Can't believe tomorrow's going to be our last class...! Unbelievable.
In this chapter, I thought it was really important how Perkins talked about coming to terms with your fear. I might have mentioned this before in one of my past blogs, but I do think it is important to mention it again. How do you react to fear? In my case, there are many things that I don't know that I'm scared of until I'm put in that situation. Therefore, I don't know how to show my fear/disliking. I often blame myself afterwards for not being honest to how I was feeling, only to realize that it is in that moment of reflection when I first acknowledge that I was too scared to do anything. So it's important to notice and accept what makes you feel uncomfortable. And then think about why. You might be able to find similarities or patterns in your fear. Then, you'll be able to control a similiar situation better in the future. I think that will help us live side by side with our fears.
"Relax... It takes time to play like yourself." Exactly what I needed someone to tell me! I'm always worried about if I'm being true to myself jibunrashiku. But maybe it's not about looking for a fixed character in every single moment of our lives. Maybe it's more about working your way towards the future, gradually grasping what makes you, you.
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Some Thoughts :)
Just wanted to mention how I also really take this quote to heart:
"Seek first to understand, then to be understood."
I'd heard a similar version of it during high school, when we had a guest speaker in the auditorium. She was a woman from Hiroshima, who had faced the effects of the atomic bomb over 60 years ago. Despite the terrible situation she was put in and the inhumane treatment she received, she told us how she believed in the belief "to understand than to be understood." This quote continued to echo within my mind, and so I looked it up later on. I learned that it was from a prayer by Mother Teresa in her "Prayer for Peace". I really look up to this quote and I think it's one of the incentives which have gotten me interested in the whole idea of "coexistence," and which have led me to ICU, as a result. I am still far from realizing this concept, but I'd like to keep this at the core of myself.
"Seek first to understand, then to be understood."
I'd heard a similar version of it during high school, when we had a guest speaker in the auditorium. She was a woman from Hiroshima, who had faced the effects of the atomic bomb over 60 years ago. Despite the terrible situation she was put in and the inhumane treatment she received, she told us how she believed in the belief "to understand than to be understood." This quote continued to echo within my mind, and so I looked it up later on. I learned that it was from a prayer by Mother Teresa in her "Prayer for Peace". I really look up to this quote and I think it's one of the incentives which have gotten me interested in the whole idea of "coexistence," and which have led me to ICU, as a result. I am still far from realizing this concept, but I'd like to keep this at the core of myself.
Week Six Writing Assignment
From Chapter 8: Lighten Up!
The title says it all; I really need to lighten up! I am currently in the midst of trying to soak in this positive attitude. For example, when I reflect on something really embarrassing I'd said that day or something regretuful that I'd done, I used to have this urge to just slap myself in the face! But I'm finding that with enough time and focus on other matters, it's possible to make even the most disastrous memories into something to laugh about. It's funny when shared with others and it's interesting personally to see how much you've matured since then. I guess in a sense, it is a way of following through with Dan Pink's second question about whether or not we are better than whom we were yesterday.
In addition, I can relate with Shackleton's concept of trying to look for things to celebrate about or "small wins" in every situation. I was reminded of my first year at ICU, when I was on the basketball team. As a beginner, it was very challenging to keep up with the team's performance and mentality. I often looked down on myself when I couldn't do as well as I wanted to. But for some reason, I was really into getting the rebounds. No matter how tired I was, I always dived in to get the ball and it was one of the rare things that I was praised for by my coach. That probably encouraged me to try harder. I consider this as one of the small wins, as opposed to a large win such as winning the game. I don't think I was able to make an outstanding contribution to the overall win/lose result, but I did try to focus on the small wins leading up to it.
The title says it all; I really need to lighten up! I am currently in the midst of trying to soak in this positive attitude. For example, when I reflect on something really embarrassing I'd said that day or something regretuful that I'd done, I used to have this urge to just slap myself in the face! But I'm finding that with enough time and focus on other matters, it's possible to make even the most disastrous memories into something to laugh about. It's funny when shared with others and it's interesting personally to see how much you've matured since then. I guess in a sense, it is a way of following through with Dan Pink's second question about whether or not we are better than whom we were yesterday.
In addition, I can relate with Shackleton's concept of trying to look for things to celebrate about or "small wins" in every situation. I was reminded of my first year at ICU, when I was on the basketball team. As a beginner, it was very challenging to keep up with the team's performance and mentality. I often looked down on myself when I couldn't do as well as I wanted to. But for some reason, I was really into getting the rebounds. No matter how tired I was, I always dived in to get the ball and it was one of the rare things that I was praised for by my coach. That probably encouraged me to try harder. I consider this as one of the small wins, as opposed to a large win such as winning the game. I don't think I was able to make an outstanding contribution to the overall win/lose result, but I did try to focus on the small wins leading up to it.
