tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89782201658478868022024-02-08T04:55:46.204-06:00Triumph In CollegeAbout to enter college? In college, but not making the most of your experience? This blog from Dr. Ron Rhoades will enable you to seize from college all that it has to offer, and will empower you to proceed down a path of greater success in all aspects of life.Ron A. Rhoades, JD, CFP®http://www.blogger.com/profile/09921762176161872029noreply@blogger.comBlogger28125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8978220165847886802.post-75035281137971416392015-05-05T14:30:00.000-05:002015-05-05T10:50:49.402-05:00Introduction: Discover How YOU Can Succeed in College, and in LifeSam, a college sophomore, sat in my Business Law class with his eyes cast downward. He yawned occasionally. Never really paying attention to the class discussion, he took no notes and chose not to participate. Even when called upon, he simply said: “I do not know.” Sam never spoke to others, either before or after class, an indication of possible shyness. This went on for a few classes. “Sam,” I said, “please come to my office.”<br />
<br />
Sam arrived shortly after class. I invited Sam to sit down at the round table in my office.<br />
“Sam, why are you here?” I asked. Sam looked perplexed. I became more specific, asking: “Sam, why are you here at college?”<br />
<br />
To his credit, Sam sat and reflected. He then replied, “To get a good job.”<br />
<br />
I asked, “Do you think you are on the path to getting a good job?”<br />
<br />
Sam reflected again and then replied, “No. My grades are not too good. I’ll probably graduate with my college degree. But I don’t imagine many employers will take a look at me.”<br />
<br />
I inquired, “Why is that, Sam? What are you lacking, other than good grades, which would deter you from finding a good job after you graduate?”<br />
<br />
Sam hesitated. His face turned downward. After I while, he answered, “I’m really don’t think I’m all that attractive. I don’t socialize very much. I’m not great at math. I’m a poor writer.”<br />
<br />
I leaned forward, waited until Sam looked at me in the eyes, and said: “Sam, great things happen in life to great people. Are you willing to become a great person?”<br />
<br />
Sam replied, “I think so, but I don’t know if I can.”<br />
<br />
Sam’s self-doubt was not unique. I had it observed it in many students before. “Sam, can you commit to give me an extra two to three hours a week of your time, for the next ten weeks. During this time you will be reading, completing some tasks, and in the process discovering all about yourself and your capabilities?”<br />
<br />
Sam hesitated. “I think so.”<br />
<br />
I looked Sam in the eye and made a proposal to him. “Let’s make a deal. If you give me twenty to thirty hours of your time, over the next ten weeks, I promise you that you will become a much better person and that you will learn the secrets to success. As a result, you will do much better in college.”<br />
<br />
Sam and I shook hands. Then, he began his process of discovery. Over the next ten weeks we met weekly to review his progress and discuss what he was learning and how he was changing.<br />
<br />
By the end of the semester Sam had completed the tasks I had provided for him. Over the next two years Sam and I continued to meet occasionally. While Sam encountered some challenges on his path toward graduation, he possessed newfound confidence and resilience in tackling those challenges.<br />
<br />
At Sam’s graduation, I reflected as Sam crossed the stage to receive his diploma. Sam, once shy, had gained confidence and a positive attitude. He became more personable. He entered into deep, meaningful relationships with a host of new friends. He participated in a few clubs and organizations on campus and he acquired a leadership position in one of them. His grade point average had soared.<br />
<br />
And Sam had secured a great first job in his industry, full of opportunity, with a large firm.<br />
<br />
With Sam I had devised, each week, a set of undertakings for him to achieve. Over the past few years these exercises have been refined, and now I make them available to all of my students.<br />
<br />
The rewards of this endeavor – to enable students to engage in self-reflection and personal development – flow to me as well. From Sam I received this hand-written thank you note toward the end of his ten-week journey:<br />
<ul>
<li>“Today, as a last entry into my gratitude journal for this assignment (I will keep writing in one in the future as well), I would like to say that I am grateful to have Dr. Rhoades as a professor this semester. Although he may not think of this as a ‘serious’ entry, I really have learned a lot about life in general from having him as a professor. He is a little less lenient than most professors but also expects your best effort and gives great tips to succeed. I have learned to follow my dreams, expand my comfort zone, network myself, have fun, and above all else work even harder in life, even more so after having him as my Business Law professor. I feel like it was destiny to be enrolled in his class. It turned out to be a great blessing that I ended up choosing to change my major to Business Administration because it put me into his classroom. Thank you for everything so far this semester Dr. Rhoades!”</li>
</ul>
The primary goal of these blog posts is to enable you to achieve greater success in all aspects of your college career, personal relationships, and business career. Use the practical knowledge and tools you will learn to propel yourself forward toward much greater success in all aspects of your life. It is all about your discovery of new concepts, ideals, and techniques to achieve success in all aspects of your life. Embrace these readings and projects with an open mind. Let your creative thoughts flow as you uncover new insights about yourself and your innate abilities.<br />
<br />
While these blog posts contain explanations of many concepts for your reading pleasure, you will gain the most value if you complete the tasks and exercises set forth in each post. Many of these exercises will challenge you, in ways you may not have been challenged before.<br />
<br />
College is the time to embrace personal growth. While the acquisition of technical knowledge in your chosen career field is important, vastly more important to your success in all aspects of your life is the personal enrichment you will find in these pages.<br />
<br />
Can you commit, like Sam, to spending twenty to thirty hours of your time, approximately two or three hours a week each week for ten weeks? Are you ready to become a much better person, and lay the foundations for greater success in college and in all aspects of your life?<br />
<br />
If you can make such a commitment, check out the other posts to this blog.<br />
<br />
<i>Dr. Ron A. Rhoades is an Asst. Professor of Finance at Western Kentucky University's Gordon Ford College of Business, where he chairs the (B.S. Finance) Financial Planning Program. An innovative, passionate teacher, he is the author of <span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/" target="_blank">Choose to Succeed in College and in Life: Continously Improve, Persevere, and Enjoy the Journey (2014</a>)</span></i>, <i>from which many of these blog posts are derived.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>Dr. Rhoades also serves as a consultant to the <a href="http://garrettplanningnetwork.com/" target="_blank">Garrett Planning Network</a>, a nationwide network of independent, Fee-Only financial planners making competent, objective financial advice accessible to all people. He is the author of several books, dozens of articles, and he is a frequent speaker at financial planning and investments conferences. He is the recipient of many awards for his advocacy on behalf of the fiduciary standard. Dr. Rhoades is also a member of The Florida Bar, and he practices estate planning and transfer taxation for select current clients.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>Dr. Rhoades and his wife, Cathy, reside in Bowling Green, Kentucky.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>To contact Dr. Rhoades, please e-mail: </i><a href="mailto:WKUBear@gmail.com">WKUBear@gmail.com</a>.<br />
<br />Ron A. Rhoades, JD, CFP®http://www.blogger.com/profile/09921762176161872029noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8978220165847886802.post-50474765901363827752015-05-05T13:36:00.000-05:002015-05-05T10:50:57.732-05:001: Why Are You Here At This College or University?<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: blue;"><b>“Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to
be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to
do great work is to love what you do. If
you haven't found it yet, keep looking. Don't settle. As with all matters of
the heart, you'll know when you find it.” - Steve Jobs</b></span><span style="color: #0d0d0d;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="color: #0d0d0d;"><span style="background-color: yellow; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 24px;"><b>Congratulations!</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0d0d0d;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 24px;">You made it! You survived high school and made good enough grades and test scores to be admitted to this college or university. And, perhaps, you have survived the first semester (or first several semesters) of your college career.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0d0d0d;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 24px;">Your college years can, and should be, among the best years of your life. Unfortunately, some students won’t “make it” to graduation. Other students may graduate, but fail to find success in the business world. Or students may graduate and achieve some measures of success, but never achieve greatness – in all aspects of their lives. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0d0d0d;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 24px;"><i>Seize this opportunity.</i> Make the most of your college years in order to propel your future success. Not just in the world of business, but in all aspects of life. Such an adverse result should be viewed as intolerable, by you and by everyone around you (i.e. your family, friends, fellow students, faculty, and staff).</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0d0d0d;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 24px;">This text provides a series of exercises over the next ten weeks to assist you to succeed in college. The valuable tips you discern from undertaking these exercises will also provide also help you succeed in the world of business and in life. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0d0d0d;"><span style="background-color: yellow; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 24px;"><i><b>Begin with the End in Mind</b></i></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0d0d0d;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 24px;">To get where you are going, you need to first have the end in mind. To do this you must first define the person you want to be. Then you can work each and every day to become that person. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0d0d0d;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 24px;"><b>Your First Exercise: “Define Who You Want to Be.”</b></span></span></div>
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<b style="color: #0d0d0d; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Complete the three tasks set forth below.</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;"><b><span style="color: blue;">First, watch the online video</span></b> <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D1R-jKKp3NA" style="color: #0d0d0d;" target="_blank">“Steve Jobs Stanford Commencement Speech 2005.”</a><span style="color: #0d0d0d;"> </span></span><span style="color: #0d0d0d; line-height: 24px;">(14:34)</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0d0d0d;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 24px;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 24px;"><b><span style="color: blue;">Second, write a description of your future self.</span></b><span style="color: #0d0d0d;"> Imagine it is ten years from now. In your journal, write a description of yourself, assuming you have achieved those things that are important to you. In forming your description of your “future self,” consider these questions:</span></span></div>
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<li><span style="color: #0d0d0d; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 24px;">Where do you live?</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #0d0d0d; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 24px;">What work do you do?</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #0d0d0d; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 24px;">What would your colleagues at work say about you?</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #0d0d0d; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 24px;">How much do you make?</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #0d0d0d; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 24px;">What activities, if any, are you taking to continue to improve yourself?</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #0d0d0d; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 24px;">What relationships do you possess with others? What is the depth of those relationships?</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #0d0d0d; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 24px;">What do you do to sustain and strengthen those relationships?</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #0d0d0d; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 24px;">What activities do you participate in for pleasure?</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #0d0d0d; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 24px;">If your family and friends were to describe you, what would they say about you, your personal traits and habits, and ethics or morals?</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="color: #0d0d0d;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 24px;">Write a description of your “future self” in a journal. Your journal can be handwritten or typed. It may be a file on a computer, or a notebook of some kind. This description should normally be at least 250 words, but not more than 500 words.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 24px;"><b><span style="color: blue;">Third, write your epitaph</span></b><span style="color: #0d0d0d;">. If a monument were to be erected in your honor following the end of your lifetime, what would it say? What would someone say at your eulogy? Imagine what you would like others to say about you in an epitaph (i.e., an inscription on a tombstone in memory of the one buried there; or a brief literary piece commemorating a deceased person). Some examples follow:</span></span></div>
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<ul>
<li><span style="color: #0d0d0d; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 24px;">“What he sought, he acquired. What he loved, he cherished. What he had, he gave to others. As he departs, what he leaves behind is better.”</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #0d0d0d; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 24px;">“She dreamed of a better world, and assisted others in a quest to make it possible. Through instruction in truths, and through leadership in observing sound principles which guide our lives, she inspired others.”</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #0d0d0d; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 24px;">“He found his path to success, for he found ways to serve his family, his friends, his clients, and mankind. He believed in truth, justice, and peace. He embraced compassion and understanding. In his own quiet way, he treasured and loved us all.”</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #0d0d0d; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 24px;">“At rare intervals there appears among us a person whose virtues are so manifest to all, who has such a capacity for relating to every sort of human being, who so subordinates her own ego's drives to the concerns of others, who lives her whole life in harmony with the world around her, that she is revered and loved by all who know her.” </span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="color: #0d0d0d;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 24px;">Now, imagine and write your own epitaph in your journal.</span></span></div>
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<br />
<i>Dr. Ron A. Rhoades is an Asst. Professor of Finance at Western Kentucky University's Gordon Ford College of Business, where he chairs the (B.S. Finance) Financial Planning Program. An innovative, passionate teacher, he is the author of <span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/" target="_blank">Choose to Succeed in College and in Life: Continously Improve, Persevere, and Enjoy the Journey (2014</a>)</span></i>, <i>from which many of these blog posts are derived.</i><br />
<i><br /></i><i>Dr. Rhoades also serves as a consultant to the <a href="http://garrettplanningnetwork.com/" target="_blank">Garrett Planning Network</a>, a nationwide network of independent, Fee-Only financial planners making competent, objective financial advice accessible to all people. He is the author of several books, dozens of articles, and he is a frequent speaker at financial planning and investments conferences. He is the recipient of many awards for his advocacy on behalf of the fiduciary standard. Dr. Rhoades is also a member of The Florida Bar, and he practices estate planning and transfer taxation for select current clients.</i><br />
<i><br /></i><i>Dr. Rhoades and his wife, Cathy, reside in Bowling Green, Kentucky.</i><br />
<i><br /></i><i>To contact Dr. Rhoades, please e-mail: </i><a href="mailto:WKUBear@gmail.com">WKUBear@gmail.com</a>.</div>
Ron A. Rhoades, JD, CFP®http://www.blogger.com/profile/09921762176161872029noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8978220165847886802.post-26476083725950245262015-05-05T13:00:00.000-05:002015-05-05T10:51:05.824-05:002: A Letter to an Incoming Freshman<span style="font-size: large;"><i style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua'; line-height: 115%;"><b>This lesson is a “crash
course” in some important tips – from fellow students – </b></span></i><i><span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua'; line-height: 115%;"><b>that you need to know at
the beginning of your first semester of college.</b></span></i></span><br />
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<br /></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;">As you approach “move-in day” at college for the first time, we wanted to share with you our own thoughts
about what it takes to succeed in college.</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;">Before we begin, we know that
college life may seem overwhelming at times. We were there. Don’t worry if you
find yourself overwhelmed – things will get better!</span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Party in Moderation<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">First and foremost, don’t take your
newly found freedom for granted. Spending all of your “free” time going to
parties and drinking (especially when underage) is going to put you on a fast
track to fail.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Try not to party too much, especially
right before a test. There will always be parties; your academics come first,
and realize that you are not the only one “staying in” to study, instead of
going to a party.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;">Sure, it’s fun to go out and party.
But you have invested so much time and money into your education; don’t waste
it. Save parties and similar activities for the weekends. Once a week is plenty
enough.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Clearing your mind of things one
night a week is a great way to get you back on track for the stressful week
ahead.</span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">College Rape is Not Uncommon: Have a “Designated Friend”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;">Like it or not, date rape is a common
occurrence on many college campuses today. Date rape is simply this – rape by
an acquaintance. And, far more often than not, date rape occurs when alcohol
has been consumed to excess.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;">Be aware that when the person you are
with is intoxicated, she or he cannot consent to sex. In other words, if you
have sex with a person who is drunk, you’re a rapist. And being drunk yourself
does not excuse your actions, at all.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;">Here’s a rule of thumb. If you are
with someone who is too drunk to drive, then that person is too drunk to
consent to sex. If either of you is drunk, wait until the next day. If the
feelings are really there, they will be present the next day, when you are both
sober.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;">Most importantly - if you plan on
drinking, go with a friend who is the “designated safe person” – whose job it
is to look out after you and ensure you get back to your dorm room or apartment
or home safely. And always get your own drink, and keep your drink in your hand
always – yes, the stories about “roofies” are real, where someone might try to
spike your drink with a drug in order to later rape you.</span><b> </b></div>
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<b><span style="line-height: 115%;">Make the right friends, be social, and get involved.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;">We know that socialization in college
can be hard at first, because we know that you may feel isolated. But you should get out and socialize.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">But don’t solidify your friends too
fast. Take a few weeks to “try them on.” If you lie down with dogs, you’ll get
up with fleas!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;">If you make the right friends, doing
homework will be much easier. If you find friends who care about their grades,
you will be motivated to do your work, too. If your friends party a lot, you
will be tempted to do that, too. So be
careful in choosing friends.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Make friends with a group of students
within your major. Your friends are an essential resource for you, as you can
help each other out with homework problems, studying for tests, working on
projects. Having friends in class can
also make the class more fun and enjoyable.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;">Keep your dorm room door open.
Literally, just leave it open. You’ll get to know people you live with much
better.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;">Smile, and say “hello” or “good
morning” to those in your classes, or in your dorm. A smile shows that you are
approachable, and a greeting can often lead to a good conversation.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Don’t know how to converse? Just be
curious. Ask questions about the other person – such as where they are from,
what they like most about the college, and what major they are studying. Ask for
advice – almost everyone loves to give out tips.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;">We would like to let you know that
there is no reason of being afraid, when it comes to socializing, especially
with your fellow classmates. All of us make “socialization” mistakes from time
to time. We are very friendly and forgiving of such mistakes … and if you run
across someone who isn’t, just ignore that person.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Sometimes, it’s not what you know
it’s whom you know. In business and in life, you will need to know how to talk
to people. So practice and develop your social skills in college. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Study with others! A few of us
studied for hours – alone - only to find we learned nothing. And for some they
would usually get confused and make matters worse. If you study with a group
you will get to hear different interpretations of the concepts being studied. And
teaching others is the best form of studying!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<b><span style="line-height: 115%;">Get involved with clubs and organizations on campus – to make friends.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Clubs and organizations are the best
way to make new friends, and these friends can potentially become a very good
support system when you need them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">So visit a club meeting. If you don’t
feel like it is for you, just move on and try another.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Get involved on campus. Being active
and making connections with people while you are here will make college a much
more enjoyable and fulfilling experience. The number one factor in staying at a
college is the level of involvement you have on campus. If you want to stay in
school, stay active!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">20% of learning at college takes
place in the classroom. The other 80% is learned from friends and organizations
you are involved in! This is the time you will learn to be independent,
responsible and in general your own person!
Make the best of it and grow as much as you can!</span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<b><span style="line-height: 115%;">Understand the costs of being at college.
<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">There’s a lot of money being spent on
your education, by you or your family. Make it worth your while.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">But it’s not just money. In fact, the most important cost of attending
college is your time. Time you can never get back.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">The years you spend in college are
the most important years for your future. Make them count!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<b><span style="line-height: 115%;">Make Certain You are in the Right Major<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Not everyone knows exactly what their
career path will be when they enter college. And many who think they know
discover different interests as they proceed through classes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Most people are happy pursuing
careers for which they possess a good aptitude. To discover your aptitudes,
consider some of the “personality tests” that are usually free, from your
campuses’ “career development center” or other area. These can be a great way
to narrow your choices.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Then get out and explore. Discuss a
career with a professor who has actually worked in that field. Attend a career
fair and meet employers in that field, and discuss the types of jobs that are
available to new graduates, and career paths thereafter. That’s right – even as
a freshman, attend career fairs! (It’s great practice for later, too!)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<b><span style="line-height: 115%;">What are Your Primary Goals in Being Here?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Prioritize your goals. What is truly
important to you? Sports? Partying? Girls? Boys? Drinking? Or to graduate with
a degree so you can be successful in your chosen profession?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Do your best so you can obtain the
best job after you graduate from college. If you want a good job, you will need
to work hard. The best jobs usually go to those with the better cumulative
grade point averages, and to those who are involved in clubs and organizations.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Your personal success is the result
of the steps you undertake to achieve it. Ask yourself, “What should I do to
make certain that you graduate from college?” The answer is typically, “Go to
class and do the work.” Good answer, but actually doing these things is not
always easy. Learn how to persevere and
accomplish your goals.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<b><span style="line-height: 115%;">Understand the Need for Self-Control and Grit<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">One must possess self-control to
succeed in life. Practice self-control always.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">There will be many days when you
would rather go hang out with your friends instead of doing your homework, but
self-control will get your through this. Have “grit” – resilience and
perseverance.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Your main priority should be your
class work; everything else should be secondary. Don’t let your social life
control you. There are going to be times
when you want to go hang out and party, but you know you have homework to do. Remember
that school comes first. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Try studying in the library,
preferably with friends who also need to study.
This way you can avoid some of the distractions you may encounter in the
dorms.<br clear="all" style="mso-special-character: line-break; page-break-before: always;" />
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<b><span style="line-height: 115%;">Don’t Procrastinate<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Don’t procrastinate. When you receive
your assignment for the next class, get it done that same day, or as soon as
possible. Don’t wait for the deadline to arrive and be up half the night trying
to study or finish an assignment. This is especially true in college because
unexpected events pop up such as friends stopping by, an accident occurs, or a
new class project is announced.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">You have to learn how to think
through the consequences of your decisions, even if it means learning to refuse
your friends at times. Your true friends will understand and still be there
when you are done.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<b><span style="line-height: 115%;">College is Not High School<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Don’t think you can get by without
studying, as you may have done in high school if you were a genius. College is different. Some of us never studied
a lot in high school, but college is very different. If you don’t study, tests
and quizzes will not be easy, and you probably won’t do very well.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Professors don’t spoon-feed you the
material in college. Some of what appears on exams will never be discussed in
class.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Be prepared for class, go to class,
and pay attention in class.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">You must attend to all of your
classes – no excuses! Some of us did not learn that essential need until our
sophomore year or later, were lucky enough to scrape by and not wash out.
