The Power of Pretending

There was once a quote by C.S. Lewis that talked about becoming a better individual. The idea was that as one pretends to already have a trait, the more that he/she does it, the truer it becomes. In a sense, it is the power of belief. If I believe that I am improving, then I will spend more time with it. Whereas what really is happening is that the time that I spend is making me improve. Strange paradox, huh?

As you begin to understand your passion, it will take time to develop certain talents. The important thing here is to believe that you are good already! Not in an overconfident or conceited manner... but rather as an eager learner who is excited for the change.

Looking Inward - Working Nonstop

In the spirit of brevity, I will continue with the short entries.

Has there been a time when you worked on something nonstop? Felt like you could do it for an extended time, found satisfaction, and lost track of time? This sounds like a possible passion, right?

Examine such times... did you miss something there?

Looking Inward - Accomplishments

Accomplishments is one of those words which gradually gets overrun by resumes/CVs and application. It's used such a narrow way (usually academic).

If one considers all realms for possibilities of accomplishments, then progress can be made. Throughout life, accomplishments will be defined differently for each person. Therefore, each person must decide what he/she sees as accomplishments. Not what the popular definition implies. (Same with success actually.)

Take a day to write out what you view as your accomplishments in life. These should help give new light as to where you may like to go and where your passion is.

Looking Inward - Compliments and Talents

Another easy indicator of what understanding your true passion are compliments. This relates to what you are naturally talented for. People tend to compliment what others are good at, right?

Think about how others have complimented you... do they point in any direction? Art? Music? Entrepreneurship?

The tricky part may be connecting the skill to a career. Many (and I would argue the majority) of skills are intangible - such as being good with kids. This skill translates most immediately to being a teacher. But what about pediatrics? Or day care center manager? This takes some extra thought... but use the clues.

Looking Inward - Childhood dreams

Related to admiration is childhood dreams. Most of us can recall what our dream jobs were when we were young. What were mine?

1. Inventor

2. Marine biologist

3. Video game tester

#1 is what ended up affected my career as I selected Mechanical Engineering. Little did I know that there was nothing in the curriculum which explained the process of inventing. #2 sounded fun because I could be by the ocean or sea. Regrettably, I suppose it was the pay which dissuaded me from that direction. #3 I am glad that I did not pursue. My life is much better without having to be frustrated that I cannot "beat a level." You could say that I did grow out of this one.

In some ways, I feel so cheated with my dream. It was pure yet naive. I didn't know where I was heading...

Why do I bring this up? I think it's important to look back and see one's hopes/dreams from before. It's a good comparison to show how you've changed and matured. For those who have lost touch with your dream... ask yourself why?

Looking Inward - Admiration

Note: I realize it's been forever since I've posted. Perhaps one reader will be relieved that I've decided to finish this compilation of entries.

It's been said that "Mimicry is the highest form of flattery." To that thought, one may begin to understand the direction to which I want to head. What I mean is, for finding one's passion... one big clue is who do/did you want to be... and who do/did you admire?

A young boy may admire a superstar athlete. Does this necessarily mean that he wants to become "Michael Jordan?" The simple answer is yes. Sometimes it's as easy as that. Lebron James admired Michael Jordan and now he's a star too.

We know that this is not always the case. That perhaps works with 5% of the population. For the other 95%, we've may admit that natural talent plays a large role in dictating one's passions. What else can we learn though? It may have broader implications. The same boy could be a coach, trainer, or someone who would work in that industry.

An interesting exercise would be to list the top 3 people that you admire. Then think about why... is it something about what they do? Who they are? Write down what you find. Remember to be flexible.

The National Debt... Helping the wealthy get richer since 1776

As I continue my digression, I decided to make a political post.  

This is what doen't make sense to me:  Everyone knows that people learn by example.  Government leaders tell Americans that they need to be financially wiser, stay out of debt, etc.  But what is the national debt?  Over $10 trillion.  What America is really lacking are good examples to follow from leaders in positions of power.   What happened to integrity?  Honesty?  Must we constantly have to worry about corruption and scandal?

National Debt Clock

Perhaps it is because it is the wealthy and those in control who profit.  They understand the policies the most (and how to get around them), where the money is going, and how to benefit.  THEY REALIZE THAT LOWERING THE NATIONAL DEBT MEANS LESS CASH FLOW TO THEM.  While lower and middle class may be in debt to companies, the US is in debt to other countries and the rich.  How terrible.