Abide in the simple and noble regions of thy life, obey thy heart. – Ralph Waldo Emerson
Write down your top three dreams. Now write down what’s holding you back from them.
My response:
Dreams . . .
1. Complete my dissertation
2. Become an educational consultant
3. Obtain my law degree with a specialization in education
Obstacles . . .
1. Time and energy - I cannot seem to get into my groove for writing.
2. Concern over security and stability of work to support my family
3. Time, money, need to complete dissertation first, and loss of contact with my family who have already sacrificed so much
Friday, June 17, 2011
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Invent the Future - Ralph Waldo Emerson
A man should learn to detect and watch that gleam of light which flashes across his mind from within, more than the lustre of the firmament of bards and sages. Yet he dismisses without notice his thought, because it is his. – Ralph Waldo Emerson
My favorite quote of all time is Alan Kay: ‘In order to predict the future, you have to invent it.’ I am all about inventing the future. Decide what you want the future to be and make it happen. Because you can. Write about your future now.
My response:
This is my favorite quote, too! I have always believed that education would be my key to getting everything I wanted, and wanted to be, in life. So far, it has proven true. I have become a superintendent of schools by the age of 34, and I hope I will be a doctor of education by the age of 36. I have a great wife, family, and life, and I believe it is because I work for it.
I think this quote reminds us that Fate often needs a helping hand, and we need to be prepare to build the path to our future. I think we should never just let IT happen; rather I believe we should work to help make it happen. I love being a part of my future (as strange as that may sound), but it is the truth. I am who I am and where I am because of the work I have done.
A job well done . . . so far.
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
One Thing - Ralph Waldo Emerson (Tuesday's post)
Do your work, and I shall know you. Do your work, and you shall reinforce yourself. – Ralph Waldo Emerson
Take a moment, step back from your concerns, and focus on one thing: You have one life to achieve everything you’ve ever wanted. Sounds simple, but when you really focus on it, let it seep into your consciousness, you realize you only have about 100 years to get every single thing you’ve ever wanted to do. No second chances. This is your only shot. Suddenly, this means you should have started yesterday. No more waiting for permission or resources to start. Today is the day you make the rest of your life happen. Write down one thing you’ve always wanted to do and how you will achieve that goal. Don’t be afraid to be very specific in how you’ll achieve it: once you start achieving, your goals will get bigger and your capability to meet them will grow.
My response:
I have always wanted to go to Norway. My wife and I have talked about it, and we are saving money for the many family vacations yet to come. Further, we have a list of places to see if the next several years.
Take a moment, step back from your concerns, and focus on one thing: You have one life to achieve everything you’ve ever wanted. Sounds simple, but when you really focus on it, let it seep into your consciousness, you realize you only have about 100 years to get every single thing you’ve ever wanted to do. No second chances. This is your only shot. Suddenly, this means you should have started yesterday. No more waiting for permission or resources to start. Today is the day you make the rest of your life happen. Write down one thing you’ve always wanted to do and how you will achieve that goal. Don’t be afraid to be very specific in how you’ll achieve it: once you start achieving, your goals will get bigger and your capability to meet them will grow.
My response:
I have always wanted to go to Norway. My wife and I have talked about it, and we are saving money for the many family vacations yet to come. Further, we have a list of places to see if the next several years.
Alternative Paths - Ralph Waldo Emerson (Monday's post)
When good is near you, when you have life in yourself, it is not by any known or accustomed way; you shall not discern the foot-prints of any other; you shall not see the face of man; you shall not hear any name; the way, the thought, the good, shall be wholly strange and new. - Ralph Waldo Emerson
The world buzzes about goals and visions. Focus. Create a vivid picture of exactly where you want to go. Dream big, then don’t let anything or anyone stop you. The problem, as Daniel Gilbert wrote in Stumbling Upon Happiness, is that we’re horrible at forecasting how we’ll really feel 10 or 20 years from now – once we’ve gotten what we dreamed of. Often, we get there only to say, “That’s not what I thought it would be,” and ask, “What now?” Ambition is good. Blind ambition is not. It blocks out not only distraction, but the many opportunities that might take you off course but that may also lead you in a new direction. Consistent daily action is only a virtue when bundled with a willingness to remain open to the unknown. In this exercise, look at your current quest and ask, “What alternative opportunities, interpretations and paths am I not seeing?” They’re always there, but you’ve got to choose to see them.