Believe you me, it does come back to haunt you.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Study two to three times a day. Study
every night. If you do not, you will fall behind quickly. In order to grasp the
many points taught in each class you need to do the reading and assignments
outside of class. Getting all your work done will give you a sense of
accomplishment, and will relieve stress.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<b><span style="line-height: 115%;">Employ Good Study Habits<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">When reading chapters, create
outlines to help you effectively communicate and understand what you’ve read. Do
outlines of the material prior to class. Or use concept maps; you can use “mind
map” software, such as Freemind (free download).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Do the assigned reading – the day
before class (or earlier). You can’t just float along by doing your homework
fifteen minutes before class, like you may have done in high school.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Don’t underestimate the material or
the professors.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Make certain that you put twice as
much time toward a class, outside of the class, than you do when you are in
that class. Repetition is the key here; you are not going to learn much from
reading the material once.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Always go to a class prepared –
meaning read the assignments and take notes beforehand! Always review the material prior to class;
this will prepare you for what is to come and will help you to memorize the
material that much faster.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Pay attention in class at all times.
Take as many notes as you can in class. It helps you to stay focused in class,
and helps you to retain the knowledge you are exposed to.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Some of us have been told (and have
learned) that sitting in certain parts of the classroom will enable you to
perform better. Sitting in the first two
rows of the center section of class can be the most beneficial.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; mso-pagination: widow-orphan;">
<b><span style="line-height: 115%;">Manage Your Time; Plan and Be Organized<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Budget your time and set a schedule. If
you do this one thing, and stick to it, then everything else will be much
easier for you. Plan all of your activities out each week. Try to keep a steady
schedule each day, balancing classes and homework with other activities. It helps you stay organized and not stress
out about what you need to do.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">During the first year at college some
of us had a hard time managing our time. But we got better. When you successfully
manage your time, you find that you get a good amount of sleep and the time to
engage in other (fun) activities.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Being organized can help you avoid
some very foolish mistakes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Know what is expected of you prior to
each class. If you keep track of all of
your assignments and try to complete them on time, it will make your life much
easier.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Always check your e-mail and
Blackboard (course management system), to keep up with messages from your
instructors.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<b><span style="line-height: 115%;">Sleep! Eat! And Take Care of Yourself!<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">“Go to class, go to chow, go to
sleep.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">While it may sound self-explanatory,
in our freshman year it took some of us some time to realize that he or she
needed to get a good night’s sleep. Once
one’s sleep each night increased, so did one’s GPA.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">We cannot stress how important
getting enough sleep is! Most of the
time when you don’t get enough sleep, you don’t even bother to get out of bed,
much less get to class! So make certain that you are getting enough rest!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">One of us had an 8:00 a.m. class
during freshman year and he or she was always tired in class, and that affected
his or her grades.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">“Sleep before study.” You mind cannot
retain information if it is worn out and tired.
So get some rest.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Get 7 to 9.5 hours of sleep a night. Everyone
is different as to how much sleep they need. One academic study suggests that
the average college student needs 9.25 hours of sleep a night (some might need
even more). And these studies demonstrate that the 8th and 9th hours of sleep
are really important, as that is when long-term memories are best formed. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">If you get plenty of rest, you will
have more energy to make it to every class on time, and to do all of the
readings and assignments.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">So get to bed at a reasonable
hour. Red Bull-fueled study sessions
lasting all night are one quick way to burn out your candle.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Also, don’t go to class hungry. Eat a
good meal so you can stay focused in class.
Don’t just survive on vending machines, as they will fill your body with
garbage, sapping your strength and brainpower.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">One of the most important things is
to take care of your body. Without
proper nutrition and exercise your body won’t be as effective as it should
be. We know it’s a pain, but try to eat
right, get the proper amount of sleep, and you will notice how good it feels.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<b><span style="line-height: 115%;">Keep an Open Mind<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">You will meet people from very
different backgrounds than yours. The world is full of different opinions, facts,
information, and technology. Keeping an open mind can assist you in learning
more about things that maybe you did not even know you were interested in.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Being able to act properly in any
situation is a key to success in school and life. You never know what school or
life will throw at you, and with an open mind you will be able to perform at
your best.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<b><span style="line-height: 115%;">Avoid Groupthink<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Don’t let your peers and their
behavior unduly influence your own decisions and actions. Like the saying goes, “If everybody agrees,
somebody isn’t thinking.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<b><span style="line-height: 115%;">Keep Your Morals and Your Values Close<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Just because you have an open mind
doesn’t mean you cannot have great morals.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Just because you may be able to get
away with something doesn’t mean you need to go there.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">"Without integrity, I am no one." Resist the urge to cheat on a test. Don’t plagiarize – every professor knows
how to easily detect plagiarism using online software they access - and they access this software <i>nearly all the time</i>!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<b><span style="line-height: 115%;">Ask Questions, and Ask for Assistance<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">If you do not understand something,
just ask a question. Some people have
trouble with this because they are too shy to say anything. If you never ask, your professor will never
know. You are paying for the professor –
and her or his time! However, if you are
too shy to ask questions in class, then ask the professor in her or his office,
or e-mail the professor.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">There is no dumb or stupid question. Always
ask questions when you don’t know something. This way you will learn what you
did not know, and you will be able to do better in those classes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Go see your professors during their
office hours. Listen to them. They know what they are talking about, so don’t
be ignorant.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">When you are doing your best and
studying all of the materials, but you still don’t understand it, ask for extra
help. You can even request a tutor to assist you. Some of us see tutors for a
couple of our classes, and they have helped us come up with several good
studying techniques.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Use the Writing Center. Use the
English Department to help you with a paper in your business class. Do your
math homework in the Math Lab – that way, if you get stuck on a problem, help
is right there. And don't forget online study resources available - including online (free) tutoring assistance.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Get to know at least one professor
each semester. Knowing your instructors will increase your connection with the
material presented and is a great way to get extra help on class work.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">If it gets to be too much, just take
a breath and then ask for help.</span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<b><span style="line-height: 115%;">Don’t Give Up!<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Life and college are going to hit you
hard at times, often provoking thoughts in you of quitting. But it is times
like these when you need to persevere though any struggles you may be up
against.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">You should always try to look at the
good things you have in life. Thinking about all the bad things will only lead
to more bad things and negativity.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<b><span style="line-height: 115%;">Take Time to Relax<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Don’t take things too seriously. You
need to relax and enjoy yourself once in a while. But – don’t get carried away.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Have fun on occasion. School can be
stressful at times. Make certain you give yourself time to go out and enjoy the
best years of your life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Remember – “Just Breathe!” Try to
keep your stress level down; it always makes things more difficult if you are
stressed out.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Be yourself and do what you love. Happiness
is the key to success, and your time at college should be fun. You can’t get your college years “back,” so
take some time out to enjoy the college experience.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<b><span style="line-height: 115%;">R U Texting in class? Watch out!<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Lastly, don’t text in class. At least
one professor we know will seize your phone and throw it out the window. We are
not joking!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: blue;"><b>There is no reason why you cannot follow these steps to become a
successful student.<o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: blue;"><b>Now go out there and make it happen!
“Just do it!”<o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: blue;"><b>We wish you all the best in meeting your challenges in all of your future
endeavors!<o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: blue;"><b>Have a great time in college!<o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua';"><span style="color: blue;"><b> -
Your fellow students</b> <span style="font-size: xx-small;">(Alfred State College, 2012-2014)</span></span></span><!--EndFragment-->
<br />
<i><span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua';"><br /></span></i>
<i>THANK YOU TO MY STUDENTS FOR THE TIPS THEY WROTE, COMPILED INTO THIS POST.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>Dr. Ron A. Rhoades is an Asst. Professor of Finance at Western Kentucky University's Gordon Ford College of Business, where he chairs the (B.S. Finance) Financial Planning Program. An innovative, passionate teacher, he is the author of <span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/" target="_blank">Choose to Succeed in College and in Life: Continously Improve, Persevere, and Enjoy the Journey (2014</a>)</span></i>, <i>from which many of these blog posts are derived.</i><br />
<i><br /></i><i>Dr. Rhoades also serves as a consultant to the <a href="http://garrettplanningnetwork.com/" target="_blank">Garrett Planning Network</a>, a nationwide network of independent, Fee-Only financial planners making competent, objective financial advice accessible to all people. He is the author of several books, dozens of articles, and he is a frequent speaker at financial planning and investments conferences. He is the recipient of many awards for his advocacy on behalf of the fiduciary standard. Dr. Rhoades is also a member of The Florida Bar, and he practices estate planning and transfer taxation for select current clients.</i><br />
<i><br /></i><i>Dr. Rhoades and his wife, Cathy, reside in Bowling Green, Kentucky.</i><br />
<i><br /></i><i>To contact Dr. Rhoades, please e-mail: </i><a href="mailto:WKUBear@gmail.com">WKUBear@gmail.com</a>.Ron A. Rhoades, JD, CFP®http://www.blogger.com/profile/09921762176161872029noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8978220165847886802.post-11812105276502770102015-05-05T11:30:00.000-05:002015-05-05T10:51:13.662-05:003: Adopt a Growth Mindset<div class="CSP-ChapterTitle">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 112%;">One of the most powerful forces to
propel you toward greater success is your belief that change is possible. The
brain is malleable. It gets stronger and stronger, and works better, with
exercise. Each time you stretch the boundaries of your limits in some way –
whether it be through greater self-control, socializing better, or learning
something new – the brain forms new connections.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 112%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 112%;">In other words, </span><i style="line-height: 112%;"><b>neither your intelligence, nor your
abilities and thinking skills, are fixed</b></i><span style="line-height: 112%;">. Everyone can improve their
intelligence and cognitive abilities!</span></span></div>
<div class="CSP-ChapterTitle">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 112%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="CSP-ChapterTitle">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 112%;">The question is … do you take full
advantage of this malleability, by possessing a growth mindset?</span><br />
<span style="line-height: 112%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 112%;">In writing her book, </span><span style="font-variant: small-caps; line-height: 112%;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/" target="_blank">Mindset – How You Can Fulfill Your Potential</a></span><span style="line-height: 112%;">
(2006), Carol Dweck, a professor at Stanford University, who created the
concept of mindset, studied first year pre-med majors taking their first
chemistry class. Students with a growth mindset got higher grades than those
with a fixed mindset. Even when they did not do well on a test, the growth
mindset students bounced back on the next test.</span></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 112%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="line-height: 112%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Mindset is the cognitive view that
individuals develop for themselves. You likely have one of two mindsets:</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: 112%; margin-bottom: 2.0pt; margin-left: .4in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.2in;">
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 112%;">a fixed mindset, in which you believe
that your qualities are carved in stone and cannot change; or</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 112%;">a growth mindset, in which you
believe your qualities can change and improve through effort.</span></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: 112%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: .4in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.2in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 112%;">In a fixed mindset, people believe
their basic qualities, like their intelligence or talent, are simply fixed
traits. They spend their time documenting their intelligence or talent instead
of developing them. Sometimes they say things like, “I’m just not good at …
(math, etc.).” They also believe that talent alone creates success—without
effort. </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">They are wrong.</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 112%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 112%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="line-height: 112%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">In contrast, when people they have a
growth mindset, they believe that their most basic abilities can be developed
through dedication and hard work—brains and talent are just the starting point.
This view creates a love of learning and a resilience that is essential for
great accomplishment. And note this - virtually all great persons possess these
qualities!</span></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 112%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 112%;">The “growth mindset” is perhaps the
most fundamental underpinning of grit, tenacity, and perseverance in academic
pursuits. It has been found that students are more likely to persist through
academic challenges when they believe the effort will make them smarter and
lead to success. </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">And they are right!</i></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 112%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="line-height: 112%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">What is required for a growth
mindset? It’s easy to withdraw into a fixed mindset when the going gets tough.
But know this - as you bump up against obstacles, if you keep growing, work
harder, stay the course, and improve your strategies, then you will become a
more successful student.</span></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 112%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="line-height: 112%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">While fixed mindset students focused
on memorization of terms verbatim, growth mindset students took charge of their
motivation and learning, searching for themes and principles in the course.
While fixed mindset students upon receiving bad scores just “moved on” (many dropping
out of pre-med), growth mindset students went over their mistakes until they understood
why they made them. In other words, growth mindset students studied to learn,
not just to ace the test.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="line-height: 112%;">Your assignment … should you choose to accept it (and please do!) … </span></b><span style="line-height: 112%;">watch this 11-minute video: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pN34FNbOKXc" target="_blank">“ThePower of Belief - Mindset and Success,”</a> by Eduardo Briceno at
TEDxManhattanBeach.</span><span style="line-height: 112%;"> After watching the video, please write in your
journal a 150-word or longer essay, “Why and How I Should Adopt a Growth
Mindset.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 112%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 112%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Should you desire, undertake a Google and/or YouTube search for “growth
mindset” to gain greater understanding of this important concept.</span><span style="font-size: 10.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 112%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal;">
<i>Dr. Ron A. Rhoades is an Asst. Professor of Finance at Western Kentucky University's Gordon Ford College of Business, where he chairs the (B.S. Finance) Financial Planning Program. An innovative, passionate teacher, he is the author of <span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/" target="_blank">Choose to Succeed in College and in Life: Continously Improve, Persevere, and Enjoy the Journey (2014</a>)</span></i>, <i>from which many of these blog posts are derived.</i></div>
<div style="line-height: normal;">
<i><br /></i><i>Dr. Rhoades also serves as a consultant to the <a href="http://garrettplanningnetwork.com/" target="_blank">Garrett Planning Network</a>, a nationwide network of independent, Fee-Only financial planners making competent, objective financial advice accessible to all people. He is the author of several books, dozens of articles, and he is a frequent speaker at financial planning and investments conferences. He is the recipient of many awards for his advocacy on behalf of the fiduciary standard. Dr. Rhoades is also a member of The Florida Bar, and he practices estate planning and transfer taxation for select current clients.</i></div>
<div style="line-height: normal;">
<i><br /></i><i>Dr. Rhoades and his wife, Cathy, reside in Bowling Green, Kentucky.</i></div>
<span style="line-height: 112%;"></span><br />
<div style="line-height: normal;">
<i><br /></i><i>To contact Dr. Rhoades, please e-mail: </i><a href="mailto:WKUBear@gmail.com">WKUBear@gmail.com</a>.</div>
</div>
Ron A. Rhoades, JD, CFP®http://www.blogger.com/profile/09921762176161872029noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8978220165847886802.post-4187385177357099872015-05-05T11:20:00.000-05:002015-05-05T10:51:22.160-05:004: Expand Your Comfort ZoneEleanor Roosevelt once wrote, “Do one thing each day that scares you.”<br />
<br />
I once met two brothers, students in my class, who – despite having characteristics of introverts – were outgoing, friendly, and always willing to tackle new challenges. Having lunch with them one day, I discovered their secret. Each and every morning, as their mother sent them off to school, their mother said: “Do one thing today that scares you.”<br />
<br />
We must realize that our brains are hard-wired, from the days of the cave men, to flee from danger. But in today’s society, where interpersonal skills are so highly valued, we need to learn to overcome fear. Otherwise fear prevents us from achieving, and it takes a far greater bite out of our life than we should permit it to do.<br />
<br />
While not all fears should be overcome, many fears cause us to be anxious in social situations. To overcome these and related fears, each of us needs to seek to “expand our comfort zone.”<br />
<br />
As you expand your comfort zone, you actually grow as a person to fill out these new boundaries.<br />
<br />
If you have a larger comfort zone, and continue to push the edges of it out, you really do grow as an individual – you have more experiences, undertake more learning, and acquire more wisdom.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: blue;">Understand the Need to Say “Yes”!</span></b><br />
<br />
In the 2008 movie “Yes Man,” Jim Carrey plays Carl, who reluctantly promises to stop being a "No Man" and vows to answer "Yes!" to every opportunity, request or invitation that presents itself thereafter. While the result (in the movie) is both hilarious and, at times, moving, the movie is actually based upon a real experiment. In fact, after the movie, some individuals chose to say “Yes!” for an entire week. Here’s one blog post indicating the results: <a href="http://vladdolezal.com/blog/2009/my-real-world-yes-man-experiment/" target="_blank">http://vladdolezal.com/blog/2009/my-real-world-yes-man-experiment/ </a><br />
<br />
If saying “Yes!” to everything for a week is too much of a challenge, then consider an alternative – calculated activities to expand your “comfort zone.”<br />
<br />
For much of the past 30 years, I’ve taken on the challenge of expanding my comfort zone. Being a severe introvert, I first learned how to socialize at receptions and similar events (a skill I am still working on). I began to give speeches and presentations, first to small groups; this evolved into my current ability to give speeches to a several hundred or a few thousand people at various conferences without any undue nervousness.<br />
<br />
Each and every one of us has her or his own “comfort zone.” Studies have shown that 40% of college students possess social anxiety – i.e., shyness. And the remaining 60% possess anxiety in other circumstances, such as public speaking, meeting someone new for the first time, etc. The truth is that each and every one of us can expand their comfort zone, significantly, over time. And college is a great place to undertake this effort.<br />
<br />
Why do this? Life’s magic occurs largely outside your current comfort zone. If you want to suck all the marrow out of life, as I do, you need to be willing to put yourself out there into areas of “discomfort.” Then, as you adjust, you become more and more comfortable in those situations, thereby expanding your comfort zone, you actually grow as a person to fill out these new boundaries.<br />
<br />
If you develop a larger comfort zone, and continue to push the edges of it out, you really do grow as an individual – you have more experiences, undertake more learning, and acquire more wisdom.<br />
<br />
In short, you experience life more fully.<br />
<br />
As an added bonus, when you interview for a job in your career field you will be a better interviewee, and job candidate. The better jobs go to the graduates who are more personable and well-rounded!<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: blue;">Rush Toward Your Fear!</span></b><br />
<br />
I am deathly afraid of heights, and always have been. As a child, during a visit to New York City, I was very nervous about going up the Empire State Building, and even more so when my parents urged me to peer down from the observation deck to the streets below. My fear of falling was intense; and my parents could never get me to ride any roller coaster - regardless of how small or tame it may have been.<br />
<br />
So at the age of 18 years, I faced a dilemma. I was in my first summer at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy. I found out that on the summer cruise, in just a few weeks’ time, I would be required to climb the rigging of the tall ship, the U.S.C.G. Eagle, and to work aloft handling the sails.<br />
<br />
While at the Coast Guard Academy I received instruction from a Boatswain's Mate, who had been in the Coast Guard for about a decade. He previously had served on the Eagle, and as he taught us various types of knots he explained where on the Eagle we might find a use for each one. As he was teaching several cadets and me the intricacies of tying a bowline (a type of knot), I asked the Boatswain’s Mate, with some apprehension in my voice, “How difficult is it to climb the Eagle's rigging?” The Boatswain's Mate paused from working the line in his hands, looked me straight in the eye, and simply said: "Rush toward your fear."<br />
<br />
A few weeks later, my fellow swabs - that's what they called first year cadets - were flown to Miami, where we picked up the Eagle to take her on a week-long training cruise. So here I was, at the Port of Miami, aboard the docked ship, with my gear stowed. It was an early summer evening, and I was on deck, looking up at the three masts, the 10 yardarms, the crosstrees, shrouds, halyards, and all the other rigging. As I was looking up, contemplating my fate, the Officer of the Deck approached me and asked, "Want to go aloft?"<br />
<br />
I imagine I turned white a bit, but just then I remembered what the Boatswain’s Mate had said. "Rush toward your fear." So I nodded to the Officer of the Deck, stowed my hat, and headed up the rigging. I climbed up the rope ladder, past the first platform and the lowest yardarm. I continued higher and higher, pausing every several steps to look around – and at times down to the deck, appearing smaller and smaller as I went higher and higher. Past two more yardarms, and finally I made it to the second and higher platform upon which I could sit, pause, and regain my senses.<br />
<br />
But just then the Officer of the Deck shouted up, “Keep going. Touch the commissioning pennant.” I looked down, then up, terrified. The shrouds (lines running up and down) were very narrow at this point, and it was difficult to fit my big shoe in the rigging to go higher. But, keeping in mind what the Boatswain’s Mate had told me, higher I did go, the last thirty feet, and touched the commissioning pennant at the top of the mainmast, some one hundred fifty feet above the deck.<br />
<br />
As I headed back down, I traversed out onto the footrope that hung beneath each of the yardarms. My big feet found each single footrope that hung beneath each yardarm with ease with a firm grip on the handrails affixed to each yardarm. I traversed out to the end of each yardarm, then returned back to the mast.<br />
<br />