Monday, May 16, 2011
Week Five Writing Assignment
Hey guys :) It's hard to believe we are so far into the semester already!
Having read chapters 5 and 6, I'd like to focus on the strategy to "reinforce the team message constantly" (70). Perkins talks about how a shared identity was born among the crew when they all shaved their hair in matching styles. I thought this idea was very amusing and at the same time, very effective.
Similar to hairdos, clothing can also create a common identity among a group. For example, at my middle/high school, we always made matching t-shirts for events such as Sports Day and School Festival. Sometimes we would make one as a whole grade, others as a class, and sometimes as a committee. They weren't ready-made t-shirts, but those we would design and choose ourselves. Since we are not professionals, sometimes they would end up in a very dull color we hadn't expected or the design just didn't work on the t-shirt. However, even all of that was part of the fun. When the box of t-shirts arrived, we'd pull them out one by one and wear them together. Because we didn't have uniforms, these were rare occasions when we'd have matching clothing. It raised our spirits and strengthened our teamwork. I still have my various t-shirts and see them as precious tokens of my middle/high school days.
Having read chapters 5 and 6, I'd like to focus on the strategy to "reinforce the team message constantly" (70). Perkins talks about how a shared identity was born among the crew when they all shaved their hair in matching styles. I thought this idea was very amusing and at the same time, very effective.
Similar to hairdos, clothing can also create a common identity among a group. For example, at my middle/high school, we always made matching t-shirts for events such as Sports Day and School Festival. Sometimes we would make one as a whole grade, others as a class, and sometimes as a committee. They weren't ready-made t-shirts, but those we would design and choose ourselves. Since we are not professionals, sometimes they would end up in a very dull color we hadn't expected or the design just didn't work on the t-shirt. However, even all of that was part of the fun. When the box of t-shirts arrived, we'd pull them out one by one and wear them together. Because we didn't have uniforms, these were rare occasions when we'd have matching clothing. It raised our spirits and strengthened our teamwork. I still have my various t-shirts and see them as precious tokens of my middle/high school days.
Monday, May 2, 2011
Week Four Writing Assignment
Stamina
Take care of yourself: Maintain your stamina and let go of guilt.
Hmmm... do I take good care of myself? Physically, so-so. I do try to eat healthy, but I don't think I've gotten good exercise ever since I quit basketball, and I usually sacrifice sleep for homework or to talk with somebody. Mentally, I could do a whole lot better. When I'm down, I get so caught up with the mess in my head → can't do anything about it → my self-esteem deflates → I feel even more depressed... and so I go down the spiral of negativity. In a sense, it's the opposite of "Summit Fever," as my inner conflicts totally block my view of the summit.
To let it all out, I go through all sorts of measures. Today, I tried to concentrate on different things by going to my circle or riding my bicycle. It took my mind off of my troubles, and lifted my mood. But when I really want to come to terms with my problem, I talk to my mom, friends I can trust, and my counselor. Even if the words come out in irregular or awkward spurts, verbalizing my thoughts helps me to sort out what I'm really thinking or feeling. Each person's feedback or understanding of my problem is a reflection of me shown in different mirrors. I really appreciate what others tell me and it helps me to get a grip and figure out my opinion from there.
I really have a hard time letting people know when they do something that I dislike. My brain freezes, I can't say anything. I can feel the discomfort grow within me. But before I even acknowledge that feeling, my mind skips to the possible consequences which may arise if I react according to that feeling. I think to myself, "Hold on, should I really be feeling this way? Maybe I'm over-thinking..." and try to let go of that disappointment. However, after a while, I am reminded of the discomfort and regret for not standing up for myself. I talked about this to my counselor. He told me that what I was doing wasn't wrong and that I shouldn't excessively blame myself. He said that when I'm in an uncomfortable situation, I should first stop and take note of the fact that I'm feeling bad, instead of skipping to uncertain conclusions. Acknowledging emotions is very important, and it is the first step to forgiving yourself. We can learn from these experiences and be better prepared should another similar situation arise.
... which reminds me, picture books really cheer me up. Even though they're written in simple words, they seem to hold a different meaning every time you read them depending on how old you are or the situation you're in. This is a page from a book which has a whole collection of drawings and messages:
It reads:
Struggles and strife
Forgetting them would make things so much easier
But it's remembering them which makes us try harder
And learning from them which makes us stronger
(p.10)
(Hope I don't get in trouble with copyright..!)