My response:
I try hard to always look for alternatives and implications. When I do not want to look at alternatives, I know that I am not being fully truthful. As I work this week, I need to remember to see the options, push for options, and make sure I do not move forward in haste. I am trying hard to live in the moment, and enjoy it for all it has. I often get too caught up in tomorrow and what may be coming my way. My favorite quote is, "The only way to predict the future is to create it." Instead of just forecasting what could be, make it so.
The world buzzes about goals and visions. Focus. Create a vivid picture of exactly where you want to go. Dream big, then don’t let anything or anyone stop you. The problem, as Daniel Gilbert wrote in Stumbling Upon Happiness, is that we’re horrible at forecasting how we’ll really feel 10 or 20 years from now – once we’ve gotten what we dreamed of. Often, we get there only to say, “That’s not what I thought it would be,” and ask, “What now?” Ambition is good. Blind ambition is not. It blocks out not only distraction, but the many opportunities that might take you off course but that may also lead you in a new direction. Consistent daily action is only a virtue when bundled with a willingness to remain open to the unknown. In this exercise, look at your current quest and ask, “What alternative opportunities, interpretations and paths am I not seeing?” They’re always there, but you’ve got to choose to see them.
My response:
I try hard to always look for alternatives and implications. When I do not want to look at alternatives, I know that I am not being fully truthful. As I work this week, I need to remember to see the options, push for options, and make sure I do not move forward in haste. I am trying hard to live in the moment, and enjoy it for all it has. I often get too caught up in tomorrow and what may be coming my way. My favorite quote is, "The only way to predict the future is to create it." Instead of just forecasting what could be, make it so.
Suprise - Ralph Waldo Emerson (Sunday's post)
I will not hide my tastes or aversions. I will so trust that what is deep is holy, if we follow the truth, it will bring us out safe at last. – Ralph Waldo Emerson
Think of a time when you didn’t think you were capable of doing something, but then surprised yourself. How will you surprise yourself this week?
My response:
I think I may surprise myself by actually taking a day off (or even two) just because.
Think of a time when you didn’t think you were capable of doing something, but then surprised yourself. How will you surprise yourself this week?
My response:
I think I may surprise myself by actually taking a day off (or even two) just because.
Fear - Ralph Waldo Emerson (Saturday's post)
These are the voices which we hear in solitude, but they grow faint and inaudible as we enter into the world. Society everywhere is in conspiracy against the manhood of every one of its members. – Ralph Waldo Emerson
Is fear holding you back from living your fullest life and being truly self expressed? Put yourself in the shoes of the you who’s already lived your dream and write out the answers to the following:
Is the insecurity you’re defending worth the dream you’ll never realize? or the love you’ll never venture? or the joy you’ll never feel?
Will the blunder matter in 10 years? Or 10 weeks? Or 10 days? Or 10 minutes?
Can you be happy being anything less than who you really are?
Now Do. The Thing. You Fear.
My response:
I fear delving into my dissertation and really working on it until completion. I get gung ho about projects and become obsessed with completing it. I want desperately to just take a week and go crazy and write and read non-stop, but I have a family and a job, and they need me, too. I fear also that I will never complete the dissertation because I am afraid of delving into it. I want to be a doctor of education. I want to know I completed this. I want the students to stop looking at me disappointedly when I tell them I am not a doctor yet. The fear is certainly less than the joy I would feel, and certainly not worth it.
Is fear holding you back from living your fullest life and being truly self expressed? Put yourself in the shoes of the you who’s already lived your dream and write out the answers to the following:
Is the insecurity you’re defending worth the dream you’ll never realize? or the love you’ll never venture? or the joy you’ll never feel?
Will the blunder matter in 10 years? Or 10 weeks? Or 10 days? Or 10 minutes?
Can you be happy being anything less than who you really are?
Now Do. The Thing. You Fear.
My response:
I fear delving into my dissertation and really working on it until completion. I get gung ho about projects and become obsessed with completing it. I want desperately to just take a week and go crazy and write and read non-stop, but I have a family and a job, and they need me, too. I fear also that I will never complete the dissertation because I am afraid of delving into it. I want to be a doctor of education. I want to know I completed this. I want the students to stop looking at me disappointedly when I tell them I am not a doctor yet. The fear is certainly less than the joy I would feel, and certainly not worth it.