I also paused and sat on each platform, partly to rest and partly to enjoy the view. In the rays of the setting summer sun, I felt a sense of accomplishment. Not only had I climbed the rigging, far beyond the point where I ever thought I would, but I was the first among my classmates to do so.<br />
<br />
From that day forward, I was known as a “rigging rat,” always willing to go aloft to furl or unfurl the sails.<br />
<br />
A year later, I was aboard the Eagle for a longer summer cruise, this time across the Atlantic and back. When returning, just northwest of Bermuda, the ship encountered a low-pressure system. (A better description of the low-pressure system would be “minor hurricane” – although I was not convinced that hurricanes could be minor.)<br />
<br />
It was the middle of the night. Cadets were not allowed on deck, except for the bridge crew. The Eagle was under sail, in seventy-five knot winds, with gusts up to ninety knots. Even though it was the dead of night, the sea was awash in white, as the wind and waves combined to brew a froth of whitecaps and foam atop the thirty-foot high waves.<br />
<br />
That night I was on duty on the ship’s helm. I led a team of six cadets, on three connected six-foot ship’s wheels, as we sought to keep the ship on course. The Eagle did not have power steering, so turning the rudder, via the wheel, required a good amount of muscle applied by the six cadets.<br />
<br />
Only the three lower sails on each mast were deployed that night, as the top two sails had long been furled in order to not strain the masts too much. Suddenly the gaskets that constrained the topsail to the yardarm blew out. This posed a dangerous condition – not only could we lose a sail in the powerful wind, but the stress being placed on the mast by the sail flapping in the high wind could cause it to snap. If the mast snapped, it could fall to and through the deck, even punching a hole in the hull of the ship. In short, the ship was at risk.<br />
<br />
The Captain quickly sent an experienced enlisted man aloft to secure the sail. After twenty minutes, the enlisted man signaled down that he needed more line. The Captain looked around, spotted me on the wheel, and asked: “Rhoades, want to go aloft?”<br />
<br />
I wouldn’t say that I wanted to go aloft in those conditions. But a request from your Captain was more like a very strong suggestion, and somewhat close to an order. So I headed down to the Boatswain’s Locker, measured out eighty feet of line, cut and spliced the ends of the line, and wrapped it in a coil. With the coil of line slung over my shoulders, I headed up to the deck, crossed to the side of the ship, and in a pause between the waves crashing over the ship's side, I then grasped the rigging and headed aloft.<br />
<br />
The Eagle, though under sail, reeled from side to side and yawed fore and aft. Climbing the rigging was instantly a challenge, for as the ship careened over onto one side I found myself not climbing vertically, but rather at times almost horizontally, looking down at the deck. Then, as the Eagle careened to its other side, I hung on, for I would find myself hanging on to the rigging, looking straight up to the sky, with all fours – and even at times with my head seemingly below my feet.<br />
<br />
Fifteen minutes of effort later, I finally reached the top yardarm. I left the rigging and traversed out onto the footrope beneath the yardarm. There I encountered the enlisted man – the very same Boatswain’s Mate who had taught me knots more than a year before. We looked each other in the eye, and he nodded at me, with a slight smile passing his lips. I nodded back, and then together we set to work, wrapping up the sail with the line and tightly securing it to the yardarm. Some thirty minutes later, we were back on deck, exhausted from battling the high winds and sea spray as we worked aloft. Yet it was a physical exhaustion only, for our minds raced as we recalled the journey we had together pursued during the past hour.<br />
<br />
Rush toward your fear – or you will miss out on the great experiences in life.<br />
<br />
Today I am still afraid of heights. But I have been on roller coasters since I was eighteen years of age. And I have gone up in many tall buildings (and even, at times, I have peeked over the edge).<br />
<br />
If you are confronted with some fear, realize this. Whatever fear is facing you - whether it be the fear of meeting someone new for the first time, or the fear of public speaking, or some other fear in life - rush toward it. For once you are past it, life is great on the other side.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: blue;"><b>Your Assignment: </b></span><br />
<br />
First, watch the following TedX talk, only six minutes long: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jRE-x1zgsZU" target="_blank">“Measuring Comfort Zones”</a> by Marcus Taylor at TEDxMelbourne. (6 minutes).<br />
<br />
Then, for each of the next nine weeks, choose two activities each week from the list below. Choose those activities that scare you – i.e., those activities that expand your comfort zone. Please note that you may not repeat any activity.<br />
<br />
At the end of each week, you should write down your progress in your journal. Schedule a reminder on your smart phone for the same day and time, once a week for nine weeks, to record your journal entries.<br />
<br />
Your journal entries might start off in the following manner: <i>"I expanded my comfort zone over the past week by undertaking two activities I would not have normally undertaken. For the first activity I … (Describe the activity. What was the result for you? How did it make you feel?) As a result of all of this experience, I have realized that …. For the second activity I … (Describe the activity. What was the result for you? How did it make you feel?) As a result of all of this experience, I have realized that …."</i><br />
<br />
Here are the activities to choose from:<br />
<br />
1. Eat something different – a food item you have not tried in at least a year.<br />
<br />
2. Give at least three people compliments on any day, when you normally would not (counts as one activity).<br />
<br />
3.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Smile at (all) strangers, and say “Good morning” or “Good afternoon” or “Hi” to all the people you pass by, for one entire day – and wherever you are!<br />
<br />
4. Get to sleep (bed) one hour earlier for four nights straight, and at the same time each night (this counts as one activity).<br />
<br />
5. Speak up in a class – when you normally would not speak up.<br />
<br />
6. Go to an on-campus event or which you typically would not go to, or engage in a new activity on-campus.<br />
<br />
7. Thank a friend or family member for their ongoing support.<br />
<br />
8. Tell someone they are loved.<br />
<br />
9. Let go of your self-judgment for a day. And do something others would never think you would do. Feel good about yourself. If others think ill of you – they do not matter; they are no longer part of your personal universe.<br />
<br />
10. Perform on Karaoke night.<br />
<br />
11. Show three friends or acquaintances the benefits of the “Power Pose” and show them the video (Google search: “TedX Power Pose”).<br />
<br />
12. Unplug your t.v. and video games for one entire week.<br />
<br />
13. Use the writing center on-campus for assistance in reviewing the draft of an essay or paper.<br />
<br />
14. Do your math homework in the math lab, seeking assistance when needed.<br />
<br />
15. Ask for a tutor.<br />
<br />
16. Form a study group, or join one, during the next seven days.<br />
<br />
17. See a professor for guidance on “how to do better” in a particular class, or on a particular assignment.<br />
<br />
18. See a professor for tips or career paths and/or “how to best network to find jobs or internships.”<br />
<br />
19. Obtain counseling at the student health center to talk through a problem or to seek ideas on how to relieve stress.<br />
<br />
20. Apologize to someone you have done wrong / admit you were wrong.<br />
<br />
21. Write a “personal log entry” in which you forgive someone for a wrong done to you. Let go of bitterness and anger. Let go of a grudge. (Whether you choose to communicate your forgiveness to the other person is up to you, and dependent upon the circumstances.)<br />
<br />
22. Perform three “random acts of kindness” in one day (counts as one activity). For ideas on random acts of kindness you might undertake, Google search the term “random acts of kindness.”<br />
<br />
23. Go up to a stranger in a student dining or coffee shop area. Introduce yourself and ask him or her if you can ask them a few questions, for an assignment you are working on. Find out the person’s name, major or occupation, hometown, and what they like most and least about the college or the program they are in.<br />
<br />
24. Change your group of friends (i.e., don’t “lie down with dogs”), or disassociate yourself over time from one friend who tends to drag you down.<br />
<br />
25. Undertake a civic engagement activity with others.<br />
<br />
26. Post a “success tip” once a day, each day, or your dorm room door or another place on campus, or on your social media page, for five straight days. Make certain you indicate below the success tip your identity, such as: “This success tip provided courtesy of (your name).”<br />
<br />
OR ... CREATE YOUR OWN CHALLENGE. Just make certain the activity scares you!<br />
<br />
These exercises can be powerful, if you approach them with an open mind and a view toward personal growth.<br />
<br />
Prior comments received from students include:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>“Some students don’t really understand the point of these exercises. But, it’s teaching the confidence that you need to survive in the business world.”</li>
<li>“As a result of all these experiences, I have realized how important it is step outside your comfort zone. I never realized how much you could be missing out on when you stay within your safe day-to-day routine. Although not every experience was a pleasant one I still enjoyed all of these exercises.”</li>
<li>“I feel that doing things which are uncomfortable can make life more worthwhile.”</li>
<li>“I know some of these tasks might come by easy to some people, but they were hard ones for me. I realize that stepping outside your comfort zone not only builds strength, but it also helps you realize things about yourself you would have never known if you didn’t do the unusual.”</li>
<li>“I would do this project one hundred times over again.”</li>
</ul>
<br />
<div>
<i>Dr. Ron A. Rhoades is an Asst. Professor of Finance at Western Kentucky University's Gordon Ford College of Business, where he chairs the (B.S. Finance) Financial Planning Program. An innovative, passionate teacher, he is the author of <span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/" target="_blank">Choose to Succeed in College and in Life: Continously Improve, Persevere, and Enjoy the Journey (2014</a>)</span></i>, <i>from which many of these blog posts are derived.</i><br />
<i><br /></i><i>Dr. Rhoades also serves as a consultant to the <a href="http://garrettplanningnetwork.com/" target="_blank">Garrett Planning Network</a>, a nationwide network of independent, Fee-Only financial planners making competent, objective financial advice accessible to all people. He is the author of several books, dozens of articles, and he is a frequent speaker at financial planning and investments conferences. He is the recipient of many awards for his advocacy on behalf of the fiduciary standard. Dr. Rhoades is also a member of The Florida Bar, and he practices estate planning and transfer taxation for select current clients.</i><br />
<i><br /></i><i>Dr. Rhoades and his wife, Cathy, reside in Bowling Green, Kentucky.</i><br />
<i><br /></i><i>To contact Dr. Rhoades, please e-mail: </i><a href="mailto:WKUBear@gmail.com">WKUBear@gmail.com</a>.</div>
Ron A. Rhoades, JD, CFP®http://www.blogger.com/profile/09921762176161872029noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8978220165847886802.post-53066661989399953992015-05-05T11:10:00.000-05:002015-07-30T09:00:01.242-05:005: Embrace the Power of GratitudeStudies have traced a range of impressive benefits to the simple act of writing down the things for which we’re grateful—benefits including better sleep, fewer symptoms of illness, and more happiness among adults and kids alike. Yet, far too often we fail to express gratitude, and we fail to be thankful for the life we possess.<br />
<br />
<b style="background-color: yellow;">Your Assignments</b><br />
<br />
Your next two assignments involve gratitude. In the first assignment, you express your own gratitude. In the second assignment, you show gratitude toward another. Each of the assignments is repeated once each week, for the next nine weeks.<br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: yellow;"><b>First Assignment – Journal Entries on Gratitude.</b></span><br />
<br />
One evening a week, for the next nine weeks, write in your journal. Each week, you should seek to answer these questions as you write your journal entry: “What am I most thankful for – this week?” and “Why?” Set an alarm on your smart phone, at the same time and day of each week for the next nine weeks, to remind you to complete these journal entries. (Choose a different day, for writing these journal entries, as opposed to other journal entries.)<br />
<br />
Here are some tips for reaping the greatest psychological rewards from your gratitude journal:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Don’t just go through the motions. Research by psychologist Sonja Lyubomirsky and others suggests that journaling is more effective if you first make the conscious decision to become happier and more grateful. Motivation to become happier plays a role in the efficacy of journaling.</li>
<li>Go for depth over breadth. Elaborating in detail about a particular thing for which you’re grateful carries more benefits than a superficial list of many things.</li>
<li>Get personal. Focusing on people to whom you are grateful has more of an impact than focusing on things for which you are grateful.</li>
<li>Try subtraction, not just addition. One effective way of stimulating gratitude is to reflect on what your life would be like without certain blessings, rather than just tallying up all those good things.</li>
<li>Savor surprises. Try to record events that were unexpected or surprising, as these tend to elicit stronger levels of gratitude.</li>
<li>Don’t overdo it. Writing occasionally (once or twice per week) is more beneficial than daily journaling. In fact, one study by Lyubomirsky and her colleagues found that people who wrote in their gratitude journals once a week for six weeks reported boosts in happiness afterward; people who wrote three times per week didn’t. “We adapt to positive events quickly, especially if we constantly focus on them,” said another researcher. “It seems counterintuitive, but it is how the mind works.”</li>
</ul>
If you become stuck, always revert back to square one. Be thankful for each breath you take.<br />
<br />
Various studies have shown that simply doing a five-minute gratitude journal, once or twice a week, can increase a person’s happiness by 10%. Doesn’t sound like much, until you realize that it takes a doubling of income to achieve the same effect (and often that effect is not as long-lasting).<br />
<br />
Writing a “gratitude journal” reduces feelings of envy, makes our memories happier, lets us experience good feelings, and helps us bounce back from stress. The simple journaling of gratitude builds self-esteem and makes a person less self-centered and more optimistic from day-to-day. Studies have shown that a gratitude journal deepens relationships with others, and also makes a person even friendlier (and, as a result, possessing of more friends).<br />
<br />
<b style="background-color: yellow;">Second Assignment – Thank You Notes. </b><br />
<br />
Hand-written thank you notes are seldom sent and received today. That is what makes them so special.<br />
<br />
For this assignment, write and mail (or hand-deliver) a handwritten thank-you note, once a week, for the next nine weeks.<br />
<br />
How should you write a thank-you note? Keep it short – usually three to four sentences is enough. Use plain thank-you cards and envelopes – nothing too fancy.<br />
<br />
The following is excerpted from “Say Thank You” by Katherine Vessenes, JD, CFP®, RFC (Sept. 1, 2004), available at http://www.financial-planning.com/news/say-thank-you-526505-1.html?pg=2. For more articles by Katherine Vessenes, visit <a href="http://www.vestmentadvisors.com./">www.vestmentadvisors.com.</a><br />
<ul>
<li>“68% of customers leave for the most important reason – perceived indifference. In short, they just didn't feel valued or appreciated…every card should have a minimum of 3 lines, a salutation, and close. You can go up to 5 lines. More than that is a letter. A good format might be:</li>
<ul>
<li>Expressing gratitude for the person's thoughtfulness or kindness;</li>
<li>Personalizing the kindness; and</li>
<li>Referring to a future interaction.”</li>
</ul>
<li><i>Upon Completion of a Service: </i>“It has been a pleasure serving you! We appreciate your business and the confidence you have placed in us. We look forward to serving you again. Thank you.”</li>
<li><i>A General Thank You:</i> “Clients like you are a pleasure! Thank you for providing us with the opportunity to serve you. We appreciate your business and the confidence you have placed in us. Please contact me whenever I may be of further assistance.”</li>
<li><i>After a Referral: </i>“I so appreciate the confidence you have in me and your many referrals. I met with the Martins this morning, and I know they are going to be fun clients. Thanks again for all your support. Katherine”</li>
<li><i>After a Telephone Contact: </i>“Thank you for taking the time to talk with me today. Your prompt response to my voice mail really helps me do my job better. I appreciated your thoughts and suggestions for making our next event even better. We look forward to seeing you at our golf outing in June. Warmest regards, K”</li>
<li><i>After an Initial Meeting: </i>“It was a pleasure to finally meet you in person today and get to know you better. I was struck by what a good job you had done raising your family and staying focused on what is most important in your life-the relationship with your children and grandchildren. I am looking forward to our next meeting. Katherine”</li>
</ul>
Remind yourself to write a thank-you note each week, by setting an alarm for a specific day and time each week, for the next nine weeks. (Choose a different day for these journal entries, than others you will do.)<br />
<br />
__________________________________________<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Additional reading: </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>David Brooks, "The Structure of Gratitude," The New York Times (July 28, 2015)</i></span><br />
<br />
<table style="background-color: rgb(100.000000%, 100.000000%, 100.000000%); border-collapse: collapse;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="border-bottom-width: 0.000000pt; border-left-color: rgb(0.000000%, 0.000000%, 0.000000%); border-left-width: 0.000000pt; border-right-color: rgb(0.000000%, 0.000000%, 0.000000%); border-right-width: 0.000000pt; border-style: solid; border-top-color: rgb(80.000000%, 80.000000%, 80.000000%); border-top-width: 2.000000pt;"><div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>"I’m sometimes grumpier when I stay at a nice hotel. I have certain expectations
about the service that’s going to be provided. I get impatient if I have to crawl around
looking for a power outlet, if the shower controls are unfathomable, if the place
considers itself too fancy to put a coffee machine in each room. I’m sometimes
happier at a budget motel, where my expectations are lower, and where a
functioning iron is a bonus and the waffle maker in the breakfast area is a treat.
</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>This little phenomenon shows how powerfully expectations structure our moods
and emotions, none more so than the beautiful emotion of gratitude.
</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Gratitude happens when some kindness exceeds expectations, when it is
undeserved. Gratitude is a sort of laughter of the heart that comes about after some
surprising kindness.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Most people feel grateful some of the time — after someone saves you from a
mistake or brings you food during an illness. But some people seem grateful
dispositionally. They seem thankful practically all of the time.
</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>These people may have big ambitions, but they have preserved small
anticipations. As most people get on in life and earn more status, they often get used
to more respect and nicer treatment. But people with dispositional gratitude take
nothing for granted. They take a beginner’s thrill at a word of praise, at another’s
good performance or at each sunny day. These people are present-minded and frustrated because the perfect </i></span><i style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">society has not yet been achieved. But if you go through life believing that our reason is not that great, our individual skills are not that impressive, and our goodness is severely mottled, then you’re sort of amazed life has managed to be as sweet as it is. You’re grateful for all the institutions our ancestors gave us, like the Constitution and our customs, which shape us to be better than we’d otherwise be. Appreciation becomes the first political virtue and the need to perfect the gifts of others is the first political task.</i></div>
</div>
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<tbody>
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<td style="border-bottom-color: rgb(0.000000%, 0.000000%, 0.000000%); border-bottom-width: 1.000000pt; border-left-color: rgb(0.000000%, 0.000000%, 0.000000%); border-left-width: 0.000000pt; border-right-color: rgb(0.000000%, 0.000000%, 0.000000%); border-right-width: 0.000000pt; border-style: solid; border-top-width: 0.000000pt;">
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<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>We live in a capitalist meritocracy that encourages individualism and
utilitarianism, ambition and pride. But this society would fall apart if not for another
economy, one in which gifts surpass expectations, in which insufficiency is
acknowledged and dependence celebrated.
</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Gratitude is the ability to see and appreciate this other almost magical economy.
G. K. Chesterton wrote that “thanks are the highest form of thought, and that
gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder.”
</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>People with grateful dispositions see their efforts grandly but not themselves.
Life doesn’t surpass their dreams but it nicely surpasses their expectations.
</i></span><br />
<br /></div>
</div>
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</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>This kind of dispositional gratitude is worth dissecting because it induces a
mentality that stands in counterbalance to the mainstream threads of our culture.
</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>We live in a capitalist meritocracy. This meritocracy encourages people to be
self-sufficient — masters of their own fate. But people with dispositional gratitude
are hyperaware of their continual dependence on others. They treasure the way they
have been fashioned by parents, friends and ancestors who were in some ways their
superiors. They’re glad the ideal of individual autonomy is an illusion because if they
were relying on themselves they’d be much worse off.
</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>The basic logic of the capitalist meritocracy is that you get what you pay for, that
you earn what you deserve. But people with dispositional gratitude are continually
struck by the fact that they are given far more than they pay for — and are much
richer than they deserve. Their families, schools and summer camps put far more
into them than they give back. There’s a lot of surplus goodness in daily life that can’t
be explained by the logic of equal exchange.
</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Capitalism encourages us to see human beings as self-interested, utility-
maximizing creatures. But people with grateful dispositions are attuned to the gift
economy where people are motivated by sympathy as well as self-interest. In the gift
economy intention matters. We’re grateful to people who tried to do us favors even
when those favors didn’t work out. In the gift economy imaginative empathy
matters. We’re grateful because some people showed they care about us more than
we thought they did. We’re grateful when others took an imaginative leap and put
themselves in our mind, even with no benefit to themselves.
</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<div class="story-body-text story-content" data-para-count="206" data-total-count="4795" itemprop="articleBody">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Gratitude
is the ability to see and appreciate this other almost magical economy.
G. K. Chesterton wrote that “thanks are the highest form of thought,
and that gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder.”</i></span></div>
<div class="story-body-text story-content" data-para-count="206" data-total-count="4795" itemprop="articleBody">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div class="story-body-text story-content" data-node-uid="1" data-para-count="159" data-total-count="4954" itemprop="articleBody">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>People
with grateful dispositions see their efforts grandly but not
themselves. Life doesn’t surpass their dreams but it nicely surpasses
their expectations." - DAVID BROOKS</i></span></div>
<span style="font-family: 'Georgia'; font-size: 13.000000pt;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
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<i>Dr. Ron A. Rhoades is an Asst. Professor of Finance at Western Kentucky University's Gordon Ford College of Business, where he chairs the (B.S. Finance) Financial Planning Program. An innovative, passionate teacher, he is the author of <span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/" target="_blank">Choose to Succeed in College and in Life: Continously Improve, Persevere, and Enjoy the Journey (2014</a>)</span></i>, <i>from which many of these blog posts are derived.</i><br />
<i><br /></i><i>Dr. Rhoades also serves as a consultant to the <a href="http://garrettplanningnetwork.com/" target="_blank">Garrett Planning Network</a>, a nationwide network of independent, Fee-Only financial planners making competent, objective financial advice accessible to all people. He is the author of several books, dozens of articles, and he is a frequent speaker at financial planning and investments conferences. He is the recipient of many awards for his advocacy on behalf of the fiduciary standard. Dr. Rhoades is also a member of The Florida Bar, and he practices estate planning and transfer taxation for select current clients.</i><br />
<i><br /></i><i>Dr. Rhoades and his wife, Cathy, reside in Bowling Green, Kentucky.</i><br />
<i><br /></i><i>To contact Dr. Rhoades, please e-mail: </i><a href="mailto:WKUBear@gmail.com">WKUBear@gmail.com</a>.Ron A. Rhoades, JD, CFP®http://www.blogger.com/profile/09921762176161872029noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8978220165847886802.post-36219104526699785202015-05-05T10:58:00.002-05:002015-05-06T13:39:29.504-05:006: Discover the Power of Sleep - It's Essential!<div class="WordSection1">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 112%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<b><span style="line-height: 112%;">The Dire Consequences of Insufficient Sleep<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 112%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 112%;">Sleep is an important key to health,
wellness, cell growth, memory formation, mental agility, physical performance,
and peace of mind. You name it and sleep can improve it. Insufficient sleep can
have serious and sometimes fatal consequences for themselves and others around
them. For example, an estimated 20% of vehicle crashes are linked to drowsy
driving. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 112%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue;"><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">9 HOURS </span></b><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif; font-weight: bold;">15</span><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> </span></span><b style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">MINUTES</span></b></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: blue;">The average amount of time a
college student needs to sleep each night.<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<div class="ColorfulList-Accent11" style="margin-bottom: 6pt; text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 10pt;">-<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 10pt;">Dr.
