Life can be stressful and we make plans, and more plans, and more plans but find we are still subject to the powers of fate. Goal setting and daily objectives is a great way to get ahead; research supports their utility in long term success. Keeping focus on each day helps to reduce the stress from all the "what ifs". Plan and move on.
Planning for life and emergencies is helpful. We plan for our futures, make vacation plans, project plans and strategic plans. We can even make contingency plans where X or Y will receive response M and Z. If four factors are together then we can have option S over F.
Highly developed strategic planners can make contingency upon contingency and have an entire operating system mapped out. The only problem is that sometimes life throws curve balls by bringing in unknown factors in combinations few could foresee. In such cases you just have to deal with it.
Make reasonable plans and then live each day like it is your last day. If you have the mind of a strategist then make a few alternative back up plans and then start living those plans. Focus on putting one foot in front of the other and on things that happen each day while temporarily not worrying about unknown futures.
Be confident in your skills to handle these unknowns when they occur. Planning reduces these fires but one must still be in the present to reduce the cognitive load associated with calculating and recalculating. Stress is beneficial for motivation and getting over small events but can be difficult over the long run.
Thursday, August 13, 2015
Wednesday, August 12, 2015
In College Time Management and Grades Are Related
Time management is not an exercise in futility and can have significant impact on grades. Those who wait to try and finish their work often find themselves short on time and full of distractions. Lack of time management will impact grades as it will impact work habits in the future. Students who start early and maintain focus are more likely to be successful in college and life.
To most people, the last thing they enjoy doing is homework. Writing papers and reading books must compete with watching television and playing games. As each day passes the motivation to get the work done decreases and it seems more like a chore. Then one day its due!
Trying to ensure that there is an opportunity to pass the class and pick up as many points as possible the student rushes to get the work done. They cut corners and go for the basics. When the paper is finished and submitted thoughts are not really well developed, citations are sparse, and the conclusions are weak.
The same process is likely to be revised in the workplace when projects are due on certain dates. Managers are unlikely to accept chronic excuses and will soon move to terminate employment. That is part of the habit as well. One time the manager will understand, twice they will question, and the third time they depict the employee as hopelessly lazy.
Getting into the habit of managing time wisely by starting work early and completing a certain amount of work each day will go a long way to finishing products on time. If a paper needs research then it is wise to start outlining a paper and looking in the library right away. If consistent effort and schedule are maintained it is possible to leave a few days for additional review and improvement creating an excellent paper.
To most people, the last thing they enjoy doing is homework. Writing papers and reading books must compete with watching television and playing games. As each day passes the motivation to get the work done decreases and it seems more like a chore. Then one day its due!
Trying to ensure that there is an opportunity to pass the class and pick up as many points as possible the student rushes to get the work done. They cut corners and go for the basics. When the paper is finished and submitted thoughts are not really well developed, citations are sparse, and the conclusions are weak.
The same process is likely to be revised in the workplace when projects are due on certain dates. Managers are unlikely to accept chronic excuses and will soon move to terminate employment. That is part of the habit as well. One time the manager will understand, twice they will question, and the third time they depict the employee as hopelessly lazy.
Getting into the habit of managing time wisely by starting work early and completing a certain amount of work each day will go a long way to finishing products on time. If a paper needs research then it is wise to start outlining a paper and looking in the library right away. If consistent effort and schedule are maintained it is possible to leave a few days for additional review and improvement creating an excellent paper.
Early Mornings Are the Best Time for Strategic Creativity
Some people don't like early mornings while others live for them. Early mornings are the best time to think about strategy and get your creative juices going. Whether you are a business planner or an artist the ability to keep your mind clear and focused is an asset to anyone who wants to be innovative. Good ideas rarely come when you are distracted. Mornings are a great time to ponder the possibilities.
In the mornings our minds are free from the natural distractions that are rampant throughout the day. When we wake up we are clear and then begin to load our brains with all the things we should get done. Getting up, grabbing a cup of java, and then spending some time thinking and writing is beneficial.
Great ideas don't often bubble out of no where. During our normal sleep cycles we process information and ideas to appropriately categorize and integrate them with previous knowledge. Without this process we would have too many ideas going on at once. The night time allows for ideas to simmer in latency and then come forth anew in the morning.
Finding your time to shut out the world of distractions and focus on your main ideas is helpful. For some this might be early in the morning while for others it could be in the evening. Experiment with various times to find that time which allows new ideas to flow. Keep a diary to help you better analyze at what times you be your most creative.
