don't get me wrong. The comments are thought provoking. I simply cannot comment on each one though.

Other than that, life's great. :) Still lovin' it!