James Maas</span></b></span><b><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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" o:spid="_x0000_s1026" strokeweight="3pt" style="height: 131.8pt; margin-left: .15pt; margin-top: 3.1pt; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-relative: page; mso-position-horizontal-relative: text; mso-position-horizontal: absolute; mso-position-vertical-relative: text; mso-position-vertical: absolute; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-relative: page; mso-wrap-distance-bottom: 0; mso-wrap-distance-left: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-right: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-top: 0; mso-wrap-style: square; position: absolute; v-text-anchor: top; visibility: visible; width: 131pt; z-index: 251650560;" type="#_x0000_t202"><br /></v:shape><span style="line-height: 112%;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 112%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 112%;"><br /></span></div>
Short sleep duration
is associated with various adverse health effects (e.g., cardiovascular disease
or obesity), decreased workplace and public safety, and impaired job
performance. Being drowsy during a job interview will usually result in a short
interview. And, of course, appearing drowsy during a conference with a
prospective client, or at a networking event, can easily convey the wrong
impression concerning you and your abilities.<o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 112%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 112%;">The National Sleep Foundation
recommends that healthy adults sleep 7–9 hours per day. (For college students
the recommended <i>average</i> is 9 hours 15
minutes.)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 112%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 112%;">Yet, 30% of civilian employed U.S.
adults (approximately 40.6 million workers) reported an average sleep duration
of less than or equal to only 6 hours per day, according to the Centers for
Disease Control. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 112%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 112%;">To manage <u>all</u> your time
better, get more sleep. <i><b>You will become more productive, not less, with a greater amount of sleep.</b></i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 112%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 112%;">More sleep will also lead to you
being nicer, more attractive, and generally more awesome. You'll even get more dates!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 112%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="background-color: yellow;"><b style="line-height: 112%;"><span style="line-height: 112%;">Advice from Your Fellow Students</span></b><span style="line-height: 112%;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 112%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 112%;">Don’t believe me? <i>Here’s
some advice from your fellow students about getting enough sleep:</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 112%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; mso-pagination: widow-orphan;"><span style="line-height: 112%;">“While it may sound self-explanatory, in our freshman
year it took some of us some time to realize that he or she needed to get
a good night’s sleep. Once one’s sleep each night increased, so did one’s
grade point average.”<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 112%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; mso-pagination: widow-orphan;"><span style="line-height: 112%;">“Regardless of how much you might personally need, you
will have a hard time concentrating in class – and learning – if you are
drowsy. Also, your ability to
retain facts in memory is greatly enhanced when you get enough sleep.”<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 112%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; mso-pagination: widow-orphan;"><span style="line-height: 112%;">“If you get plenty of rest, you will have more energy to
make it to every class on time, and to do all of the readings and
assignments.”</span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 112%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<b><span style="line-height: 112%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: yellow;">Five Steps to Sleep Fitness</span><u><o:p></o:p></u></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 112%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 112%;">(from “7 Ways to Improve Your Sleep
Tonight” by Andi@Zeo, </span><a href="http://www.myzeo.com/sleep/knowledge-center/articles/7-ways-improve-sleep-tonight"><span style="color: blue; line-height: 112%;">http://www.myzeo.com/sleep/knowledge-center/articles/7-ways-improve-sleep-tonight</span></a><span style="line-height: 112%;">) <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<ol start="1" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 112%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo1; mso-pagination: widow-orphan;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><span style="line-height: 112%;">Skip the caffeine.</span></i><span style="line-height: 112%;"> You think you can’t feel it?
Think you can fall asleep just fine at night after that afternoon
caffeinated soda? Think again. Caffeine taken six hours before bedtime was
as disruptive or more so than caffeine taken 3 hours before bedtime.
Especially compared to no caffeine at all.<o:p></o:p></span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 112%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo1; mso-pagination: widow-orphan;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><span style="line-height: 112%;">Quit drinking after dinner.</span></i><span style="line-height: 112%;"> There’s a reason why your doc
says not to have more than two drinks a day. This stuff really screws you
up on many levels, and your sleep, as well as your liver, takes a big hit.<o:p></o:p></span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 112%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo1; mso-pagination: widow-orphan;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><span style="line-height: 112%;">Get moving.</span></i><span style="line-height: 112%;"> You don’t need to run a
marathon, but you can’t just sit there all day and then expect to have
good night’s sleep. Your body was made for movement and deep sleep gets a
boost from daily moderate exercise.<o:p></o:p></span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 112%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo1; mso-pagination: widow-orphan;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><span style="line-height: 112%;">Dim the lights at night.</span></i><span style="line-height: 112%;"> Light has the biggest impact on
our circadian rhythm, far more so than food or social ques. So do yourself
a favor and dim the brightness on the TV. If you truly must work after
dinner, dim the screen on your computer or laptop to block out blue light,
as that type of light can keep you awake longer than yellow light. Prevent
potential wake ups during the night by using an eye mask to block out
unwanted light . Or block “glowing”
lights on your devices by turning them away from you or with masking tape
and sticky notes. <o:p></o:p></span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 112%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo1; mso-pagination: widow-orphan;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><span style="line-height: 112%;">Keep cool.</span></i><span style="line-height: 112%;"> Body temperature and room
temperature both help us fall asleep, stay asleep, and get more
restorative sleep. Keep your bedroom between 60-70 degrees Fahrenheit for
the best sleep results.</span></span></li>
</ol>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 112%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<b><span style="line-height: 112%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: yellow;">Your Assignment: Learn More About the Importance of Sleep</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 112%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 112%;">Watch the TED Talks video “Arianna
Huffington: How to succeed? Get more sleep” </span><a href="http://www.ted.com/talks/arianna_huffington_how_to_succeed_get_more_sleep.html"><span style="color: blue; line-height: 112%;">http://www.ted.com/talks/arianna_huffington_how_to_succeed_get_more_sleep.html</span></a><span style="line-height: 112%;"> (4:11).<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 112%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 112%;">Next, watch the Dr. James Maas video
on “The Power of Sleep” (titled “Dr. James Maas at The UP Experience 2010” on
YouTube.com), located at </span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GxEJTNEtIKY"><span style="color: blue; line-height: 112%;">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GxEJTNEtIKY</span></a><span style="line-height: 112%;"> (27:29)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 112%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b style="background-color: yellow;">And ... </b></span><b style="line-height: 17.9200000762939px;"><span style="line-height: 17.9200000762939px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: yellow;">Record Your Sleep Habits in Your Journal</span></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 112%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 112%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>For the next seven nights, write
down each morning in your journal how much sleep you obtained</b>. Over these seven nights, see
if you can boost your average sleep time, compared to your estimate of your
sleep during the prior week, by at least one hour.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 112%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 112%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Here’s a great tip … to remind
yourself to get to bed earlier, set a “bedtime alarm” on your smart phone,
thirty minutes in advance of your planned bedtime.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 112%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 112%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Then,<b> at the end of each day, write
down in your journal how you felt during the day</b>. Were you drowsy or awake,
engaged in classes or not, energetic or not, able to think clearly or not,
etc.? To remind yourself to write down your journal entry, schedule a reminder
on your smart phone for the next seven evenings.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 112%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 112%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Lastly, <i>don’t give up</i>. The full power
of these exercises is not felt until you have actually gone to bed an hour
earlier for seven straight nights. Persevere, and discover the power of sleep.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 112%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal;">
<i>Dr. Ron A. Rhoades is an Asst. Professor of Finance at Western Kentucky University's Gordon Ford College of Business, where he chairs the (B.S. Finance) Financial Planning Program. An innovative, passionate teacher, he is the author of <span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/" target="_blank">Choose to Succeed in College and in Life: Continously Improve, Persevere, and Enjoy the Journey (2014</a>)</span></i>, <i>from which many of these blog posts are derived.</i></div>
<div style="line-height: normal;">
<i><br /></i><i>Dr. Rhoades also serves as a consultant to the <a href="http://garrettplanningnetwork.com/" target="_blank">Garrett Planning Network</a>, a nationwide network of independent, Fee-Only financial planners making competent, objective financial advice accessible to all people. He is the author of several books, dozens of articles, and he is a frequent speaker at financial planning and investments conferences. He is the recipient of many awards for his advocacy on behalf of the fiduciary standard. Dr. Rhoades is also a member of The Florida Bar, and he practices estate planning and transfer taxation for select current clients.</i></div>
<div style="line-height: normal;">
<i><br /></i><i>Dr. Rhoades and his wife, Cathy, reside in Bowling Green, Kentucky.</i></div>
<span style="line-height: 112%;"></span><br />
<div style="line-height: normal;">
<i><br /></i><i>To contact Dr. Rhoades, please e-mail: </i><a href="mailto:WKUBear@gmail.com">WKUBear@gmail.com</a>.</div>
</div>
</div>
<span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 112%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><br clear="all" style="mso-break-type: section-break; page-break-before: always;" /></span>Ron A. Rhoades, JD, CFP®http://www.blogger.com/profile/09921762176161872029noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8978220165847886802.post-51709737453438854882015-05-05T10:55:00.000-05:002015-05-06T13:39:43.735-05:007: What is the Greatest Cost You Incur by Attending College?<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue;">“If you don't have time to do it right, when will you have time to do it over?”</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue;">- John Wooden</span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<br />
The one resource you consume in college that cannot ever be replaced is YOUR TIME.<br />
<br />
The time you spend in college can never be recovered. You are never likely to have the opportunity to grow, as a person, by so much in so little time.<br />
<br />
Hence, use your time wisely. Study hard. Make the effort to do your assignments right the first time. Second chances are rare in college.<br />
<br />
<b style="background-color: yellow;">An Exercise for Using Your Time in College Wisely</b><br />
<br />
First, watch this video (titled “<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B7r7YY_EO0A&feature=related" target="_blank">Maybe, the most inspirational video ever….</a>” At YouTube.com): (2:37)<br />
<br />
Second, compute how many days you will spend on campus before graduating with your planned degree. Record the number of days in your journal.<br />
<br />
Third, spend three minutes each morning for the next seven days contemplating the answer to this single question: What can I do today to become a better person? Schedule a reminder on your smart phone for this task, for the next seven mornings.<br />
<br />
A specific goal for a day might be as simple as “smile more often today”, “do an excellent job completing my assignment for my class”, “work ahead on a project,” or “enjoy the day as much as possible.” Write down your goal, or goals, for the day in your journal.<br />
<br />
Then, at the end of the day, write down in your journal whether or not you achieved the specific goal(s) you established for that day. If you achieved the goal(s), how do you feel about your accomplishment? If you did not achieve the goal(s), why didn’t you?<br />
<br />
Set a reminder in your smart phone, for each evening for the next seven days, to remind yourself to undertake your journal entries for this task.<br />
<br />
<i>Dr. Ron A. Rhoades is an Asst. Professor of Finance at Western Kentucky University's Gordon Ford College of Business, where he chairs the (B.S. Finance) Financial Planning Program. An innovative, passionate teacher, he is the author of <span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/" target="_blank">Choose to Succeed in College and in Life: Continously Improve, Persevere, and Enjoy the Journey (2014</a>)</span></i>, <i>from which many of these blog posts are derived.</i><br />
<i><br /></i><i>Dr. Rhoades also serves as a consultant to the <a href="http://garrettplanningnetwork.com/" target="_blank">Garrett Planning Network</a>, a nationwide network of independent, Fee-Only financial planners making competent, objective financial advice accessible to all people. He is the author of several books, dozens of articles, and he is a frequent speaker at financial planning and investments conferences. He is the recipient of many awards for his advocacy on behalf of the fiduciary standard. Dr. Rhoades is also a member of The Florida Bar, and he practices estate planning and transfer taxation for select current clients.</i><br />
<i><br /></i><i>Dr. Rhoades and his wife, Cathy, reside in Bowling Green, Kentucky.</i><br />
<i><br /></i><i>To contact Dr. Rhoades, please e-mail: </i><a href="mailto:WKUBear@gmail.com">WKUBear@gmail.com</a>.Ron A. Rhoades, JD, CFP®http://www.blogger.com/profile/09921762176161872029noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8978220165847886802.post-49666114960197662242015-05-05T10:30:00.000-05:002015-05-06T13:40:37.432-05:008: Learn About On-Campus ResourcesEvery college has a number of resources available to assist students, but far too many students do not avail themselves of these resources. This could be detrimental to their success in college. Even exceptionally good students will likely have one or more classes or situations in which they will need additional guidance or assistance.<br />
<br />
Here’s some advice from your fellow students:<br />
<ul>
<li>“If you do not understand something, just ask. Some people have trouble with this because they are too shy to say anything. If you never ask, your professor will never know. You are paying for the professor’s time! However, if you are too shy to ask questions in class, then ask the professor in his or her office, or e-mail the professor.”</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>“There is no dumb or stupid question. Always ask questions when you don’t know something. This way you will learn what you did not know and you will be able to do better in those classes.”</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>“Go see your professors during their office hours. Listen to them. They know what they are talking about, so don’t be ignorant.”</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>“When you are doing your best and studying all of the materials, but you still don’t understand it, ask for extra help. You can even request a tutor to assist you. Some of us see tutors for a couple of our classes, and they have helped us come up with several good studying techniques.”</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>“Use the writing or math labs. Use the English Department to help you with a paper in your business class. The many tools and resources available to you outside of class can help you succeed in class.”</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>“If it gets to be too much, just take a breath and then ask for help. If you become stressed out, visit the health and wellness center; they have counselors and some great tools to help you put things back in focus.”</li>
</ul>
<b style="background-color: yellow;">Exercise: Discerning Available Resources on Campus</b>. Need help with a specific class, or in general? Your task is to learn about the services and resources available. These might include tutoring, the student success center, the career center, the campus ministries, the health and wellness center, and the student life office. <b><i>Visit these and any other resources on campus, <u>in person</u>.</i></b> As you learn about the campus resources available to you, write a description in your journal indicating if and how they might assist you at some future time. <b><i>Also explore online resources available for tutoring, career development, and more.</i></b><br />
<br />
<i>Dr. Ron A. Rhoades is an Asst. Professor of Finance at Western Kentucky University's Gordon Ford College of Business, where he chairs the (B.S. Finance) Financial Planning Program. An innovative, passionate teacher, he is the author of <span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/" target="_blank">Choose to Succeed in College and in Life: Continously Improve, Persevere, and Enjoy the Journey (2014</a>)</span></i>, <i>from which many of these blog posts are derived.</i><br />
<i><br /></i><i>Dr. Rhoades also serves as a consultant to the <a href="http://garrettplanningnetwork.com/" target="_blank">Garrett Planning Network</a>, a nationwide network of independent, Fee-Only financial planners making competent, objective financial advice accessible to all people. He is the author of several books, dozens of articles, and he is a frequent speaker at financial planning and investments conferences. He is the recipient of many awards for his advocacy on behalf of the fiduciary standard. Dr. Rhoades is also a member of The Florida Bar, and he practices estate planning and transfer taxation for select current clients.</i><br />
<i><br /></i><i>Dr. Rhoades and his wife, Cathy, reside in Bowling Green, Kentucky.</i><br />
<i><br /></i><i>To contact Dr. Rhoades, please e-mail: </i><a href="mailto:WKUBear@gmail.com">WKUBear@gmail.com</a>.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
Ron A. Rhoades, JD, CFP®http://www.blogger.com/profile/09921762176161872029noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8978220165847886802.post-60187985054328562892015-05-05T10:25:00.000-05:002015-05-06T13:40:33.000-05:009: Exercise Your "Self-Control" Muscle!<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; mso-outline-level: 1; page-break-after: avoid;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i style="background-color: yellow;"><u>Understand the Concept of, and Then
Exert, Self-Control.</u></i></b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; mso-outline-level: 1; page-break-after: avoid;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: blue;"><b>What
is the <u>number one</u> indicator of success in life?</b></span> Intelligence? No. Your SAT scores? No. Family
wealth? Certainly not.</span></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: blue;"><b><i>The
primary indicator of your ability to achieve “success” is your ability to exert
“self-control.”</i></b> </span> </span></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">In fact, regardless of how you define "success," self-control is highly important.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<b><u><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: yellow;">First, Understand the Important Concept of Self-Control.</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><i><span style="line-height: 115%;">If you read nothing else in the rest
of this journal, or watch no other suggested videos, make certain you watch
this short video:</span></i></b><b><span style="line-height: 115%;"> “'Sesame Street' Tells You How to
Get to Sunnier Days Financially.”</span></b><span style="line-height: 115%;"> PBS Newshour business
correspondent Paul Solman reports on how "Sesame Street" friends
Elmo, Grover, and Cookie Monster are teaching children smart ways to save and
spend money. And how many adults could use a refresher on the basics of saving
for the future. But the lessons are really
not about saving – it’s about understanding the importance of
“self-control.” View the video at: </span><a href="http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/business/jan-june11/makingsense_06-03.html"><u><span style="color: blue; line-height: 115%;">http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/business/jan-june11/makingsense_06-03.html</span></u></a><span style="line-height: 115%;"> (9:36)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Early on in my life, I chose to
become the person I wanted to be. I continue
to become the person I choose to be tomorrow. The process is so fulfilling, in
part because each time the self-control muscle is exercised, it becomes
stronger, thereby enabling greater focus and investment in one’s future
self. The best way I can sum it up is in
two steps:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">1) Create a strong relationship with your future self. Let your
imagination soar on a regular basis.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">2) Become the person who
is on the path to become the future self you envision.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Now, view the TED Talks video by Daniel
Goldstein, “The battle between your present and future self” </span><a href="http://www.ted.com/talks/daniel_goldstein_the_battle_between_your_present_and_future_self.html"><b><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">http://www.ted.com/talks/daniel_goldstein_the_battle_between_your_present_and_future_self.html</span></span></b></a><span style="line-height: 115%;"> (16:00)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Now, view a Ted Talks video by Angela
Lee Duckworth on a related concept, “grit”: </span><a href="http://www.ted.com/talks/angela_lee_duckworth_the_key_to_success_grit"><b><span style="line-height: 115%;">http://www.ted.com/talks/angela_lee_duckworth_the_key_to_success_grit</span></b></a><span style="line-height: 115%;"> (6:12)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Write down in your journal a short
summary of what you have learned from each of these videos.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><u><span style="background-color: yellow; line-height: 115%;">Second, Learn How to Focus on What You Need to Accomplish.</span></u></b><u><span style="line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></u></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Watch the video Charlie talks about
“Stop Procrastinating.” </span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qjIsdbBsE8g"><u><span style="color: blue; line-height: 115%;">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qjIsdbBsE8g</span></u></a><span style="line-height: 115%;"> (4:04)</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<b><u><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: yellow;">Third, Learn How to Get Started on a Project: “DO IT NOW!”</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Whenever you feel a lack of motivation
to get started with studying or whatever else you need to do, there are likely
to be a dozen other activities that sound far more interesting. Sometimes you
would rather watch TV, listen to music, surf the web, play a video game, or
hang out with your friends. The simple trick to overcome this dilemma is to
just get going. Start studying, no matter what. Force yourself to get started,
no matter if you feel tired or if the teaching material isn’t interesting at
all. “It doesn’t matter where you go, as long as you get going.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">A great way to get started on a
project is to say, out loud, “Just Do It. Do It, Do It, Do It. Do It Now!” Even
if your roommate or friends are nearby. Sure, they might jeer you. But they’ll
also be envious – especially when you explain why you are making these
statements, and then you begin work on the next assignment or project you need
to tackle.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<b><u><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: yellow;">Fourth, Realize that You Will Not Win Every Battle.</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">You have a little voice in your head that
is constantly at war with your better self. That voice keeps saying, “You can
do it later.” And, too often, that voice will win. Here’s the good news: you can defeat those
thoughts more times than you ever imagined. How? Exercise that self-control
muscle! The more you exert self-control,
the stronger you become at using it.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">But don’t expect to win every battle
with that little voice in your head. And that’s o.k. Just realize that your
goal is to make progress – to win more and more of those battles as the weeks
and months go by.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><u><span style="background-color: yellow; line-height: 115%;">Fifth, Embrace the Power of Music.</span></u></b><u><span style="line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></u></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Music is a wonderful way to stir your
motivation, as it can elicit positive emotions. If chosen wisely, music can
cause a spirit of optimism, which evokes the epic feeling of being able to do anything.</span></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">When compared with other techniques to get motivated, listening to music is by
far the simplest way. As a rule of thumb, you shouldn’t opt for ballads,
chill-out, or lounge music. Instead, choose songs that you find motivating and
inspiring, songs that immediately energize your whole body, and make you smile
from ear to ear. </span></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Some suggestions include:</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 3.0pt; margin-left: .2in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 115%;">Jorge Quintero’s “300 Violin Orchestra”</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 115%;">Steve Jablonsky’s “Arrival to Earth” (</span><i style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 115%;">Transformers</i><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 115%;">
Soundtrack)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 115%;">Daft Punk’s “The Game has Changed” (</span><i style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 115%;">Tron:
Legacy</i><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 115%;"> Soundtrack)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 115%;">Hans Zimmer‘s “Time” (</span><i style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 115%;">Inception</i><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 115%;">
Soundtrack)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 115%;">Paul Engemann’s “Push it to the Limit”</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 115%;">Nas ft. P. Diddy’s “Hate Me Now” (instrumental)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 115%;">Queen’s “We Will Rock You”</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 115%;">Phil Collins’ “In the Air Tonight”</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 115%;">AC DC’s “Thunderstruck”</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 115%;">Blur’s “Song 2”</span></li>
<li><i style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Chariots of Fire</span></i><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 115%;"> theme song</span></li>
<li><i style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Out of Africa</span></i><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 115%;"> theme song</span></li>
<li><i style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Dances with Wolves </span></i><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 115%;">theme song</span></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 3.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">So, grab your headphones and listen
to a fantastic motivational song to get started.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 3.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 3.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: yellow; line-height: 115%;"><b style="text-decoration: underline;">6th - An Exercise:</b> </span><b style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="background-color: yellow;">In your journal, write out your schedule for the coming week</span>. </span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 3.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<b><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 3.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><span style="line-height: 115%;">First, make a page (or 2-3 pages) for
each day, for the next seven days.</span></b><span style="line-height: 115%;"> Indicate on that page 15-minute increments, or 10-minute increments, or 6-minute increments, for each hour
between your wake-up time and your planned bed-time.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 3.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<b><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 3.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><span style="line-height: 115%;">Second, add to your journal time for sleep,
and time for journal entries.</span></b><span style="line-height: 115%;"> Make certain that you have at least 8 hours (and preferably
9 hours 15 minutes or more) set aside for “sleep.” Also add to your schedule
any of the exercises and/or journal entries you are undertaking, as a result of
reading this chapter and prior chapters.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 3.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<b><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 3.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><span style="line-height: 115%;">Third, </span></b><span style="line-height: 115%;"><b>for the next seven days set aside 15
minutes for self-reflection, at the end of each day.</b> Answer, by means of an
entry in your journal, the following questions: “Did you procrastinate?” “Why?”