Friday, June 10, 2011
Divine Idea - Ralph Waldo Emerson
Imitation is Suicide. Insist on yourself; never imitate. – Ralph Waldo Emerson
Write down in which areas of your life you have to overcome these suicidal tendencies of imitation, and how you can transform them into a newborn you – one that doesn’t hide its uniqueness, but thrives on it. There is a “divine idea which each of us represents” – which is yours?
My response:
When I took on the role of superintendent, I was extremely concerned about my "role". I tried really hard to figure out how to act, what to do, and how not to lose myself in the job. The best advice, and the simplest answer, was to remain true to who I am and who I want to be. I continually think about my core values and if I use them in my daily work. On good days, I know the answer is yes. On worse days, I reflect of how I lost my way.
The best I can be is a constantly improving me. I am not sure it is a 'divine' idea, but it carries me forward.
Write down in which areas of your life you have to overcome these suicidal tendencies of imitation, and how you can transform them into a newborn you – one that doesn’t hide its uniqueness, but thrives on it. There is a “divine idea which each of us represents” – which is yours?
My response:
When I took on the role of superintendent, I was extremely concerned about my "role". I tried really hard to figure out how to act, what to do, and how not to lose myself in the job. The best advice, and the simplest answer, was to remain true to who I am and who I want to be. I continually think about my core values and if I use them in my daily work. On good days, I know the answer is yes. On worse days, I reflect of how I lost my way.
The best I can be is a constantly improving me. I am not sure it is a 'divine' idea, but it carries me forward.
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Your Personal Message - Ralph Waldo Emerson
To believe your own thought, to believe that what is true for you in your private heart is true for all men, that is genius. – Ralph Waldo Emerson
What is burning deep inside of you? If you could spread your personal message RIGHT NOW to 1 million people, what would you say?
My response:
Find the blessings. I feel I work hard in a demanding position, but, more importantly, I put A LOT of pressure on myself to do it correctly and quickly. As I am faced with difficult challenges, I often ask why - both to get to the root cause of the issue, but also "why me?" As I work through this, I have come to tell myself - "find the blessing." Find the meaning or positive of each situation, so you can grow from adversity, defeat, and life's obstacles. These simple three words are improving my perspective in life. I believe they can do the same for others.
What is burning deep inside of you? If you could spread your personal message RIGHT NOW to 1 million people, what would you say?
My response:
Find the blessings. I feel I work hard in a demanding position, but, more importantly, I put A LOT of pressure on myself to do it correctly and quickly. As I am faced with difficult challenges, I often ask why - both to get to the root cause of the issue, but also "why me?" As I work through this, I have come to tell myself - "find the blessing." Find the meaning or positive of each situation, so you can grow from adversity, defeat, and life's obstacles. These simple three words are improving my perspective in life. I believe they can do the same for others.
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Five Years - Ralph Waldo Emerson
FIVE YEARS
There will be an agreement in whatever variety of actions, so they be each honest and natural in their hour. – Ralph Waldo Emerson
What would you say to the person you were five years ago? What will you say to the person you’ll be in five years?
My response:
To the man I was five years ago, I'd say, "Prepare for a great journey in a new town and a new district. Remember that you are moving closer to family to spend more time with them. As your personal family grows, remember to maintain the bonds with your external family. They will provide you with guidance and support during difficult times and joy always. They are never more important than the work you do."
To the man I will be in five years, I'd say, "I hope you have grown as a husband, a father, and an educator. Those are the most important roles in your life. Remember that as you work so hard to develop your skills and grow in importance, it will be your four children that can best be your legacy, will best be your legacy. Make sure you are taking the time to nurture them and to laugh with them."
There will be an agreement in whatever variety of actions, so they be each honest and natural in their hour. – Ralph Waldo Emerson
What would you say to the person you were five years ago? What will you say to the person you’ll be in five years?
My response:
To the man I was five years ago, I'd say, "Prepare for a great journey in a new town and a new district. Remember that you are moving closer to family to spend more time with them. As your personal family grows, remember to maintain the bonds with your external family. They will provide you with guidance and support during difficult times and joy always. They are never more important than the work you do."