Works Cited
ボンボヤージュ『ちびギャラ』ゴマブックス株式会社 2004年
Take care of yourself: Maintain your stamina and let go of guilt.
Hmmm... do I take good care of myself? Physically, so-so. I do try to eat healthy, but I don't think I've gotten good exercise ever since I quit basketball, and I usually sacrifice sleep for homework or to talk with somebody. Mentally, I could do a whole lot better. When I'm down, I get so caught up with the mess in my head → can't do anything about it → my self-esteem deflates → I feel even more depressed... and so I go down the spiral of negativity. In a sense, it's the opposite of "Summit Fever," as my inner conflicts totally block my view of the summit.
To let it all out, I go through all sorts of measures. Today, I tried to concentrate on different things by going to my circle or riding my bicycle. It took my mind off of my troubles, and lifted my mood. But when I really want to come to terms with my problem, I talk to my mom, friends I can trust, and my counselor. Even if the words come out in irregular or awkward spurts, verbalizing my thoughts helps me to sort out what I'm really thinking or feeling. Each person's feedback or understanding of my problem is a reflection of me shown in different mirrors. I really appreciate what others tell me and it helps me to get a grip and figure out my opinion from there.
I really have a hard time letting people know when they do something that I dislike. My brain freezes, I can't say anything. I can feel the discomfort grow within me. But before I even acknowledge that feeling, my mind skips to the possible consequences which may arise if I react according to that feeling. I think to myself, "Hold on, should I really be feeling this way? Maybe I'm over-thinking..." and try to let go of that disappointment. However, after a while, I am reminded of the discomfort and regret for not standing up for myself. I talked about this to my counselor. He told me that what I was doing wasn't wrong and that I shouldn't excessively blame myself. He said that when I'm in an uncomfortable situation, I should first stop and take note of the fact that I'm feeling bad, instead of skipping to uncertain conclusions. Acknowledging emotions is very important, and it is the first step to forgiving yourself. We can learn from these experiences and be better prepared should another similar situation arise.
... which reminds me, picture books really cheer me up. Even though they're written in simple words, they seem to hold a different meaning every time you read them depending on how old you are or the situation you're in. This is a page from a book which has a whole collection of drawings and messages:
It reads:
Struggles and strife
Forgetting them would make things so much easier
But it's remembering them which makes us try harder
And learning from them which makes us stronger
(p.10)
(Hope I don't get in trouble with copyright..!)
Works Cited
ボンボヤージュ『ちびギャラ』ゴマブックス株式会社 2004年
Week Three Writing Assignment
Ahh! I'm falling behind. I'm sorry for posting this up so late...
To be honest, I've been finding it very difficult to try to be optimistic recently. Between March and yesterday, many awful things have taken place. And while I may be able to handle each one with attention, when things come tumbling down at once, it's just really hard to juggle them with only two hands and one heart.
In a sense, I am on my own mental Shackleton Expedition now, nearing the edge... OK, so maybe that's a little exaggerated. But the point is, coming to terms with optimism and the important qualities we're covering is especially important for me right now. So I am thankful for being able to take this class; it's just what I need!
What really pulled me in about chapter 3 is:
「危機」
The denotation is danger, but when taking in the meaning kanji-for-kanji, we discover that the idea of "opportunity" is hidden beneath the facade. Even though I've used this word many times before in Japanese, I had never really thought about this idea. Reframing a tough situation seems impossible at first, but reading how the imagined positive outcomes must be "conceivable" and how it is different from denial shows that it is a realistic idea. Difficult, but realistic and effective.
Maybe we can relate this to negotiation as well? Negotiation may not be dangerous, but we negotiate because there is some kind of conflict. We take it up as an opportunity to sort things out, with the hopes of a win-win outcome. By perceiving it as an opportunity, we take negotiation as a positive challenge. I think this brings out our positive attitudes; our willingness to communicate with another. The conflict or dangerous situation is something we can't change, but the way we see it and the way we tend to it depends on us.
... Of course all of that is easily said than done :P But it's good to discover new, positive perspectives and to look through them like a new pair of glasses. I'd like to think that that itself is an improvement :)
To be honest, I've been finding it very difficult to try to be optimistic recently. Between March and yesterday, many awful things have taken place. And while I may be able to handle each one with attention, when things come tumbling down at once, it's just really hard to juggle them with only two hands and one heart.