“What could you do next time to avoid procrastination?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 3.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<b><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 3.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><span style="line-height: 115%;">Fourth, place in your schedule </span></b><span style="line-height: 115%;">class times and other planned
activities (such as work, mandatory participation in sports).<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 3.0pt; text-indent: .5in;">
<b><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 3.0pt; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><span style="line-height: 115%;">Fifth, indicate times in your schedule for personal exercise.</span></b><span style="line-height: 115%;"> Going to the gym, or simply walking.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 3.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<b><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 3.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><span style="line-height: 115%;">Sixth, set aside times for studying. </span></b><span style="line-height: 115%;">Set forth where you will study in
order to minimize distractions. A good rule of thumb is to set aside two hours
of study time for each hour of class time. Also, plan to give yourself some
breaks. For example, schedule a 5-minute break for each 30 minutes spent
studying – to get up, stretch, get a drink of water, take a deep breath of
fresh air, etc. Or a 10-minute break every hour.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<b><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><span style="line-height: 115%;">Seventh, add in time for “fun.” </span></b><span style="line-height: 115%;">Add in time to spend with friends
and/or family. Or just “relaxation” or “down” time. If you don’t have at least
five hours a week set aside for this, then you are likely trying to do too
much.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 115%;">The Ultimate Scheduling: My Law School Experience.</span><b><span style="line-height: 115%;"> <o:p></o:p></span></b></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Be aware that graduate school is
infinitely harder than undergraduate school, in terms of your time commitments.
So much so that you are encouraged to schedule out your time in five-minute
blocks.<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Have a 10-minute break between
classes? What can you study or review in that break time?<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Eating breakfast, lunch or dinner?
What can you study while you are eating?<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Taking a shower? What do you need to
memorize, and use that time for same!<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>That’s how intense law school was.
Every five-minute block, from 6:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., was blocked out. Seven
days a week.<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>I’m not suggesting you undertake
5-minute blocks for scheduling purposes, during undergraduate school. But I am
suggesting that, if you plan to attend graduate school, learning to schedule in
15-minute blocks is developing a skill that you can then adapt to the rigors of
graduate school.</i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><u><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="background-color: yellow;">Seventh - At the End of the Week, Undertake Your Evaluation
of this Exercise</span><span style="color: yellow;">:</span></span></u></b><span style="line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">After seven days of tracking your
“scheduled” versus “actual” activities, what did you learn? Schedule a
30-minute time for reflection and journal entries.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">When you undertake your
self-evaluation, write your answer in your journal, and answer these specific
questions:</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 115%;">By
keeping track of your activities, did you feel you were “more” or “less”
productive over the past seven days, in comparison to the previous weeks?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 115%;">What
events, or distractions, provided a “procrastination event” for you?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 115%;">What
can you do going forward to remove distractions and remain more focused on your
objectives?</span></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; mso-pagination: widow-orphan;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Do you desire to continue to schedule
out your time, for the next seven days? If so, formulate a schedule for the
next seven days in your journal. Include on that schedule time, at the end, to
schedule out the next seven days. </span><span style="font-size: 10.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<i>Dr. Ron A. Rhoades is an Asst. Professor of Finance at Western Kentucky University's Gordon Ford College of Business, where he chairs the (B.S. Finance) Financial Planning Program. An innovative, passionate teacher, he is the author of <span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/" target="_blank">Choose to Succeed in College and in Life: Continously Improve, Persevere, and Enjoy the Journey (2014</a>)</span></i>, <i>from which many of these blog posts are derived.</i><br />
<i><br /></i><i>Dr. Rhoades also serves as a consultant to the <a href="http://garrettplanningnetwork.com/" target="_blank">Garrett Planning Network</a>, a nationwide network of independent, Fee-Only financial planners making competent, objective financial advice accessible to all people. He is the author of several books, dozens of articles, and he is a frequent speaker at financial planning and investments conferences. He is the recipient of many awards for his advocacy on behalf of the fiduciary standard. Dr. Rhoades is also a member of The Florida Bar, and he practices estate planning and transfer taxation for select current clients.</i><br />
<i><br /></i><i>Dr. Rhoades and his wife, Cathy, reside in Bowling Green, Kentucky.</i><br />
<span style="line-height: 115%;"></span><br />
<i><br /></i><i>To contact Dr. Rhoades, please e-mail: </i><a href="mailto:WKUBear@gmail.com">WKUBear@gmail.com</a>.</div>
Ron A. Rhoades, JD, CFP®http://www.blogger.com/profile/09921762176161872029noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8978220165847886802.post-35642367048274458952015-05-05T10:00:00.000-05:002015-05-06T14:16:44.558-05:0010: Establish S.M.A.R.T. Goals<div class="CSP-ChapterTitle">
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 115%;">At
the beginning of each semester, I formulate for myself a list of goals I desire
to accomplish. These are very specific goals, such as: “Bring three guest
speakers to classes this term” and “Take students on two field trips this
term.”</span></div>
<div class="CSP-ChapterTitle">
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="CSP-ChapterTitle">
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 115%;">Other goals relate to my own personal and professional development, such
as: “Smile more, and greet others each day, always” and “Read five economists’
blogs each week.”</span></div>
<div class="CSP-ChapterTitle">
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">To
succeed, you must first know where you are going. While possessing long-term
goals (e.g., you desire to become successful in a chosen career) is important,
to make real progress you must establish shorter-term S.M.A.R.T. Goals.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Goals
give us something to work towards, something to look forward to, and something
to keep us motivated along the way. For many, earning a college degree is a lifelong
goal, one that can be achieved with a lot of hard work, dedication, and proper
planning. Yet, establishing a clear path toward achieving your dreams is the
one part of goal setting that is most often overlooked. As Yogi Berra put it,
"You've got to be very careful if you don't know where you're going,
because you might not get there."<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Creating
educational goals will allow you to focus on your degree program and use your
time wisely. To help you begin, outlined below is the S.M.A.R.T. process for
establishing goals that are Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic and
Timely.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><span style="line-height: 115%;">Specific</span></b><span style="line-height: 115%;"> —
Specific goals are clear, focused, concise and well-defined. A specific goal
has a much greater chance of being accomplished than a general goal.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">General: I want to do well
this semester.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Specific: I will attain a
B+ or better in all my classes this semester.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><span style="line-height: 115%;">Measurable</span></b><span style="line-height: 115%;"> —
To measure your success, you need to establish timelines, dates, dollar
amounts, number of credits, etc. Measuring your progress enables you to stay on
track and reach your target dates; as a result, you will experience the feeling
of success that will drive you on to achieve your goal.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Not measurable: I will get
more involved on-campus this semester.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Measurable: I will join
and actively participate in two clubs or organizations by September 20th.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><span style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><span style="line-height: 115%;">Attainable</span></b><span style="line-height: 115%;"> —
Ask yourself: "Is this goal important to me?" When you identify goals
that are important to you, you begin to discover ways you can make them come
true. You can accomplish most any goal you set when you plan your steps wisely
and establish a realistic time frame that allows you to carry out those steps.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Not attainable: Even
though I am shy, I will become the most outspoken person in my Business Law
class this semester.</span></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Attainable: I will
volunteer to answer a question at least once a week in my Business Law class
this semester.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><span style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><span style="line-height: 115%;">Realistic</span></b><span style="line-height: 115%;"> —
A realistic goal is one that you are both willing and able to work toward.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Not realistic: Even though
I may have “down days” or may be feeling poorly, and even though I have never
done this, I will smile and greet others at all times this semester.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Realistic: I will smile
and greet others each Wednesday this semester, when I am walking around campus.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><span style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><span style="line-height: 115%;">Timely</span></b><span style="line-height: 115%;"> —
Set a time frame for your goal; your goal should have a starting point and an
ending point.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Not timely: I will attend
three events on campus that I would not normally attend.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Timely: I will attend
three events on campus that I would not normally attend – one by Feb. 21st,
another by Mar. 15th, and another by April 20th.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<b><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></b>
<b><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Factors to Ensure Success with
S.M.A.R.T. Goals:<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Your goals should be written down in
positive terms.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Your goals should be posted in a prominent
place, so you can stay focused. Hang them by your desk or on your refrigerator
or by your light switch.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">The goals need to be your own; what you
want for yourself, not what others want for you.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Be flexible, your goals can and will change
as your circumstances change. Revise your goals each semester, and during the
semester if circumstances warrant.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><u><span style="background-color: yellow; line-height: 115%;">Your Assignment:</span></u></b><span style="line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Complete
your S.M.A.R.T. Goals for the next semester (or the next few months).</b> The form set forth below can serve as your guide, but use goals specific to your needs.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Once
completed, post your S.M.A.R.T. Goals near your desk, or another place where
you will see them every day.</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Begin
working on the accomplishment of your S.M.A.R.T. Goals.</b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18.3999996185303px; text-indent: -0.25in;">Schedule an alarm on your smart phone, for a time to record your accomplishments.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18.3999996185303px; text-indent: -0.25in;">Set aside time on your calendar, each week, to record your accomplishment of your S.M.A.R.T. Goals.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Each week record your
progress.</b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;"> <i>HERE'S A SUGGESTED FORMAT:</i></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">S.M.A.R.T.
GOALS: I WILL LIVE MY LIFE BY DESIGN, NOT BY DEFAULT.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-bottom: 3.0pt; margin-left: .15in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; mso-pagination: widow-orphan; text-indent: -.15in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">§<span style="font-stretch: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->My name is
_____________________________________________________________.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-bottom: 3.0pt; margin-left: .15in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; mso-pagination: widow-orphan; text-indent: -.15in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">§<span style="font-stretch: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->These are my
S.M.A.R.T. Goals to propel me to a higher level of success this semester: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-bottom: 3.0pt; margin-left: .15in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"> S:
Specific; M: Measurable; A: Achievable; R: Realistic; T: Time-Limited.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-bottom: 3.0pt; margin-left: .15in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; mso-pagination: widow-orphan; text-indent: -.15in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">§<span style="font-stretch: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->I have made a
personal commitment to achieve these goals.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-bottom: 3.0pt; margin-left: .15in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"> I
will concentrate on 2-4 goals each week. I will schedule time to accomplish
these goals.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-bottom: 3.0pt; margin-left: .15in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; mso-pagination: widow-orphan; text-indent: -.15in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">§<span style="font-stretch: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Each Sunday I
will track (and record) my accomplishments on this sheet, and<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-bottom: 3.0pt; margin-left: .15in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"> I will then establish times for
accomplishing goals for the following week.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-bottom: 3.0pt; margin-left: .15in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoTableGrid" style="border-collapse: collapse; border: none; mso-border-alt: solid black .5pt; mso-padding-alt: 1.45pt 5.75pt .7pt 5.75pt; mso-yfti-tbllook: 1184; width: 509px;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td colspan="3" style="background: black; border: solid black 1.0pt; mso-background-themecolor: text1; mso-border-alt: solid black .5pt; padding: 1.45pt 5.75pt .7pt 5.75pt; width: 381.55pt;" valign="top" width="509"><div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="color: white; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-language: EN-US; mso-themecolor: background1;">MY S.M.A.R.T. ACADEMIC GOALS
√ when
accomplished<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid black 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid black .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid black .5pt; padding: 1.45pt 5.75pt .7pt 5.75pt; width: 274.8pt;" valign="top" width="366"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-language: EN-US;">I
will achieve an average G.P.A. of _________ in all of my classes this term.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid black 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid black 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid black .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid black .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid black .5pt; padding: 1.45pt 5.75pt .7pt 5.75pt; width: 32.45pt;" valign="top" width="43"><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</td>
<td rowspan="8" style="border-bottom: solid black 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid black 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid black .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid black .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid black .5pt; padding: 1.45pt 5.75pt .7pt 5.75pt; width: 74.3pt;" valign="top" width="99"><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid black 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid black .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid black .5pt; padding: 1.45pt 5.75pt .7pt 5.75pt; width: 274.8pt;" valign="top" width="366"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-language: EN-US;">I
will attend 90% or more of my classes this term. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid black 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid black 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid black .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid black .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid black .5pt; padding: 1.45pt 5.75pt .7pt 5.75pt; width: 32.45pt;" valign="top" width="43"><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid black 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid black .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid black .5pt; padding: 1.45pt 5.75pt .7pt 5.75pt; width: 274.8pt;" valign="top" width="366"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-language: EN-US;">I
will be an active participant in class discussions.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid black 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid black 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid black .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid black .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid black .5pt; padding: 1.45pt 5.75pt .7pt 5.75pt; width: 32.45pt;" valign="top" width="43"><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid black 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid black .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid black .5pt; padding: 1.45pt 5.75pt .7pt 5.75pt; width: 274.8pt;" valign="top" width="366"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-language: EN-US;">I
will go to the Student Success Center to receive help in the Math Lab.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid black 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid black 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid black .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid black .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid black .5pt; padding: 1.45pt 5.75pt .7pt 5.75pt; width: 32.45pt;" valign="top" width="43"><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid black 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid black .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid black .5pt; padding: 1.45pt 5.75pt .7pt 5.75pt; width: 274.8pt;" valign="top" width="366"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-language: EN-US;">I
will go to the Writing Center to have my draft of my essays reviewed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid black 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid black 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid black .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid black .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid black .5pt; padding: 1.45pt 5.75pt .7pt 5.75pt; width: 32.45pt;" valign="top" width="43"><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid black 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid black .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid black .5pt; padding: 1.45pt 5.75pt .7pt 5.75pt; width: 274.8pt;" valign="top" width="366"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-language: EN-US;">I
will request a tutor or another form of assistance for a specific class or
classes, if & when my average in a class falls below the avg. G.P.A. goal
I set for myself<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid black 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid black 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid black .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid black .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid black .5pt; padding: 1.45pt 5.75pt .7pt 5.75pt; width: 32.45pt;" valign="top" width="43"><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid black 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid black .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid black .5pt; padding: 1.45pt 5.75pt .7pt 5.75pt; width: 274.8pt;" valign="top" width="366"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-language: EN-US;">I
will meet with an academic support specialist for assistance with time
management or study strategies<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid black 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid black 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid black .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid black .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid black .5pt; padding: 1.45pt 5.75pt .7pt 5.75pt; width: 32.45pt;" valign="top" width="43"><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid black 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid black .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid black .5pt; padding: 1.45pt 5.75pt .7pt 5.75pt; width: 274.8pt;" valign="top" width="366"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-language: EN-US;">I
will meet with my academic advisor this term to discuss: (a) any obstacles to
my ability to excel academically this term; (b) develop my course schedule
for next term; (c) ideas relating to networking and finding a position within
my chosen career; and (d) review a draft of my résumé.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid black 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid black 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid black .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid black .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid black .5pt; padding: 1.45pt 5.75pt .7pt 5.75pt; width: 32.45pt;" valign="top" width="43"><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td colspan="3" style="background: black; border-top: none; border: solid black 1.0pt; mso-background-themecolor: text1; mso-border-alt: solid black .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid black .5pt; padding: 1.45pt 5.75pt .7pt 5.75pt; width: 381.55pt;" valign="top" width="509"><div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="color: white; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-language: EN-US; mso-themecolor: background1;">MY SELF-CONTROL GOALS √ when
accomplished<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid black 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid black .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid black .5pt; padding: 1.45pt 5.75pt .7pt 5.75pt; width: 274.8pt;" valign="top" width="366"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-language: EN-US;">I
accept personal responsibility for my own success this term.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid black 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid black 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid black .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid black .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid black .5pt; padding: 1.45pt 5.75pt .7pt 5.75pt; width: 32.45pt;" valign="top" width="43"><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</td>
<td rowspan="5" style="border-bottom: solid black 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid black 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid black .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid black .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid black .5pt; padding: 1.45pt 5.75pt .7pt 5.75pt; width: 74.3pt;" valign="top" width="99"><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 77.7pt; mso-yfti-irow: 11;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid black 1.0pt; height: 77.7pt; mso-border-alt: solid black .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid black .5pt; padding: 1.45pt 5.75pt .7pt 5.75pt; width: 274.8pt;" valign="top" width="366"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-language: EN-US;">“9
hours 15 minutes” - I will consistently seek to attain sufficient sleep each
night this term, as I may require, to not be drowsy in classes. </span><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: EN-US;">I
will set an alarm on my phone to remind me to prepare to go to bed. I will
record my progress as to this goal, and record how I physically feel, through
reflection in my journal, once each week.</span><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid black 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid black 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 77.7pt; mso-border-alt: solid black .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid black .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid black .5pt; padding: 1.45pt 5.75pt .7pt 5.75pt; width: 32.45pt;" valign="top" width="43"><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid black 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid black .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid black .5pt; padding: 1.45pt 5.75pt .7pt 5.75pt; width: 274.8pt;" valign="top" width="366"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-language: EN-US;">I
will plan out each week, using an hourly calendar, in order to attain 2-3
hours of study time, on average, for each hour I spend in the classroom.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid black 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid black 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid black .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid black .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid black .5pt; padding: 1.45pt 5.75pt .7pt 5.75pt; width: 32.45pt;" valign="top" width="43"><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid black 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid black .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid black .5pt; padding: 1.45pt 5.75pt .7pt 5.75pt; width: 274.8pt;" valign="top" width="366"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-language: EN-US;">If
I have difficulty starting a project or activity, I will say <i>out loud</i> to myself: “Just do it! Do
it, do it, do it! Do it NOW!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid black 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid black 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid black .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid black .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid black .5pt; padding: 1.45pt 5.75pt .7pt 5.75pt; width: 32.45pt;" valign="top" width="43"><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid black 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid black .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid black .5pt; padding: 1.45pt 5.75pt .7pt 5.75pt; width: 274.8pt;" valign="top" width="366"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-language: EN-US;">I
will spend < ____ hours each week watching t.v., playing video/computer
games.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid black 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid black 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid black .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid black .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid black .5pt; padding: 1.45pt 5.75pt .7pt 5.75pt; width: 32.45pt;" valign="top" width="43"><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-bottom: 3.0pt; margin-left: .15in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoTableGrid" style="border-collapse: collapse; border: none; margin-left: 5.75pt; mso-border-alt: solid black .5pt; mso-padding-alt: 1.45pt 5.75pt .7pt 5.75pt; mso-yfti-tbllook: 1184; width: 531px;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td colspan="3" style="background: black; border: solid black 1.0pt; mso-background-themecolor: text1; mso-border-alt: solid black .5pt; padding: 1.45pt 5.75pt .7pt 5.75pt; width: 398.0pt;" valign="top" width="531"><div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="color: white; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-language: EN-US; mso-themecolor: background1;">MY SOCIALIZATION GOALS (“TO EXPAND MY COMFORT ZONE”) <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="color: white; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-language: EN-US; mso-themecolor: background1;">
√ when accomplished<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid black 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid black .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid black .5pt; padding: 1.45pt 5.75pt .7pt 5.75pt; width: 3.75in;" valign="top" width="360"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-language: EN-US;">I
will smile at all times, each and every Wednesday, when walking between
classes and when entering a room.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid black 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid black 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid black .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid black .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid black .5pt; padding: 1.45pt 5.75pt .7pt 5.75pt; width: 31.5pt;" valign="top" width="42"><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</td>
<td rowspan="14" style="border-bottom: solid black 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid black 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid black .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid black .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid black .5pt; padding: 1.45pt 5.75pt .7pt 5.75pt; width: 96.5pt;" valign="top" width="129"><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid black 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid black .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid black .5pt; padding: 1.45pt 5.75pt .7pt 5.75pt; width: 3.75in;" valign="top" width="360"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-language: EN-US;">I
will greet others (including those I don’t yet know) on campus with a “Good
morning,” “Good afternoon,” “Good evening,” “Hi,” or “How are you doing?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid black 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid black 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid black .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid black .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid black .5pt; padding: 1.45pt 5.75pt .7pt 5.75pt; width: 31.5pt;" valign="top" width="42"><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid black 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid black .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid black .5pt; padding: 1.45pt 5.75pt .7pt 5.75pt; width: 3.75in;" valign="top" width="360"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-language: EN-US;">I