To the man I will be in five years, I'd say, "I hope you have grown as a husband, a father, and an educator. Those are the most important roles in your life. Remember that as you work so hard to develop your skills and grow in importance, it will be your four children that can best be your legacy, will best be your legacy. Make sure you are taking the time to nurture them and to laugh with them."
Monday, June 6, 2011
Dare to Be Bold - Ralph Waldo Emerson
Dare to be bold by Matt Cheuvront
Our arts, our occupations, our marriages, our religion, we have not chosen, but society has chosen for us. We are parlour soldiers. We shun the rugged battle of fate, where strength is born. – Ralph Waldo Emerson
“Next to Resistance, rational thought is the artist or entrepreneurs worst enemy. Bad things happen when we employ rational thought, because rational thought comes from the ego. Instead, we want to work from the Self, that is, from instinct and intuition, from the unconscious.
A child has no trouble believing the unbelievable, nor does the genius or the madman. Its only you and I, with our big brains and our tiny hearts, who doubt and overthink and hesitate.” - Steven Pressfield, Do the Work
The idea of “being realistic” holds all of us back. From starting a business or quitting a job to dating someone who may not be our type or moving to a new place – getting “real” often means putting your dreams on hold.
Today, let’s take a step away from rational thought and dare to be bold. What’s one thing you’ve always wanted to accomplish but have been afraid to pursue? Write it down. Also write down the obstacles in your way of reaching your goal. Finally, write down a tangible plan to overcome each obstacle.
The only thing left is to, you know, actually go make it happen. What are you waiting for?
My response:
I've always wanted to be a great writer, a prolific writer. I've wanted my words to be read and cherished by millions. I've always thought it would be great to go to a bookstore and see my name on the cover and my face on the inside of the book jacket. Alas, I have not made the time. I think my plan for becoming a great writer is simply to write, practice writing, and write some more. I think it is making the time to write, listen to the words rumbling in my head and put them down on paper, and silencing the censor within me. If I wrote freely and often, I might meet my goal. (I do know that these prompts have got my juices flowing.)
Our arts, our occupations, our marriages, our religion, we have not chosen, but society has chosen for us. We are parlour soldiers. We shun the rugged battle of fate, where strength is born. – Ralph Waldo Emerson
“Next to Resistance, rational thought is the artist or entrepreneurs worst enemy. Bad things happen when we employ rational thought, because rational thought comes from the ego. Instead, we want to work from the Self, that is, from instinct and intuition, from the unconscious.
A child has no trouble believing the unbelievable, nor does the genius or the madman. Its only you and I, with our big brains and our tiny hearts, who doubt and overthink and hesitate.” - Steven Pressfield, Do the Work
The idea of “being realistic” holds all of us back. From starting a business or quitting a job to dating someone who may not be our type or moving to a new place – getting “real” often means putting your dreams on hold.
Today, let’s take a step away from rational thought and dare to be bold. What’s one thing you’ve always wanted to accomplish but have been afraid to pursue? Write it down. Also write down the obstacles in your way of reaching your goal. Finally, write down a tangible plan to overcome each obstacle.
The only thing left is to, you know, actually go make it happen. What are you waiting for?
My response:
I've always wanted to be a great writer, a prolific writer. I've wanted my words to be read and cherished by millions. I've always thought it would be great to go to a bookstore and see my name on the cover and my face on the inside of the book jacket. Alas, I have not made the time. I think my plan for becoming a great writer is simply to write, practice writing, and write some more. I think it is making the time to write, listen to the words rumbling in my head and put them down on paper, and silencing the censor within me. If I wrote freely and often, I might meet my goal. (I do know that these prompts have got my juices flowing.)
Sunday, June 5, 2011
Come Alive - Ralph Waldo Emerson
Life wastes itself while we are preparing to live. – Ralph Waldo Emerson
If you had one week left to live, would you still be doing what you’re doing now? In what areas of your life are you preparing to live? Take them off your To Do list and add them to a To Stop list. Resolve to only do what makes you come alive.
Bonus: How can your goals improve the present and not keep you in a perpetual “always something better” spiral?