In a sense, I am on my own mental Shackleton Expedition now, nearing the edge... OK, so maybe that's a little exaggerated. But the point is, coming to terms with optimism and the important qualities we're covering is especially important for me right now. So I am thankful for being able to take this class; it's just what I need!
What really pulled me in about chapter 3 is:
「危機」
The denotation is danger, but when taking in the meaning kanji-for-kanji, we discover that the idea of "opportunity" is hidden beneath the facade. Even though I've used this word many times before in Japanese, I had never really thought about this idea. Reframing a tough situation seems impossible at first, but reading how the imagined positive outcomes must be "conceivable" and how it is different from denial shows that it is a realistic idea. Difficult, but realistic and effective.
Maybe we can relate this to negotiation as well? Negotiation may not be dangerous, but we negotiate because there is some kind of conflict. We take it up as an opportunity to sort things out, with the hopes of a win-win outcome. By perceiving it as an opportunity, we take negotiation as a positive challenge. I think this brings out our positive attitudes; our willingness to communicate with another. The conflict or dangerous situation is something we can't change, but the way we see it and the way we tend to it depends on us.
... Of course all of that is easily said than done :P But it's good to discover new, positive perspectives and to look through them like a new pair of glasses. I'd like to think that that itself is an improvement :)
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
What's Your Sentence?
It's really interesting and inspiring to read everybody's sentence! I think it's a particularly nice way to get to know each other because we can learn each others' goals and values. As for my self, hmmm... as you may guess, I am SUPER indecisive! I was still trying to come up with my sentence right until we presented them to each other. But as some people mentioned on their blogs, our sentences are likely to change throughout life.I found that thought comforting and decided to just stay simple.
She tried to see the good in every person.
I wondered if this makes me sound naive or a goody-two-shoes. But I still think it's an important thing to do and at the same time, something that I like to do as well. Finding something to respect or like about somebody makes it easier for me to relate and to communicate with him or her. I don't know what I'll be doing in the future yet, but I hope wherever I am, I won't forget my sentence :)
She tried to see the good in every person.
I wondered if this makes me sound naive or a goody-two-shoes. But I still think it's an important thing to do and at the same time, something that I like to do as well. Finding something to respect or like about somebody makes it easier for me to relate and to communicate with him or her. I don't know what I'll be doing in the future yet, but I hope wherever I am, I won't forget my sentence :)
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Week Two Writing Assignment
Draw upon Chapter 1 “Vision and Quick Victories” to define your own Long-term vision and the Short-term Goals for getting there.
Use the questions on pgs. 27 and 28 for ideas, but what you want to do is describe your hopes and dreams for the future,
and the various steps along the way that will help you to achieve them.
Dennis Perkins mentions on page 26 how "Winning leaders cultivate the ability to monitor the condition of each person on the team and to sense when individuals are becoming overwhelmed." This is a really important lesson for me too, as one of my long-term goals is to collaborate with people of various backgrounds and age groups, in the future. Whether this will evolve into the form of a counselor, teacher, consultant, or some kind of colleague, I can't say for sure. My dream is still very vague, but it definitely includes a lot of interaction and encouraging others!
My first short-term goal leading up to this would be to better understand the people around me: what makes each person happy and sad? In order to do this, I am trying to place myself in different environments and interact with as many people as possible. For example, in addition to going to our super diverse university, I work at an English cram school. I love doing team teaching, which is where I pair up with a native teacher and we teach students together in the form of an active group lesson. I don't have a fixed class so I get to work with teachers and students who have different styles and needs. It's difficult to figure out how I should place myself in the classroom and where I should assist, but it feels great to find qualities to praise and to see students enjoying themselves. Of course, every class does not always go so smooth and sometimes I may not be on the same page as the native teacher, but I try to take all of this as an important learning process.
Also, I try to notice what makes me happy. I think it's important to figure out how I can manage my stress well for my own good and as a leader, to steer a group back to a positive route. Simple things like a walk outside, the smell of freshly baked bread, or a chat at Starbucks can lift my mood. When I feel particularly distressed, I talk to people like my mom, friends,and a counselor at school. I take their encouragements to my heart and sometimes, when a friend consults me, I may refer back to their words. I don't think it's possible to completley understand myself. But to be able to "sense when individuals are becoming overwhelmed," I need to get to be able to do the same for myself too!
See you all tomorrow :)
Use the questions on pgs. 27 and 28 for ideas, but what you want to do is describe your hopes and dreams for the future,
and the various steps along the way that will help you to achieve them.