will introduce myself once each week to a student or other person I don’t
know, and get to know them better (i.e., I will practice this essential
skill).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid black 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid black 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid black .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid black .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid black .5pt; padding: 1.45pt 5.75pt .7pt 5.75pt; width: 31.5pt;" valign="top" width="42"><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid black 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid black .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid black .5pt; padding: 1.45pt 5.75pt .7pt 5.75pt; width: 3.75in;" valign="top" width="360"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-language: EN-US;">I
will join and participate in the following NCAA sports, intramural sports,
clubs and/or organizations this term (at least one of which will require some
form of civic engagement):<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid black 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid black 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid black .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid black .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid black .5pt; padding: 1.45pt 5.75pt .7pt 5.75pt; width: 31.5pt;" valign="top" width="42"><div class="MsoNormal">
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<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-language: EN-US;"> 1. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-language: EN-US;"> 2. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-language: EN-US;">I
will attend the following events / activities on-campus this term:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid black 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid black 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid black .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid black .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid black .5pt; padding: 1.45pt 5.75pt .7pt 5.75pt; width: 31.5pt;" valign="top" width="42"><div class="MsoNormal">
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<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-language: EN-US;"> 1.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-language: EN-US;"> 2. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-language: EN-US;"> 3.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<td style="border-bottom: solid black 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid black 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid black .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid black .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid black .5pt; padding: 1.45pt 5.75pt .7pt 5.75pt; width: 31.5pt;" valign="top" width="42"><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-language: EN-US;"> 4. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid black 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid black 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid black .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid black .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid black .5pt; padding: 1.45pt 5.75pt .7pt 5.75pt; width: 31.5pt;" valign="top" width="42"><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-language: EN-US;"> 5. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-language: EN-US;"> 6. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<td style="border-bottom: solid black 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid black 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid black .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid black .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid black .5pt; padding: 1.45pt 5.75pt .7pt 5.75pt; width: 31.5pt;" valign="top" width="42"><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</td>
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<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-language: EN-US;"> 7. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<td style="border-bottom: solid black 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid black 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid black .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid black .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid black .5pt; padding: 1.45pt 5.75pt .7pt 5.75pt; width: 31.5pt;" valign="top" width="42"><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<td colspan="3" style="background: black; border-top: none; border: solid black 1.0pt; mso-background-themecolor: text1; mso-border-alt: solid black .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid black .5pt; padding: 1.45pt 5.75pt .7pt 5.75pt; width: 398.0pt;" valign="top" width="531"><div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="color: white; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-language: EN-US; mso-themecolor: background1;">MY NETWORKING & CAREER PLANNING GOALS √ when accomplished</span></b><span style="color: white; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-language: EN-US; mso-themecolor: background1;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<td style="border-top: none; border: solid black 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid black .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid black .5pt; padding: 1.45pt 5.75pt .7pt 5.75pt; width: 3.75in;" valign="top" width="360"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-language: EN-US;">I
will develop and maintain a list of potential contacts whom may be in a
position to land me a good position within my chosen career area.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid black 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid black 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid black .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid black .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid black .5pt; padding: 1.45pt 5.75pt .7pt 5.75pt; width: 31.5pt;" valign="top" width="42"><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</td>
<td rowspan="7" style="border-bottom: solid black 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid black 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid black .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid black .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid black .5pt; padding: 1.45pt 5.75pt .7pt 5.75pt; width: 96.5pt;" valign="top" width="129"><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</td>
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<td style="border-top: none; border: solid black 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid black .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid black .5pt; padding: 1.45pt 5.75pt .7pt 5.75pt; width: 3.75in;" valign="top" width="360"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-language: EN-US;">I
will write in my Journal twice a week to record people and events and other
things for which I am grateful.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid black 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid black 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid black .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid black .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid black .5pt; padding: 1.45pt 5.75pt .7pt 5.75pt; width: 31.5pt;" valign="top" width="42"><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</td>
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<td style="border-top: none; border: solid black 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid black .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid black .5pt; padding: 1.45pt 5.75pt .7pt 5.75pt; width: 3.75in;" valign="top" width="360"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-language: EN-US;">I
will write and mail/deliver thank-you notes 3 times a week to new and
existing contacts, family members, friends, and those who have done a service
for me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid black 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid black 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid black .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid black .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid black .5pt; padding: 1.45pt 5.75pt .7pt 5.75pt; width: 31.5pt;" valign="top" width="42"><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</td>
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<td style="border-top: none; border: solid black 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid black .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid black .5pt; padding: 1.45pt 5.75pt .7pt 5.75pt; width: 3.75in;" valign="top" width="360"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-language: EN-US;">I
will perform 3 random acts of kindness each week, & record them in my
Journal.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid black 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid black 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid black .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid black .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid black .5pt; padding: 1.45pt 5.75pt .7pt 5.75pt; width: 31.5pt;" valign="top" width="42"><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</td>
</tr>
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<td style="border-top: none; border: solid black 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid black .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid black .5pt; padding: 1.45pt 5.75pt .7pt 5.75pt; width: 3.75in;" valign="top" width="360"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-language: EN-US;">If
I choose to go to parties or other places where alcohol may be served, I will
go with a group, and at least one of my friends will be the “Designated
Friend” (who will not drink and who will assume responsibility for watching
over me, should I inadvertently drink to excess and possess impaired
judgment).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid black 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid black 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid black .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid black .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid black .5pt; padding: 1.45pt 5.75pt .7pt 5.75pt; width: 31.5pt;" valign="top" width="42"><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</td>
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<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid black 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid black .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid black .5pt; padding: 1.45pt 5.75pt .7pt 5.75pt; width: 3.75in;" valign="top" width="360"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-language: EN-US;">I
will revise my résumé this term to reflect all of my activities to date, and
I will look for “gaps” in the résumé that need filling.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid black 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid black 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid black .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid black .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid black .5pt; padding: 1.45pt 5.75pt .7pt 5.75pt; width: 31.5pt;" valign="top" width="42"><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</td>
</tr>
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<br /></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid black 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid black 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid black .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid black .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid black .5pt; padding: 1.45pt 5.75pt .7pt 5.75pt; width: 31.5pt;" valign="top" width="42"><div class="MsoNormal">
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-bottom: 3.0pt; margin-left: .15in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<i>Dr. Ron A. Rhoades is an Asst. Professor of Finance at Western Kentucky University's Gordon Ford College of Business, where he chairs the (B.S. Finance) Financial Planning Program. An innovative, passionate teacher, he is the author of <span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/" target="_blank">Choose to Succeed in College and in Life: Continously Improve, Persevere, and Enjoy the Journey (2014</a>)</span></i>, <i>from which many of these blog posts are derived.</i><br />
<i><br /></i><i>Dr. Rhoades also serves as a consultant to the <a href="http://garrettplanningnetwork.com/" target="_blank">Garrett Planning Network</a>, a nationwide network of independent, Fee-Only financial planners making competent, objective financial advice accessible to all people. He is the author of several books, dozens of articles, and he is a frequent speaker at financial planning and investments conferences. He is the recipient of many awards for his advocacy on behalf of the fiduciary standard. Dr. Rhoades is also a member of The Florida Bar, and he practices estate planning and transfer taxation for select current clients.</i><br />
<i><br /></i><i>Dr. Rhoades and his wife, Cathy, reside in Bowling Green, Kentucky.</i><br />
<span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"></span><br />
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px;">
<i><br /></i><i>To contact Dr. Rhoades, please e-mail: </i><a href="mailto:WKUBear@gmail.com">WKUBear@gmail.com</a>.</div>
</div>
Ron A. Rhoades, JD, CFP®http://www.blogger.com/profile/09921762176161872029noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8978220165847886802.post-70767496024174344712015-05-05T09:45:00.000-05:002015-05-06T14:31:47.304-05:0011: Outline Your Assigned Readings; Concept Mapping<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">There
is a science to preparing in advance of class, taking good notes while in
class, and then consolidating such notes into outlines and/or concept maps.
There are many different methods of outlining and note-taking; it is important
for you to find a way that works for you.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">First,
understand again that college is not like high school. Many of your professors
will not cover all of the material in the textbook, yet you will still be
responsible for learning it. Class time is often not spent on understanding
basic concepts and terminology, but rather on discussion of the application of
those concepts.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">As a
result, you must undertake the readings (and any other assignments) prior to
class and outline the material. During class, you will need to take notes. After
each class, you should consolidate your notes into your outline. In this
manner, not only will you learn more, but you will also be more engaged in
class discussions and do better on exams.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">The
following information sets forth general guidelines for studying for any
course. However, your professor may provide you, either in the syllabus, course
outline, or during the first class in a course, with specific suggestions on
how to best prepare for that class. Hence, be flexible in your approach.</span><br />
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<b><span style="background-color: yellow; line-height: 115%;">Outline Assigned Readings</span></b><span style="line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Outlining
your reading assignment accomplishes a few different objectives, all at the
same time. First, preparing an outline will aid you in better understanding and
retaining the material. Second, your outline can serve as a summary which you
can review just prior to class, thereby furthering your class interactions and
your retention. (Often your outline can also be referred to, during class. This
may vary with each professor’s policies.) Lastly, your outline provides you with
an instant study guide for course exams.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Effective
outlining requires you to be an active rather than a passive reader. You also
need to approach the textbook in a methodical way.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt; text-indent: 0px;">
<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: 18.3999996185303px;"> </span><span style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;">First,
locate any learning objectives posted at the beginning of a chapter. Then look
for the summary at the conclusion of the chapter. In doing this you become
exposed to the core content of the chapter, which helps you structure your
outline as you proceed.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt; text-indent: 0px;">
<span style="line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;"> Second,
read the chapter. Depending on its length, this may best be accomplished in one
study period, or spread out over several study periods. As you proceed through
the chapter, underline or highlight key points and write notes in your
textbook.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt; text-indent: 0px;">
<span style="line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;"> Third,
start forming your outline. Use chapter and section headings as the initial
headings for your outline. Search for the main ideas and subjects as you
re-read the chapter and write your outline. Under each main heading, add
subheadings that elaborate on the subject, giving additional facts and details.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="line-height: 115%;">a.<span style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="line-height: 115%;">Your
goal is to outline <i>concepts</i> found in
the text, not just definitions of words.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="line-height: 115%;">b.<span style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="line-height: 115%;">Use a
standard outline format, such as “A” for heading titles, followed by an
indented “1” for subheadings. Microsoft Word has some default outline
heading/subheading schemes. Other, similar outlining techniques can be
utilized.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="line-height: 115%;">c.<span style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="line-height: 115%;">For
an example of how one student outlines material, and then uses the outline for
studying for quizzes and exams, view the YouTube video by xxnaivivxx, “How To;
Outline Your Textbook (School & Study Tips)”, located at </span><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jVrslRCDZSQ"><b><span style="line-height: 115%;">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jVrslRCDZSQ</span></b></a><span style="line-height: 115%;">
(9:25).</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt;">
<span style="line-height: 18.3999996185303px;"> Fourth, after completing your outline, undertake problem sets in the textbook. Academic studies have shown that when you practice retrieving and applying newfound knowledge on new problems, multiple times, your learning is significantly enhanced, especially when this practice is spaced out over time. As you practice, refer to your outline. If you find your outline does not sufficiently address a concept, add to it.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt;">
<span style="line-height: 18.3999996185303px;"> Fifth, if the professor uses PowerPoints or lecture notes, ascertain if the slides or notes are posted in advance of the class discussion. If so, take the opportunity to review those slides or notes, and add to your outline – filling any gaps you have noticed.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Outlines
can be either handwritten or typed. Each has their advantages. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Handwritten outlines are more easily
remembered, especially if you use different color ink, highlighting,
underlining, and boxes around related content. Because such handwriting varies
more than typed text, it is simply easier to recall hand-written notes, than
typed outlines, during a closed-book exam. If columns are utilized, and one
column is left blank, then additional space exists for adding to the outline as
the result of undertaking practice questions or adding summaries of notes taken
in class.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Typed outlines permit greater flexibility
in adding to the outline. It is easier to insert new knowledge, and/or
re-organize outlines. In addition, working on a common outline can be
undertaken in a study group (preferably with everyone in the same room), such
as by using Google Docs’ share feature. If you subscribe to Microsoft’s
Sharepoint, you can also share files. If you do choose to utilize typed text,
take full advantage of formatting changes. For example, use different color
type, highlighting, <i>italics</i> and <b>bold</b> fonts. Create three columns on a
page for your content. Consider using text boxes. Then, print out your
completed outlines and review them, with paper in hand, adding additional
highlights.</span><br />
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<b><span style="background-color: yellow; line-height: 115%;">The One-Page Handwritten Outline
Alternative</span></b><span style="line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Another
type of outline is a one-page outline. In this type of outline, you may permit
yourself just a single sheet of 8.5 x 11 paper, front-side only. It is best to
first divide the page into three separate columns. Then, writing small, and
often with different colored ink, you seek to consolidate all of the
information contained in a chapter onto one page of notes. Often highlighting
is utilized, either for terms, important concepts, or around related concepts.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">So
powerful is a well-prepared one-page handwritten outline that a few professors
permit them to be utilized during open-book exams. This is especially true in
subjects where the content changes over time, such as in reaction to changes in
the law. Often professors, knowing that what you learn today will change over
time, will desire to test your ability not to retain facts, but rather to apply
those facts to situations (i.e., deductive reasoning). Additionally, many exams
– especially as you proceed into upper-level courses – test your ability to be
creative in problem-solving.</span><br />
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<b><span style="background-color: yellow; line-height: 115%;">The Concept Map (Mind Map) Alternative</span></b><span style="line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Research
has demonstrated that it is easier to learn something new if you can link it to
something you already know. A concept map is a diagram showing the
relationships among concepts. It is a graphical tool for organizing and
representing knowledge.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Concept
maps, also called “mind maps,” are often utilized by students as an alternative
to outlining. Concept maps are used most effectively when the hierarchical
structure of information is represented well, and when new cross-links between
related concepts are undertaken.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Concept
maps can be created by hand, but mind-mapping software is often utilized. Mind
mapping software uses visual diagrams to represent ideas, words, or other items
related to and arranged around a central key concept. The appeal of mind maps
lies in the way it visually captures and portrays how we think and process information.
Rather than using a linear outlining approach, mind mapping involves an
organically associated diagram of words, concepts, tasks, decisions, or other
information, linked to individual items as their associations demand. Mind
mapping software is frequently used to link to documents, web sites, images,
and much more.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Here’s
a simple overview of how to create a concept map:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">There
are many, many resources available on concept mapping. Freemind is a free
downloadable software (for both PCs and Macs) which I utilize. A nice book on
the subject is by Toni Krasnic, <i>How to
Study with Mind Maps: The Concise Learning Method for Students and Lifelong
Learners</i> (Expanded Edition, 2012), is available at Amazon.com for $4.99
(Kindle edition). Numerous videos on YouTube and elsewhere explore mind mapping
and various mind mapping software solutions.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Concept
mapping takes a bit of time to master, to obtain maximum effect. But the skills
learned in concept mapping can then be utilized not just in college, but in a
variety of situations in the real world in which information and concepts must
be mastered or decisions undertaken.</span><span style="font-size: 10.5pt;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 10.5pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<b><span style="background-color: yellow; line-height: 115%;">Taking Notes During Class, Generally</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Academic
studies have shown that taking notes with a pen and paper, rather than a
laptop, leads to higher quality learning. Writing by hand strengthens the
learning process, while typing can impair it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Additionally,
typing is more difficult than hand-writing notes. Often the focus of one’s
attention shifts from the content of the notes to how they are formatted.
Hence, while those who type notes during class tend to take far more notes, it
often becomes “mindless processing.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">With
your outline already in hand, note-taking during class can be done much more
easily and productively. If you are using a hand-written outline, make a copy
of it for use during class (save the original for updating, after class.) If
you have saved space on each page of your outline, you can simply write down
any new material or concepts covered in class. You can also underline or
highlight material covered in class, as the lecture or class discussion
progresses.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Rather
than try to write down everything, in a well-organized manner, the key to
note-taking in class is to jot down just enough information so you can
recollect the information later. Make your notes brief. Never use a sentence
where you can use a phrase. Never use a phrase where you can use a word.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Use
abbreviations and symbols, but be consistent. While most notes should be brief
and in your own words, certain content, such as formulas and specific facts,
should be noted exactly.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">If
you miss a statement, write down a few key words and get the information later.</span><br />
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<b><span style="background-color: yellow; line-height: 115%;">An Alternative: Taking “Cornell Notes” During Class.</span></b><span style="line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">A
commonly used notetaking method is the “Cornell notetaking method.” These notes
can be used as an alternative to outlining a textbook, as well as used during
class lectures and discussions.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Some
basic videos on notetaking during class using this method can be found at:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="line-height: 115%;">Sofiatreeproductions, “How to … Cornell Notes”
(6:02) </span><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w3pM5hEgBk4"><b><span style="font-size: xx-small; line-height: 115%;">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w3pM5hEgBk4</span></b></a></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 115%;">Jennifer DesRochers, “How to take Cornell
notes.” (5:26) </span><b><span style="font-size: xx-small; line-height: 115%;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WtW9IyE04OQ">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WtW9IyE04OQ</a></span></b></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Many
other good videos on the Cornell notetaking method exist on YouTube.</span><br />
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<b><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="background-color: yellow;">Consolidate Class Notes into Your Outline</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; mso-pagination: widow-orphan;">
<i>As soon as possible</i> after the conclusion of the
lecture, obtain any PowerPoint slides utilized and/or lecture notes, if they
are shared by the professor. Together with your class notes, then revise your
outline.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; mso-pagination: widow-orphan;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Since material which is covered in class is usually
far more commonly utilized as the source for quiz or exam questions, highlight
the key concepts which were covered in class in your outline, either with a highlighter
or by using a “*” or other symbol.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Lastly, if problems
were covered during the lecture, use your revised outline to go back and review
the problems. Solve them yourself. If additional problem sets exist in the
textbook, which you have previously not covered, test out the use of your
outline on these problem sets.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<i>Dr. Ron A. Rhoades is an Asst. Professor of Finance at Western Kentucky University's Gordon Ford College of Business, where he chairs the (B.S. Finance) Financial Planning Program. An innovative, passionate teacher, he is the author of <span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/" target="_blank">Choose to Succeed in College and in Life: Continously Improve, Persevere, and Enjoy the Journey (2014</a>)</span></i>, <i>from which many of these blog posts are derived.</i><br />
<i><br /></i><i>Dr. Rhoades also serves as a consultant to the <a href="http://garrettplanningnetwork.com/" target="_blank">Garrett Planning Network</a>, a nationwide network of independent, Fee-Only financial planners making competent, objective financial advice accessible to all people. He is the author of several books, dozens of articles, and he is a frequent speaker at financial planning and investments conferences. He is the recipient of many awards for his advocacy on behalf of the fiduciary standard. Dr. Rhoades is also a member of The Florida Bar, and he practices estate planning and transfer taxation for select current clients.</i><br />
<i><br /></i><i>Dr. Rhoades and his wife, Cathy, reside in Bowling Green, Kentucky.</i><br />
<br /><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"></span>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px;">
<i>To contact Dr. Rhoades, please e-mail: </i><a href="mailto:WKUBear@gmail.com">WKUBear@gmail.com</a>.</div>
Ron A. Rhoades, JD, CFP®http://www.blogger.com/profile/09921762176161872029noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8978220165847886802.post-78339165168708913682015-05-05T09:40:00.000-05:002015-05-07T13:49:22.544-05:0012: OOZE CONFIDENCE!<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: blue; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>"As is our confidence, so is our capacity." -William Hazlitt</b></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></i></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><br /></i>
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<b><u><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: yellow;">Fuel for Success: Self-Confidence</span><o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Self-confidence
is the belief that you can handle a certain situation correctly. It is the belief in yourself and your own
abilities.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
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<v:stroke dashstyle="1 1" endcap="round">
<v:shadow color="black" offset="0,.55556mm" opacity="24903f" origin=",.5">
</v:shadow></v:stroke></v:line>Self-confidence is relational with
respect to each activity in which you engage.