My response:
I would certainly spend my time with my family. I love them and they make me smile and laugh. I would want that in my end. I don't know that I'd eat a lot of ice cream or indulgence in a lot of other 'guilty pleasures' though key lime pie does come to mind as I write this. I am living a good life, so I have no regrets currently. Yes, I work too much according to some, but I also see the good I create and I enjoy the work. If life is about living, then I am. There can certainly be more, but I also know there could have been less if I had not worked so hard. I am where I am, have what I have, because of the choices I've made. I am not sure what I would stop, and striving for more is living to me. Preparing for life is still living.
Saturday, June 4, 2011
Biggest Challenge - Ralph Waldo Emerson
Friday's prompt (I forgot to post it):
That which each can do best, none but his Maker can teach him. Where is the master who could have taught Shakespeare? Where is the master who could have instructed Franklin, or Washington, or Bacon, or Newton? . . . Shakespeare will never be made by the study of Shakespeare. Do that which is assigned you, and you cannot hope too much or dare too much. – Ralph Waldo Emerson
Identify one of your biggest challenges at the moment (ie I don’t feel passionate about my work) and turn it into a question (ie How can I do work I’m passionate about?) Write it on a post-it and put it up on your bathroom mirror or the back of your front door. After 48-hours, journal what answers came up for you and be sure to evaluate them.
My response:
Biggest challenge - writing my doctoral dissertation. As a question - "how do I share the experiences and lessons learned in my first year as a superintendent for my dissertation, while working full-time to still learn how to be a good superintendent?"
I know I just need to start, even 50 words a day will add up over time. In fact, 50 words for the last year would have produced 15,000 words (or 60 more pages). I think I am afraid to be that honest and get that involved. I know once I start I will want to immerse myself until it is done. All this at the expense of time with my family? I have done this many times before, so I am concerned not to repeat my behavior, but not sure how to change it yet. Maybe start writing the dissertation when done with this post?
Travel - Ralph Waldo Emerson
Saturday's prompt:
If we live truly, we shall see truly. - Ralph Waldo Emerson
Not everyone wants to travel the world, but most people can identify at least one place in the world they’d like to visit before they die. Where is that place for you, and what will you do to make sure you get there?
My response:
Turkey. I am fascinated by the country - its history and current struggle. I think it has great potential as a modern Muslim country. I have a cousin that lives there, but I admit to being afraid to ask yet as I am not sure I want to see Turkey yet. In the meantime, I can continue to read about Turkey and put money aside from from current salary.
Thursday, June 2, 2011
One Strong Belief - Ralph Waldo Emerson Challenge
Today's Prompt:
It is easy in the world to live after the world’s opinion; it is easy in solitude to live after our own; but the great man is he who in the midst of the crowd keeps with perfect sweetness the independence of solitude. - Ralph Waldo Emerson, Self-Reliance
The world is powered by passionate people, powerful ideas, and fearless action. What’s one strong belief you possess that isn’t shared by your closest friends or family? What inspires this belief, and what have you done to actively live it?
My Response:
I think I have great ambition and drive, and the belief that I can do everything if I put my mind to it. I know my family does not share this belief, only because they recognize there are trade-offs in life. I must now balance my work with my family. (And I am not great at that balancing act - yet). I still possess the "can do (everything)" belief, and I use it to push myself. Now, though, I also take time to make sure my family is on the journey with me.
It is easy in the world to live after the world’s opinion; it is easy in solitude to live after our own; but the great man is he who in the midst of the crowd keeps with perfect sweetness the independence of solitude. - Ralph Waldo Emerson, Self-Reliance
The world is powered by passionate people, powerful ideas, and fearless action. What’s one strong belief you possess that isn’t shared by your closest friends or family? What inspires this belief, and what have you done to actively live it?
My Response:
I think I have great ambition and drive, and the belief that I can do everything if I put my mind to it. I know my family does not share this belief, only because they recognize there are trade-offs in life. I must now balance my work with my family. (And I am not great at that balancing act - yet). I still possess the "can do (everything)" belief, and I use it to push myself. Now, though, I also take time to make sure my family is on the journey with me.
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Ralph Waldo Emerson and Seth Godin
I am an avid follower of Seth Godin, including his emails. I received one yesterday calling for a 30-day Ralph Waldo Emerson writing experience. We commit to writing a response based on a prompt we receive via email for the next thirty days. Today's prompt asks us to describe today in one sentence. Here is my entry for the world:
“Today is filled with opportunity and obstacle, but I am not sure how much of each.”
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