In the mornings our minds are free from the natural distractions that are rampant throughout the day. When we wake up we are clear and then begin to load our brains with all the things we should get done. Getting up, grabbing a cup of java, and then spending some time thinking and writing is beneficial.
Great ideas don't often bubble out of no where. During our normal sleep cycles we process information and ideas to appropriately categorize and integrate them with previous knowledge. Without this process we would have too many ideas going on at once. The night time allows for ideas to simmer in latency and then come forth anew in the morning.
Finding your time to shut out the world of distractions and focus on your main ideas is helpful. For some this might be early in the morning while for others it could be in the evening. Experiment with various times to find that time which allows new ideas to flow. Keep a diary to help you better analyze at what times you be your most creative.
Three Simple Workout Ideas That Will Get You in Shape
Pumping means using resistance to grow your muscles. This can be in the form of push or pull exercises that force the muscle to slowly adapt by getting stronger and bulkier. Over time, with the right kinds of food, it is possible to develop a solid physique.
Sweating is necessary to get your cardiovascular system working well and ensure your insides are in good health. There are lots of activities such as walking, biking, jogging, swimming and tennis that can help a person work on their overall health and lose weight.
Stretching is the act of stretching, balancing, and giving rounded strength to muscles. People stretch before working out but may get into activities such as yoga. Small stabilizer muscles are strengthened while larger muscles are stretched.
Tuesday, August 11, 2015
Norms and Influence in Virtual Education
Students create norms with each other in the same way as people in face-to-face situations. Those norms create shared perceptions on how the group views others and the type of choices they are to make. The power of shared norms and peer relations create stronger online educational cultures that enhances academic achievement.
Interaction creates shared values and perception of in-group behavior that reduces inter-group conflict (De Tezanos-Pinto, Bratt, & Browth, 2010). The more people contact and interact the more quickly they are able to create these shared perceptions. This can be pronounced in higher education where in and out-group can be defined through education level or the type of school one attends.
Students in a class also feed off of each others comments. According to a study in the Journal of Virtual Worlds Research confederates that chose certain answers impacted the way in which the rest of the class answered (Rayburn-Reeves, et. al 2013). Students actively looked at previous responses of other students before formulating their own responses.
The same norms that apply to our physical world also apply to the virtual world. At times these norms are positive while at other times they can be very destructive. Listing to the type and kinds of conversations people have can determine which of the cultures are being formulated. Developing strong online cultures can create powerful business cultures.
Rayburn-Reeves, et. al. (2013). Do as we do, not as you think: the effect of group influence on individual choices in a virtual environment. Journal of Virtual Worlds Research, 6 (1).
Ferris, et. al. (2015). Ostracism, self-esteem and job performance: when do we self-verify and when do we self-enhance? Academy of Management Journal, 58 (1).
Interaction creates shared values and perception of in-group behavior that reduces inter-group conflict (De Tezanos-Pinto, Bratt, & Browth, 2010). The more people contact and interact the more quickly they are able to create these shared perceptions. This can be pronounced in higher education where in and out-group can be defined through education level or the type of school one attends.
Students in a class also feed off of each others comments. According to a study in the Journal of Virtual Worlds Research confederates that chose certain answers impacted the way in which the rest of the class answered (Rayburn-Reeves, et. al 2013). Students actively looked at previous responses of other students before formulating their own responses.
The same norms that apply to our physical world also apply to the virtual world. At times these norms are positive while at other times they can be very destructive. Listing to the type and kinds of conversations people have can determine which of the cultures are being formulated. Developing strong online cultures can create powerful business cultures.
Rayburn-Reeves, et. al. (2013). Do as we do, not as you think: the effect of group influence on individual choices in a virtual environment. Journal of Virtual Worlds Research, 6 (1).
Ferris, et. al. (2015). Ostracism, self-esteem and job performance: when do we self-verify and when do we self-enhance? Academy of Management Journal, 58 (1).
Can San Diego Walk Away from the Chargers?
You are not ready to negotiate until you are willing to walk away. This means that if everything else fails, there are no options, the other side doesn't want a win-win outcome, and you would substantially lose by an agreement you have to be willing to walk away. San Diego and the Chargers seem to be at an impasse and one or the other might walk away. Are there other options?
That doesn't mean San Diego shouldn't fight to keep the Chargers in the city. Nor does it mean they shouldn't pitch their case to the NFL in order to gain additional leverage that can be used to bring the Chargers back to the table. It does mean that at the end of the day if it doesn't work out it could be necessary to walk away.