For example, you may be very confident in your abilities in a particular
sport, but not so confident when it comes to talking to a stranger.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">How
important is self-confidence in life?</span></div>
<div class="ColorfulList-Accent11" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: .75in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 115%;">Presenting yourself as someone who is
confident can increase your chances of making someone fall in love with you.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 115%;">Possessing confidence during job interviews
gives you a much better chance of an employment offer, relative to others who
possess solid resumes, but who lack self-confidence.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">A confident person usually possesses at
least TEN TIMES the likelihood of success than a person who lacks
confidence. Think about it. </span><i style="line-height: 115%;">Ten
Times More Likely to Succeed.</i></span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 115%;">Confidence creates trust. Everyone wants to be able to trust the people
they do business with, become friends with, and fall in love with.</span></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">The
good news is that self-confidence is never inherited, it is <i>learned</i>.
Self-confidence is a skill, or trait, that you can acquire. All it takes is the right attitude and
practice.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Understand
that nearly all of the college students around you lack sufficient
self-confidence. It may seem to you that
you are the least confident person in a particular environment, but there are
many others in the room who are as shy, or even shyer, than you.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Another
piece of good news about self-confidence is that you can fake it! That’s right – you can “ooze confidence” even
if you don’t have it! I personally know people who have pursued their dreams
even when they didn’t feel especially confident about the actions they were
taking. You know what happened? They
made amazing progress and they increased their self-confidence levels along the
way.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<b><u><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: yellow;">Introverts: Be Proud, for Introversion
is a Strength, Not an Excuse.</span><o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Introversion
is a strength, but it should <i>never</i>
become an excuse.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Watch
this Ted Talk: “Susan Cain: The Power of
Introverts” <a href="http://www.ted.com/talks/susan_cain_the_power_of_introverts"><b>http://www.ted.com/talks/susan_cain_the_power_of_introverts</b></a> (19:04).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">In
a culture where being social and outgoing are prized above all else, it can be
difficult, even shameful, to be an introvert. But, as Susan Cain argues in this
passionate talk, introverts bring extraordinary talents and abilities to the
world that should be encouraged and celebrated.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Introversion
is an inner strength. It enables you to
be much more observant and reflective of the world around you. Introverts are more likely to discern facts
and nuances, which extroverts tend to ignore.
Time spent in reflection can often lead to greater insights into the
world around you. As this introvert has
often informed extroverts: “Sorry
extroverts, but you will never be as observant and reflective as I am. But, I can learn to be nearly as good as you
at interacting with others.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Even
though you have this <i>gift of
introversion, </i><u>never</u> use this gift as an <u>excuse</u> for not socializing,
networking, or connecting with others. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<b><u><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: yellow;">Extroverts: Can You Observe the 70/30
Rule?</span><o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">While
the personal trait of extroversion is often thought of as a strength in terms
of the acquisition and maintenance of social skills, it can also be a weakness. Extroverts are often very poor listeners!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Everyone</i> should be a great listener. Ask questions, pay attention to the answers,
and ask further questions. Get the other
person to reveal something about themselves.
Observe the 70/30 rule. Your best
conversation is when the other person talks 70% of the time and you talk only
30% of the time.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Listening
makes our loved ones, friends, and business associates feel worthy,
appreciated, interesting, and respected.
Ordinary conversations often lead to a deeper level of communication</span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<b><u><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: yellow;">Tips to Enhance Your Listening Skills</span><o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">1.
Face the person speaking. Sit up
straight or lean forward slightly to show your attentiveness through body
language.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">2.
Maintain eye contact, to the degree that everyone remains comfortable.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">3.
Minimize external distractions. Turn off the TV, put down your book or
magazine, and ask the speaker and other listeners to do the same. Don’t gaze
around the room. Keep the focus on the
speaker at all times.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">4.
Respond verbally and with body language to convey that you understand what the
speaker is saying. Murmur “uh-huh” and
“um-hmm” while nodding affirmatively.
Raise your eyebrows if appropriate.
Say words such as “Really”, “Interesting”, as well as more direct
prompts such as “What did you do then?” and “What did she say?” and “What do
you mean by that?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">5.
Listen not merely to the words, but to the emotional content. Try to gain a sense of what the speaker feels
or felt (when they are describing an event or occurrence in their past). Ask
them, “How do (did) you feel about that?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">6.
Keep an open mind. Wait until the speaker is finished before deciding that you
disagree.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">7.
Don’t provide advice gratuitously. Avoid letting the speaker know how you
handled a similar situation. Unless they specifically ask for advice, assume
they just need to talk it out. Some
people just need to vent and are not always looking for a “solution.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">8.
If the speaker is launching a complaint against you or your company, wait until
they finish to defend yourself. This strategy makes the speaker feel as though
their point had been made and they won’t feel the need to repeat it. Plus,
you’ll know the whole argument before you respond. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">9.
Engage yourself in the conversation. Ask
questions for clarification, but wait until the speaker has finished. That way,
you won’t interrupt their train of thought. After you ask questions, paraphrase
their point to make sure you didn’t misunderstand. Start with: “So you’re
saying…”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; mso-pagination: widow-orphan;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><u style="background-color: yellow;">Unleash
the Power of Your Smile.</u></b><b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Recent research reveals that
a “toothy grin” makes you easily detectable in a crowd of people. This should come as no surprise to those who
smile a lot. A smile not only enables you to be noticed, but also builds
positive feelings in the observer. Read
the following article, which is adapted from “Better Interpersonal
Communication,” found at <a href="http://communicatebetter.blogspot.com/2008/10/power-of-smile.html"><b>http://communicatebetter.blogspot.com/2008/10/power-of-smile.html</b></a> (October 5, 2008)]<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: center;">
<b><i><u><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: blue;">The Power of a Smile</span><o:p></o:p></span></u></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>"Smiling is infectious, you catch it like the flu. When someone
smiled at me today, I started smiling too."</i> ~ Karen McLendon-Laumann<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Smiling
is important in our everyday life, both in our personal lives as well as within
the workplace. Dale Carnegie notes, "The expression one wears on one's
face is far more important than the clothes one wears on one's back."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">A
smile is one of the most obvious and effective methods of non-verbal
communication. It is one of the first things someone will notice about
you. A smile, both physically as well as
subconsciously, transmits the message, “I'm glad you're here and that I'm happy
to see you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Smiling
has implications, both in our personal as well as our business relationships.
Smiling overcomes barriers and open doors for people. A sincere smile is a
message of goodwill and is considered a sign of hospitality and confidence when
dealing with a friend or a business associate.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">So,
we all know that a smile is good, but what happens if you don't feel like
smiling? Well, emotions can be controlled to a certain extent, both physically
as well as emotionally. And, you can
evoke good feelings by smiling.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<b><i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">How
to Smile Even When You Don't Feel Like It:<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Physical Method<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="ColorfulList-Accent11CxSpFirst" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: .75in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">-<span style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="line-height: 115%;">The human body associates physical
responses with the associated emotion. For example, if you slouch a lot, your
body will naturally feel more sluggish as compared to a person who maintains a
good posture.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="ColorfulList-Accent11CxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: .75in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">-<span style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="line-height: 115%;">Similarly, even if you feel sad, you can
still draw your lips together and lift up the ends to form a smile. You might
find your mood improving naturally. This technique has helped me improve my
mood countless of times.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="ColorfulList-Accent11CxSpLast" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: .75in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">-<span style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="line-height: 115%;">Smile with your eyes. This technique
involves concentrating your smile on your eyes instead of your lips. Think of
your eyes smiling, or twinkling. You will find that your entire face will have
to lift itself to accomplish this. You will find your cheeks lifting up and the
tip of your lips lifting up to form a smile.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Emotional Method<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="ColorfulList-Accent11CxSpFirst" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: .75in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">-<span style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="line-height: 115%;">Our emotional state is a state of mind. As
cliché as it sounds, you've got to want to be happy in order to be happy. When
you WANT to be happy, think happy thoughts. Think about a place with happy
memories, about someone who makes you feel happy, or a joke.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="ColorfulList-Accent11CxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: .75in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">-<span style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="line-height: 115%;">There is the saying, "Smile and the
world smiles with you, frown and you frown alone." When you smile, it
triggers smiles in others around you. Even in extremely stressful situations, a
smile can easily brighten up everybody's mood. A smile is infectious. Start
infecting people with your smile today.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="ColorfulList-Accent11CxSpLast" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: .75in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">-<span style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="line-height: 115%;">Remember, happiness is frequently a choice.
We can choose to be happy or miserable. Abraham Lincoln once noted, "Most
folks are about as happy as they make up their minds to be."<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><u style="background-color: yellow;">Your Assignment: “Five Trials.”</u></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">During the coming five days, you are
to expand your belief about what you are capable of. Complete these exercises fully, with passion,
and you will discover the personal greatness you were born for.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Give yourself permission to
“fail.” The worst thing that can happen
when you fail is that you will learn something along the way. Very few “failures” in life ever end up
defining your future. Most have only those consequences that you, yourself,
assign to them. As you let yourself “fail,” you will discover that there’s no
more room in your life for excessive self-doubt. You will feel more confident in your ability
to be yourself. And you will take great
strides to becoming much more successful in all aspects of your life.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">THE “FIVE TRIALS” OF THIS WEEK AT
COLLEGE<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">If you put yourself in a position
where you have to stretch outside of your comfort zone,<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><span style="line-height: 115%;">then you are forced to expand your
consciousness.</span></b><span style="line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<i><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">These exercises are designed to expand your comfort zone. Approach these
exercises with an open mind. Embrace the
fact that socialization skills can be learned and enhanced through practice. As
you complete these exercises, feel free to stretch your boundaries even further
by doing more than what the exercises call for. Challenge yourself to expand
your “comfort zone” over the next five days.</span></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><u><span style="background-color: #ffd966; line-height: 115%;">Day One, Smile!</span></u></b><b><span style="line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Place a rubber band around your
wrist. Every time you look at it, remind
yourself to <i>smile</i>. For the next 24
hours, smile whenever you are in the presence of other people. Especially in these situations:</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">At the end of the time period, write
in your journal, describing this experience.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<b><u><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: #ffd966;">Day Two, Keep Smiling and Say “Hello!” </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">For an entire day, continue to smile
and say, <b>“Hello!” </b>or another form of
greeting <i>every time</i> you pass by
another person. Do this even when the other person is wearing earplugs!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">At the end of the day, write in your
journal, describing this experience.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><u><span style="background-color: #ffd966; line-height: 115%;">Day Three: Introduce Yourself to an Executive</span></u></b><u><span style="line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></u></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Visit the executive suite of the
campus and then introduce yourself and have a brief (1-2 minute) conversation
with the senior staff member. As a beginning, you might say: “Good morning
(afternoon), (use their name). My name
is (your name). It is a pleasure to meet
you.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Write in your journal, describing
this experience.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><u><span style="background-color: #ffd966; line-height: 115%;">Day Four: Interview a
Stranger</span></u></b><u><span style="line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></u></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Approach a student with whom you have
not previously had a conversation. Hold a 10-minute or longer conversation with
that student. Gather the following information:</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Practice your “active listening”
skills. Ask other questions, including follow-up questions. Then, write a
thank-you note (see appendix for ideas on content) to the student. After the
foregoing, write in your journal, describing this experience.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><u><span style="background-color: #ffd966; line-height: 115%;">Day Five: Write a Self-Reflective Statement on
Self-Confidence</span></u></b><u><span style="line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></u></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Now it is time for you to write a
250- to 400-word essay in your journal on the topic of “self-confidence.” Explore what you have learned about yourself
over the past week.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 41.4pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #0d0d0d; line-height: 115%;">-<span style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="line-height: 115%;">Which
of these exercises had the most impact upon you?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 41.4pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #0d0d0d; line-height: 115%;">-<span style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="line-height: 115%;">What
good habits, relating to communicating with others, do you desire to achieve?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 41.4pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #0d0d0d; line-height: 115%;">-<span style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="line-height: 115%;">What
bad habits, relating to communicating with others, do you need to change?</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 41.4pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #0d0d0d; line-height: 115%;">-<span style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="line-height: 115%;">What
actions can you take to use the “self-confidence” you have gained to propel
yourself to success in life?</span><u><br clear="all" style="mso-special-character: line-break; page-break-before: always;" />
</u><span style="line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<i>Dr. Ron A. Rhoades is an Asst. Professor of Finance at Western Kentucky University's Gordon Ford College of Business, where he chairs the (B.S. Finance) Financial Planning Program. An innovative, passionate teacher, he is the author of <span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/" target="_blank">Choose to Succeed in College and in Life: Continously Improve, Persevere, and Enjoy the Journey (2014</a>)</span></i>, <i>from which many of these blog posts are derived.</i><br />
<i><br /></i><i>Dr. Rhoades also serves as a consultant to the <a href="http://garrettplanningnetwork.com/" target="_blank">Garrett Planning Network</a>, a nationwide network of independent, Fee-Only financial planners making competent, objective financial advice accessible to all people. He is the author of several books, dozens of articles, and he is a frequent speaker at financial planning and investments conferences. He is the recipient of many awards for his advocacy on behalf of the fiduciary standard. Dr. Rhoades is also a member of The Florida Bar, and he practices estate planning and transfer taxation for select current clients.</i><br />
<i><br /></i><i>Dr. Rhoades and his wife, Cathy, reside in Bowling Green, Kentucky.</i><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"></span>
</span>
<br />
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>To contact Dr. Rhoades, please e-mail: </i><a href="mailto:WKUBear@gmail.com">WKUBear@gmail.com</a>.</span></div>
</div>
Ron A. Rhoades, JD, CFP®http://www.blogger.com/profile/09921762176161872029noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8978220165847886802.post-24973711988537030862015-05-05T08:35:00.000-05:002015-05-07T13:49:09.835-05:0013: Don't Lie Down with Dogs!<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">"Keep away from people who try to belittle your
ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that
you too can become great.” - Mark Twain<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">“If you lie down with dogs, you will
get up with fleas.” In other words, if
you associate with bad people, you will acquire their faults. <span style="color: #0d0d0d;">Research reveals that your level of success mirrors the
level of success of those with whom you choose to associate.</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Realize that you are – especially in
the formative time of your college years – a chameleon. You may have a strong internal compass, but
you can also easily pick up external, cosmetic things from people very quickly.
The truth is that humans are pack animals and the need for acceptance and love
is hard-wired deep within our brains. People like people that they resemble.
So, getting that acceptance and love almost always means practicing, at least
on a subconscious level, some degree of conformity. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">How might this principle affect your
future? Consider this - <i><b>most people end up making a salary which is the average
of their five closest friends</b></i>.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Can you effect this change? If you
skip a night of drinking with your friends to work on an assignment, you’ll
lose some affection. If you’re eating a salad while your buddies are eating
Buffalo wings, they may very well say negative things to you. But what matters
more – your friends’ comments, or your own future?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">If you want to become more successful
and your current group is a bunch of do-nothings, your best chance of making
something of your life comes from changing your peers. This is primal stuff,
and it will work its way down to your core in time.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Here’s some advice from fellow
students:</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 115%;">“Become friends with the right people.
Some people come to college to party, not to learn. They will bring you
down with them. Don’t get caught up in
the wrong crowd. Some people will lead
you in the wrong direction. Don’t follow them.”</span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 115%;"> </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">“Choose your friends carefully.
Find some friends that will keep you on track. Create study groups to stay on top of things
in class. Three brains are better than
one.”</span></span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 115%;"> </span></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><u><span style="background-color: yellow; line-height: 115%;">Exercise:</span></u></b><span style="line-height: 115%;">
Write down in your journal a list of your closest friends in college.
How would you rate each of them as to the following traits?</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: .75in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-pagination: widow-orphan; text-indent: -.25in;">
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 115%;">Devotion
to learning;</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 115%;">Smart
decision-making; and</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 115%;">Ability
to be successful in his or her chosen field.</span></li>
</ul>
<!--[if !supportLists]--></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Now ask yourself:</i> Are these persons
likely to enable you to be extremely successful? If they are not, find some new
friends. What steps can you take to “not lie down with dogs” and surroun</span></span><span style="line-height: 115%;">d
yourself with others who are successful in their own right? Set forth your observations in your journal.</span><br />
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 18.3999996185303px;">
<i style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">Dr. Ron A. Rhoades is an Asst. Professor of Finance at Western Kentucky University's Gordon Ford College of Business, where he chairs the (B.S. Finance) Financial Planning Program. An innovative, passionate teacher, he is the author of <span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/" style="color: #747474; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Choose to Succeed in College and in Life: Continously Improve, Persevere, and Enjoy the Journey (2014</a>)</span></i><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">, </span><i style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">from which many of these blog posts are derived.</i><br />
<i style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><br /></i><i style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">Dr. Rhoades also serves as a consultant to the <a href="http://garrettplanningnetwork.com/" style="color: #747474; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Garrett Planning Network</a>, a nationwide network of independent, Fee-Only financial planners making competent, objective financial advice accessible to all people. He is the author of several books, dozens of articles, and he is a frequent speaker at financial planning and investments conferences. He is the recipient of many awards for his advocacy on behalf of the fiduciary standard. Dr. Rhoades is also a member of The Florida Bar, and he practices estate planning and transfer taxation for select current clients.</i><br />
<i style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><br /></i><i style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">Dr. Rhoades and his wife, Cathy, reside in Bowling Green, Kentucky.</i></div>
<span style="line-height: 115%;"></span><br />
<div style="line-height: 18.3999996185303px;">
<i><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;" /></i><a href="mailto:wkubear@gmail.com" style="line-height: normal;" target="_blank">To contact Dr. Rhoades, please e-mail: WKUBear@gmail.com</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: normal;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">. </span></span></div>
</div>
Ron A. Rhoades, JD, CFP®http://www.blogger.com/profile/09921762176161872029noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8978220165847886802.post-27214220827700754292015-05-05T08:21:00.000-05:002016-12-26T16:08:25.751-06:00A Most Powerful Letter from a Victim of RapeBelow is a link to a most powerful letter, that every college student (and soon-to-be student) should read.<br />
<br />
In a law class I used to teach, I would ask my students: "Can you consent to be hit in the face if you are drunk?" "If you hit someone in the face, and you are drunk, does that excuse your conduct?" "If you are drunk, do you deserve to be hit in the face?" The answers are predictable.<br />
<br />
Then, I would inquire: "If you are drunk, does that excuse sexual assault by you? If you are drunk, can you consent to sexual assault? If you are drunk, do you deserve to be sexual assaulted?"<br />
<br />
I would then ask my students to read articles on "date rape" and "the role of alcohol in rape" - and then ask them to write essays on the subject. Their essays were enlightening, and troubling. Far too often students have been the victim of rape, or a witness to its precursors - without interceding. A significant number of the female students (most of whom were sophomores) had already been the victim or rape or attempted rape. A few female students (and one male student) struggled with their emotions and feelings, as victims; fortunately I was able to connect them with professional counselors.<br />
<br />
The lessons to be learned? Lives can be destroyed. Always have a "designated friend" if you go out (or stay in) and drink. Always, always, intercede when you see someone who is attempted to be taken advantage of by someone else, especially when alcohol has been consumed.<br />
<br />
Most important, understand what consent is, and what is not consent. Get your friends to understand, as well.<br />
<br />
And change the culture, by attending and participating in rape prevention and awareness events on campus. By speaking out, and by encouraging others to do so as well.<br />
<br />
<i>Just one act on your part - to raise awareness, to change the culture, or to prevent the preventable - can save years of misery for another person.</i><br />
<br />
So stop for a minute or two. Read the letter from a victim (see the link below). Then identify a <i>specific action step</i> you can take to assist others, to reduce the chances of rape on campus. Schedule this action for accomplishment on your personal calendar. And, most importantly, <i>just</i> <i>do it</i>.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.buzzfeed.com/katiejmbaker/heres-the-powerful-letter-the-stanford-victim-read-to-her-ra?utm_term=.yr7aKXLZqZ#.stMKq5RB9B">https://www.buzzfeed.com/katiejmbaker/heres-the-powerful-letter-the-stanford-victim-read-to-her-ra?utm_term=.yr7aKXLZqZ#.stMKq5RB9B</a>Ron A. Rhoades, JD, CFP®http://www.blogger.com/profile/09921762176161872029noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8978220165847886802.post-85031851845387535002015-05-05T08:20:00.000-05:002015-05-21T10:37:37.240-05:0014: College Rape Awareness - Protect Yourself from Harm<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="width: 100%px;">
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<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">The path to success can be sidetracked if
you do not, if at all possible, avoid one of the largest risks in college –
being raped or becoming a rapist.</span></b><o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 112%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
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Your ability to
succeed in college, business, or life may be severely impacted by a <i>single</i> wrong decision, which leads to
harm to you or you committing a severe harm on someone else. Given the severity of the physical and
emotional consequences of rape, and its frequency on college campuses, the
following information is provided in hopes that your success in life will not
become side-tracked by a severe error in judgment or by being present in a
situation where rape is more likely to occur.<o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Almost 25 percent of college women
“have been victims of rape or attempted rape since the age of 14” according to
a recent Department of Justice study.