Dennis Perkins mentions on page 26 how "Winning leaders cultivate the ability to monitor the condition of each person on the team and to sense when individuals are becoming overwhelmed." This is a really important lesson for me too, as one of my long-term goals is to collaborate with people of various backgrounds and age groups, in the future. Whether this will evolve into the form of a counselor, teacher, consultant, or some kind of colleague, I can't say for sure. My dream is still very vague, but it definitely includes a lot of interaction and encouraging others!
My first short-term goal leading up to this would be to better understand the people around me: what makes each person happy and sad? In order to do this, I am trying to place myself in different environments and interact with as many people as possible. For example, in addition to going to our super diverse university, I work at an English cram school. I love doing team teaching, which is where I pair up with a native teacher and we teach students together in the form of an active group lesson. I don't have a fixed class so I get to work with teachers and students who have different styles and needs. It's difficult to figure out how I should place myself in the classroom and where I should assist, but it feels great to find qualities to praise and to see students enjoying themselves. Of course, every class does not always go so smooth and sometimes I may not be on the same page as the native teacher, but I try to take all of this as an important learning process.
Also, I try to notice what makes me happy. I think it's important to figure out how I can manage my stress well for my own good and as a leader, to steer a group back to a positive route. Simple things like a walk outside, the smell of freshly baked bread, or a chat at Starbucks can lift my mood. When I feel particularly distressed, I talk to people like my mom, friends,and a counselor at school. I take their encouragements to my heart and sometimes, when a friend consults me, I may refer back to their words. I don't think it's possible to completley understand myself. But to be able to "sense when individuals are becoming overwhelmed," I need to get to be able to do the same for myself too!
See you all tomorrow :)
Friday, April 15, 2011
Expedition Log: Preface
I've never really been in a situation where I was stretched to my limits of endurance/performance in terms of survival. But I can think back to a time in my second year at high school when I had to lead the whole grade. I joined the committee that would organize the shuugaku-ryokou, the five-day trip we juniors would take at the end of the school year. Planning the trip itself was difficult, but I found that one of the largest hurdles we had to overcome was proving to the school and ourselves that we were responsible enough to go on this trip.
Unlike previous years, Task 1 for us was to regain trust from the teachers and the school; the trust we had lost on our previous school trip where some students had been caught smoking and disobeying other rules. Before we even got to planning the actual trip We needed everybody's cooperation to show that we had learned our lesson and were responsible enough to take on this large scale trip. In order to do that, we needed strong teamwork within the grade.
Instead of simply blaming the grade from afar or a higher position, we as a committee discussed how our goal would be: to lead our peers, while maintaining the mutual understanding that we were all part of the same team. We organized events such as Mini-Sports Day and a laid-back talk session in the cafeteria, to get to know each other better and to induce teamwork. To include everybody, I typed up our weekly meeting records and pinned it to onto our notice board. We carved out a "Popo-chan box" out of a cardboard for people to write their opinions on a slip of paper and hand in.
There was no obvious indiciation where the teachers finally told us, "Ok, you guys can go on your trip." But it was clear that there was a strong sense of togetherness that had naturally spread throughout the grade, and was driving us toward our ultimate goal. At the same time we had to lead, it was important for us to show that we weren't smarter, superior than everybody else in any way. Being a good friend and listener built a strong basis for the trust we needed as leaders.
Unlike previous years, Task 1 for us was to regain trust from the teachers and the school; the trust we had lost on our previous school trip where some students had been caught smoking and disobeying other rules. Before we even got to planning the actual trip We needed everybody's cooperation to show that we had learned our lesson and were responsible enough to take on this large scale trip. In order to do that, we needed strong teamwork within the grade.
Instead of simply blaming the grade from afar or a higher position, we as a committee discussed how our goal would be: to lead our peers, while maintaining the mutual understanding that we were all part of the same team. We organized events such as Mini-Sports Day and a laid-back talk session in the cafeteria, to get to know each other better and to induce teamwork. To include everybody, I typed up our weekly meeting records and pinned it to onto our notice board. We carved out a "Popo-chan box" out of a cardboard for people to write their opinions on a slip of paper and hand in.
There was no obvious indiciation where the teachers finally told us, "Ok, you guys can go on your trip." But it was clear that there was a strong sense of togetherness that had naturally spread throughout the grade, and was driving us toward our ultimate goal. At the same time we had to lead, it was important for us to show that we weren't smarter, superior than everybody else in any way. Being a good friend and listener built a strong basis for the trust we needed as leaders.
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