It doesn't matter if discussing labor relations or the Chargers. If one side absolutely cannot afford to walk away under any circumstances then they are not really negotiating. Leverage and options are low and it gives one side more leverage to dictate the terms of an agreement. In the case of stadiums this could include tax contributions, new stadiums, tax reductions, and more.
To truly know if one side can walk away all of the options must be explored and evaluated for feasibility and opportunity. The most advantageous courses are taken and the secondary courses are maintained as options. The secondary courses for San Diego may be many and if the Chargers decide to leave lots of ideas will hit the airwaves. It would have been better to know those options in advance.
I believe that the Chargers add value and retention is important. However, that retention may come with too big of a cost. Sometimes finding an alternative course may do more to spark the economic development of San Diego than a subsidized team. Studies have been mixed about how much a team really helps local residents. For example, could a water plant, an innovation complex for new businesses, biotech development, a soccer stadium, or manufacturing site generate higher economic input? Answering questions like this requires research and comparative analysis.
That doesn't mean San Diego shouldn't fight to keep the Chargers in the city. Nor does it mean they shouldn't pitch their case to the NFL in order to gain additional leverage that can be used to bring the Chargers back to the table. It does mean that at the end of the day if it doesn't work out it could be necessary to walk away.
It doesn't matter if discussing labor relations or the Chargers. If one side absolutely cannot afford to walk away under any circumstances then they are not really negotiating. Leverage and options are low and it gives one side more leverage to dictate the terms of an agreement. In the case of stadiums this could include tax contributions, new stadiums, tax reductions, and more.
To truly know if one side can walk away all of the options must be explored and evaluated for feasibility and opportunity. The most advantageous courses are taken and the secondary courses are maintained as options. The secondary courses for San Diego may be many and if the Chargers decide to leave lots of ideas will hit the airwaves. It would have been better to know those options in advance.
I believe that the Chargers add value and retention is important. However, that retention may come with too big of a cost. Sometimes finding an alternative course may do more to spark the economic development of San Diego than a subsidized team. Studies have been mixed about how much a team really helps local residents. For example, could a water plant, an innovation complex for new businesses, biotech development, a soccer stadium, or manufacturing site generate higher economic input? Answering questions like this requires research and comparative analysis.
Marketing to Customer's True Needs
Customers have perceived needs and real needs. Many customers are not aware of their real needs which leads them to purchase products that only provide temporary relief. Differentiating between real needs and perceived needs can help in grouping similar products for consumption. The difference between real and perceived is fundamental to human character. It is possible to offer similar products to extend reach.
We are designed to obtain, improve, and gather more stuff because it once ensured our survival. If one person had something of value then it is natural for others to want that something as well. The more it helps fulfill our perceived needs the higher the positive impressions the customer has. The more motivated we are.
Consider the latest Maserati with all of the bells and whistles that come with it. The need for a $80 K+ car is not in the luxury but in the perception that one is valuable. It makes a statement about the person driving it that stands out from all the other cars in the lot. The owner has money, style, and success written all over them. Recognition is more fundamental than purchasing power.
This need for social interaction and recognition is a fundamental one across all humans. How this is expressed depends on the individual and what they believe their needs are. The purchase of expensive products is a path the consumer has taken which leads them to purchase other status centered products that help feel that image. No wonder why Google Key Word Ads work.
Depending on one's financial and personal abilities they may find other paths to stand out in the crowd to make themselves unique. This may be through writing books, running social programs, being the life of the party or anything else that gives opportunities for individual praise. Once a company figures out a fundamental need and how it manifests itself in the world they can continue to feed new products and services that will appeal to hungry appetites.
We are designed to obtain, improve, and gather more stuff because it once ensured our survival. If one person had something of value then it is natural for others to want that something as well. The more it helps fulfill our perceived needs the higher the positive impressions the customer has. The more motivated we are.
Consider the latest Maserati with all of the bells and whistles that come with it. The need for a $80 K+ car is not in the luxury but in the perception that one is valuable. It makes a statement about the person driving it that stands out from all the other cars in the lot. The owner has money, style, and success written all over them. Recognition is more fundamental than purchasing power.
This need for social interaction and recognition is a fundamental one across all humans. How this is expressed depends on the individual and what they believe their needs are. The purchase of expensive products is a path the consumer has taken which leads them to purchase other status centered products that help feel that image. No wonder why Google Key Word Ads work.
Depending on one's financial and personal abilities they may find other paths to stand out in the crowd to make themselves unique. This may be through writing books, running social programs, being the life of the party or anything else that gives opportunities for individual praise. Once a company figures out a fundamental need and how it manifests itself in the world they can continue to feed new products and services that will appeal to hungry appetites.
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