[Rana Sampson, “Acquaintance Rape of College Students”, U.S. Department
of Justice Office of Community Oriented Policing Services, available at </span><a href="http://cops.usdoj.gov/pdf/e03021472.pdf"><b><span style="line-height: 115%;">http://cops.usdoj.gov/pdf/e03021472.pdf</span></b></a><span style="line-height: 115%;">’]<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">College students are most at risk for
sexual abuse and rape during the first six weeks of college, because they are
adjusting to a new environment and are more vulnerable. Ninety percent of women who are victims know
the perpetrator, according to the Department of Justice study.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">A lot of rapes are
alcohol-related. Alcohol impairs
judgment and consent <i>cannot be given</i>
if someone is intoxicated. Be mindful of
your alcohol consumption at all times.
And, as an extra measure of safety, always stay in groups and always
leave a party with the people you came with.
Sometimes being safe means pulling your friend away “kicking and
screaming” from a party where he or she may think they are making unimpaired decisions,
but you know they are not. It would be
better to have your friend mad at you the next morning than assaulted, raped,
or killed. Rape is an act of violence,
which can lead to assault or murder.
Remember, there is a difference between being a friend and being a
bystander. And – even if the person is
not your friend - don’t be afraid to get involved if you see a bad situation
happening.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Only about 5 percent of women report
their rape to the police, according to the study. But, two-thirds of victims
will tell someone about the incident, whether that person is a friend,
counselor, or someone else. If
something does happen to a friend, listen to him or her. Tell them you appreciate their trust in
sharing their story with you. Telling
the survivor, “I believe you” is probably the most sincere thing you can do for
them. Ask them what you can do to help
them get through this.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div style="line-height: 115%;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">If you are a man who is at some point
tempted to take advantage of an intoxicated woman (or vice versa), consider
this: You are harming that person forever.
And, if you are really a good person who made such an extreme error in
judgment, your guilt over the incident will follow you wherever you go, no
matter how you try to right your wrong.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 115%;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 115%;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">__________________</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 115%;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 115%;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="background-color: yellow;">UPDATE: MAY 21, 2015:</span> This appeared on the Education Advisory Board's <i>Daily Briefing</i>.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 115%;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><i>(Note: the identity of the school at question is unknown. The author's guess is that similar statistics are likely to occur at most residential colleges.)</i></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 115%;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="line-height: 18.3999996185303px;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">At one school, nearly 20% of women say they were sexually assaulted as freshmen</span></b></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 18.3999996185303px;"><i>Study suggests 'epidemic' of campus rape, researchers say</i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="line-height: 18.3999996185303px;">Almost one in five female freshmen say they were raped or the victims of attempted rape during their first year at college, according to a new study of nearly 500 first-year women at an unnamed university in New York state.</span><br />
<span style="line-height: 18.3999996185303px;"><br /></span>
<span style="line-height: 18.3999996185303px;">The study, conducted by Brown University researchers, was published online this week in the Journal of Adolescent Health.</span><br />
<span style="line-height: 18.3999996185303px;"><br /></span>
<span style="line-height: 18.3999996185303px;">The findings relied on self-reported data, Alexandra Sifferlin writes at TIME magazine:</span><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="line-height: 18.3999996185303px;">The women filled out four questionnaires, roughly every three months, across the first year they arrived on campus.</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 18.3999996185303px;">During the course of the study, about 9% of the women reported that they were victims of attempted or completed forcible rape.</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 18.3999996185303px;">About 15% of the women also reported that they were the victims of attempted or completed incapacitated rape involving drugs and alcohol.</span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<span style="line-height: 18.3999996185303px;">The study's authors say the findings suggest that campus rape has reached "epidemic" levels.</span><br />
<span style="line-height: 18.3999996185303px;"><br /></span>
<span style="line-height: 18.3999996185303px;">"We find that the likelihood of incapacitated rape compared with forcible rape is higher in college than in the community," said lead author Kate Carey, comparing the new findings with previous reports.</span><br />
<span style="line-height: 18.3999996185303px;"><br /></span>
<span style="line-height: 18.3999996185303px;">Freshmen are especially susceptible because "it's "a big period of transition," Carey told HealthDay. "Many are moving away from home and establishing new social and living arrangements. We knew that was a period of time when health behaviors get shaken up, and opportunities as well as risks present themselves."</span><br />
<span style="line-height: 18.3999996185303px;"><br /></span>
<span style="line-height: 18.3999996185303px;">The findings are likely to stir continued conversation over the prevalence of sexual assault on campus.</span><br />
<span style="line-height: 18.3999996185303px;"><br /></span>
<span style="line-height: 18.3999996185303px;"></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 18.3999996185303px;">"With its relatively small sample size, the survey doesn't promise to end an ongoing debate over the prevalence of campus rape," Washington Post reporter Abby Ohlheiser writes. "Researchers have had difficulty collecting authoritative data on national sexual assault rates for several reasons, including the reluctance of some victims to report assaults to law enforcement" (Carey et al., Journal of Adolescent Health, June 2015; Sifferlin, TIME, 5/20; Ohlheiser, "Grade Point," Washington Post, 5/20; Thompson, HealthDay, 5/20). </span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<b><u><span style="background-color: yellow; line-height: 115%;">Your Assignments:</span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt;">
</div>
<ul style="line-height: 115%;">
<li><span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua', serif; line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;">View
the 17-minute video, “Rape on College Campus: Uncovering the Truth,” (uploaded
by SpookyPrds on YouTube.com) found at </span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ebr6N0f9Guw" style="line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;"><b><span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua', serif; line-height: 115%;">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ebr6N0f9Guw</span></b></a><span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua', serif; line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;">.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul style="line-height: 115%;">
<li><span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua', serif; line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;">Then
read the following article, reproduced below with permission from the author: </span><i style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua', serif; line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;">“</i><span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua', serif; line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;">Acquaintance Rape of College Students,”
Guide No. 17 (2002) by Rana Sampson.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul style="line-height: 115%;">
<li><span style="line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;">After watching the video and reading
the article below, then write a short essay in your journal. Will you use more
caution in the future? Will you encourage your friends to use more caution? Are
you more likely to intervene to prevent an occurrence of date rape?</span></li>
</ul>
<br />
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<span style="line-height: 115%;">------------------------------------------------------- </span></div>
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<i><span style="line-height: 115%;">[The following excerpts are reprinted courtesy
of Rana Sampson and the Center for Problem-Oriented Policing. The full version
of this guide is available at </span><a href="http://www.popcenter.org/problems/pdfs/Acquaintance_Rape_of_College_Students.pdf"><b><span style="line-height: 115%;">http://www.popcenter.org/problems/pdfs/Acquaintance_Rape_of_College_Students.pdf</span></b></a></i><span style="line-height: 115%;"><i>]</i><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<b><span style="line-height: 115%;">The Problem of Acquaintance Rape of College Students<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Rape is the most common violent crime
on American college campuses today. This
guide describes the problem of acquaintance rape of college students,
addressing its scope, causes, and contributing factors. Other related problems
not directly addressed by this guide include: stranger rape; drug-induced rape;
sexual assault other than rape (e.g., sexual battery); use of verbal coercion
to obtain sexual intercourse; "peeping Toms" on college campuses; abuse
in college dating relationships (including violence other than sexual
victimization); and stalking of college students.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<b><span style="line-height: 115%;">Scope of the Problem<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">"Women ages 16 to 24 experience
rape at rates four times higher than the assault rate of all women,"
making the college (and high school) years the most vulnerable for women.
College women are more at risk for rape and other forms of sexual assault than
women the same age but not in college. It is estimated that almost 25 percent
of college women have been victims of rape or attempted rape since the age of
14.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Rape rates vary to some extent by
school, type of school and region, suggesting that certain schools and certain
places within schools are more rape-prone than others. Some features of the
college environment—frequent unsupervised parties, easy access to alcohol,
single students living on their own, and the availability of private rooms— may
contribute to high rape rates of women college students.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">College women are raped at
significantly higher rates than college men. College men are more likely to
report experiencing unwanted kissing or fondling than intercourse. College men are
usually raped by other men. However, since so few men report these incidents,
information is limited about the extent of the problem. Even the current
national data collection systems fail to capture information about rape of men;
the FBI's Uniform Crime Report (UCR) does not provide data on male rape
victims. Researchers have begun to fill this information gap with survey data,
which suggest that up to 10 percent of acquaintance rape victims on campus are
men. Since so little information is available about acquaintance rape of
college men, this guide focuses on college women.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; mso-pagination: widow-orphan;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">The most recent
large-scale study, including students at both two- and four-year colleges,
found 35 rapes per 1,000 female students over seven months (rape was defined as
"unwanted completed penetration by force or threat of force"). Based
on this study, a college with 10,000 women students could experience 350 rapes
a year. This conflicts with official college data. In 1999, reported forcible
and non-forcible sexual offenses totaled 2,469 incidents for all U.S. college
campuses combined, underscoring the low levels of rape reporting. Stranger rape
of college students is less common than acquaintance rape. Ninety percent of
college women who are victims of rape or attempted rape know their assailant.
The attacker is usually a classmate, friend, boyfriend, ex-boyfriend, or other
acquaintance (in that order). Most acquaintance rapes do not occur on dates; rather,
they occur when two people are otherwise in the same place (e.g., at a party,
studying together in a dorm room). Thus, "date rape" (rape that
occurs during or at the end of a date) is not the appropriate term to describe
the majority of acquaintance rapes of college women, as date rapes account for
only 13 percent of college rapes (although they make up 35 percent of attempted
rapes). Gang rape of college women (multiple men taking turns raping a woman)
is also a problem, although to a lesser extent than even date rape.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<b><span style="line-height: 115%;">Victim Underreporting<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Fewer than 5 percent of college women
who are victims of rape or attempted rape report it to police. However, about
two-thirds of the victims tell someone, often a friend (but usually not a
family member or college official). In one study, over 40 percent of those
raped who did not report the incident said they did not do so because they
feared reprisal by the assailant or others. In addition, some rape victims may
fear the emotional trauma of the legal process itself. Low reporting, however,
ensures that few victims receive adequate help, most offenders are neither
confronted nor prosecuted, and colleges are left in the dark about the extent
of the problem.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Many acquaintance rape victims (using
the legal definition of rape) do not label their assault as rape. Perhaps it
seems unimaginable that an acquaintance would rape them, and victims often
initially blame themselves. Acquaintance rape victims offer a range of reasons
for not reporting the rape to authorities:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="ColorfulList-Accent11" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: .75in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; line-height: 115%;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua', serif; line-height: 115%;">Embarrassment and shame<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="ColorfulList-Accent11" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: .75in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; line-height: 115%;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua', serif; line-height: 115%;">Fear of publicity,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="ColorfulList-Accent11" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: .75in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; line-height: 115%;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua', serif; line-height: 115%;">Fear of reprisal from the assailant,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="ColorfulList-Accent11" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: .75in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; line-height: 115%;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua', serif; line-height: 115%;">Fear of social isolation from the
assailant's friends,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="ColorfulList-Accent11" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: .75in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; line-height: 115%;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua', serif; line-height: 115%;">Fear that the police will not believe them,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="ColorfulList-Accent11" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: .75in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; line-height: 115%;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua', serif; line-height: 115%;">Fear that the prosecutor will not believe
them or will not bring charges,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="ColorfulList-Accent11" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: .75in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; line-height: 115%;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua', serif; line-height: 115%;">Self-blame for drinking or using drugs
before the rape, and being alone with the assailant, perhaps in one's own or
the assailant's residence,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="ColorfulList-Accent11" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: .75in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; line-height: 115%;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua', serif; line-height: 115%;">Mistrust of the campus judicial system, and<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="ColorfulList-Accent11" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: .75in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; line-height: 115%;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua', serif; line-height: 115%;">Fear that their family will find out.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<b><span style="line-height: 115%;">Types of Acquaintance Rape<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">In examining the problem of
acquaintance rape of college students (which, as noted, accounts for 90 percent
of college rapes), it is important to define the sub-problems for analysis,
investigation, and prevention purposes. Among them are:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="ColorfulList-Accent11" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; line-height: 115%;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua', serif; line-height: 115%;">Party rape (can also include gang rape),<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="ColorfulList-Accent11" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; line-height: 115%;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua', serif; line-height: 115%;">Date rape (usually takes place in the
victim's or offender's residence or in a car after the date),<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="ColorfulList-Accent11" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; line-height: 115%;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua', serif; line-height: 115%;">Rape in a non-party and non-date situation
(e.g., while studying together),<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="ColorfulList-Accent11" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; line-height: 115%;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua', serif; line-height: 115%;">Rape by a former intimate, and<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="ColorfulList-Accent11" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; line-height: 115%;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua', serif; line-height: 115%;">Rape by a current intimate.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="ColorfulList-Accent11" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">I</span><span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua', serif; line-height: 115%;">n
each case, the offender's behavior before the attack and the contributing
environmental factors during the attack may be different. For instance, the
typical party rape occurs at an off-campus house or fraternity house and
involves the offender's plying a woman with alcohol and/or drugs, or targeting
an intoxicated woman. Environmental factors that could facilitate the rape
include easy access to alcohol, availability of a private room, loud music that
drowns out the woman's calls, and, potentially, a cover-up by the house's
residents who may choose to maintain group secrecy over reporting the rape. By
contrast, a date rape typically involves two people who are just becoming
acquainted and the offender rapes the woman in a car or residence after the
date. In contrast, stranger rapes tend to occur in isolated areas of campus
(e.g., parking lots or campus garages) or in the woman's dorm room. In these
cases, the victim usually has not drunk any alcohol and there is no prior
relationship or acquaintance between the victim and the rapist.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">In addition, there are patterns
regarding time (temporal), place (geographic), victim injuries, victim
resistance, fear of rape, psychological harm to victims, and attitudes about
acquaintance rape. These patterns are outlined below.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<b><span style="line-height: 115%;">Temporal Patterns<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">College students are the most
vulnerable to rape during the first few weeks of the freshman In fact, the
first few days of the freshman year are the riskiest, limiting the value of any
rape prevention programs that begin after that. Research has shown that rapes
of college women tend to occur after 6 p.m., and the majority occur after
midnight.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<b><span style="line-height: 115%;">Geographic Patterns<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Thirty-four percent of completed
rapes and 45 percent of attempted rapes take place on campus. Almost 60 percent
of the completed campus rapes that take place on campus occur in the victim's
residence, 31 percent occur in another residence, and 10 percent occur in a
fraternity.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<b><span style="line-height: 115%;">Victim Resistance<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Slightly more than 50 percent of
college rape and attempted rape victims use force against their assailant and
50 percent tell the person to stop. Most victims try to stop a rape by using
force, telling the assailant to stop, screaming, begging, or running away.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<b><span style="line-height: 115%;">Fear of Rape<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">The fear of rape is widespread among
college women, although they fear stranger rape more than acquaintance rape,
even though the latter is much more common. College women—even those aware of
acquaintance rape's pervasiveness—take more precautions to guard against
stranger rape even if they have been a victim of acquaintance rape.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<b><span style="line-height: 115%;">Psychological Harm to Victims<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Acquaintance rape victims suffer the
same psychological harms as stranger-rape victims: shock, humiliation, anxiety,
depression, substance abuse, suicidal thoughts, loss of self-esteem, social
isolation, anger, distrust of others, fear of AIDS, guilt, and sexual
dysfunction. College acquaintance rape victims face additional consequences.
Many drop out of school because, if they stay, they might regularly face their
attacker in class, in their dorm, in the dining hall, or at campus functions
and events. Since most victims do not report, colleges cannot intervene to
protect them from reencountering their attackers.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<b><span style="line-height: 115%;">Societal Attitudes about Acquaintance Rape<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">During the 1990s, researchers found
that attitudes about acquaintance rape victims improved. However, in general,
college students, campus administrators, police, prosecutors, judges, and
juries still overwhelmingly view and treat acquaintance rape less seriously
than stranger rape, sustaining the myth that stranger rape is "real
rape," while acquaintance rape is less serious and less harmful. College
studies still find that many people on campus, both men and women, have little
understanding of acquaintance rape because, as discussed below, it is a much
more complex crime than stranger rape.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Rape myths allow us to believe that a
"real rape" is one in which a victim is raped by a stranger who jumps
out of the bushes with a weapon, and that the victim fought back, was beaten,
and injured, then reported the event to the police, and had medical evidence
collected immediately. In a "real rape," the victim has never had sex
with the assailant before, is preferably a virgin, was not intoxicated, was not
wearing seductive clothing, and has a good reputation. Unfortunately,
acquaintance sexual assaults contain few, if any, of those elements. In many
acquaintance rape situations, the victim had been drinking, did voluntarily go
with the man to his apartment or room, was not threatened with a weapon, did
not fight back, did not report the event to the police immediately, did not
have medical evidence collected, and may have even had sex with the assailant
voluntarily before.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<b><span style="line-height: 115%;">Risk Factors Associated With Acquaintance Rape<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Understanding the factors that
contribute to the problem will help you frame your own local analysis
questions, determine good effectiveness measures, recognize key intervention
points, and select appropriate responses.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Acquaintance rape is less random and
more preventable than stranger rape. A woman's condition or behavior does not
cause rape, but certain factors appear to increase a woman's vulnerability to
it:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="ColorfulList-Accent11" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: .75in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; line-height: 115%;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua', serif; line-height: 115%;">Frequently drinking enough to get drunk;<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="ColorfulList-Accent11" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: .75in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; line-height: 115%;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua', serif; line-height: 115%;">Drinking to the point of being unable to
resist forceful sexual advances;<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="ColorfulList-Accent11" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: .75in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; line-height: 115%;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua', serif; line-height: 115%;">Using drugs and/or drinking (both the
victim and the assailant);<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="ColorfulList-Accent11" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: .75in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; line-height: 115%;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua', serif; line-height: 115%;">Having previously been the victim of sexual
assault before the start of the school year;<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="ColorfulList-Accent11" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: .75in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; line-height: 115%;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua', serif; line-height: 115%;">Being single;<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="ColorfulList-Accent11" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: .75in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; line-height: 115%;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua', serif; line-height: 115%;">Engaging in social activities with sexually
predatory men;<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="ColorfulList-Accent11" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: .75in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; line-height: 115%;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua', serif; line-height: 115%;">Being at an isolated site;<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="ColorfulList-Accent11" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: .75in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; line-height: 115%;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua', serif; line-height: 115%;">Miscommunicating about sex; and<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="ColorfulList-Accent11" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: .75in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; line-height: 115%;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua', serif; line-height: 115%;">Holding less conservative attitudes about
sexual behavior.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua', serif; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<b><span style="line-height: 115%;">Repeat Victimization<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Numerous studies of campus rape have
found that a small number of victims are repeat victims. One of the largest
studies to date found that 22.8 percent of college rape victims had been
victimized before. College women most at risk of rape are those who were
previously victims of childhood or teen sexual assault. Prior victims are
nearly twice as likely to be raped in college than those with no previous
history of sexual assault. "Adolescent/young adult victimization is the
most robust risk factor for victimization in the college years, and
victimization in one semester predicts victimization in the following
semester." Some researchers believe that college men can sense out women
who are less able to defend themselves, or target women whose behavior (e.g.,
binge drinking) weakens their credibility.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<b><span style="line-height: 115%;">Repeat Offending<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">It is unknown how many college
rapists are repeat offenders. Most college acquaintance rapists go unpunished
(in part because reporting is so low), so the number of serial offenses are
difficult to determine. However, one study found that 96 college men accounted
for 187 rapes, 45 suggesting that further research may establish that serial
rapists are a common component of the acquaintance rape problem. Lack of
reporting complicates the problem, since it may prevent colleges from
identifying and ridding themselves of their most dangerous students.<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<b><span style="line-height: 115%;">Why Some College Men Rape<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">In studies during the early 1980s and
1990s, approximately one-third of college men reported they would rape a woman
if they knew they would not get caught. Given the number of college women
raped, researchers have tried to explain the problem's prevalence. Some men
have stereotypic views of women's sexual behavior. In light of the high number
of rapes, researchers believe that rape is not the product of psychopathic
behavior; rather it is the product of mainstream beliefs about women's role in
sexual situations. For example, many men are socialized to believe that women
initially resist sexual advances to preserve their reputation and, because of
this, prefer to be overcome sexually. If a woman says no, a man is to proceed
as if she said yes. In addition, some
men believe that if a woman is a "tease" or "loose," she is
asking for sex. If she then claims rape, she changed her mind after the fact.
Such men generally believe that most rapes are false reports.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Some college men have sexist
attitudes and seek sexual conquests. Some men simply do not care about women's
feelings. "They have learned that what counts, in the popular sports term
invariably adopted… is that they 'score.'"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Some men see alcohol as a tool for
sexual conquest. While alcohol use does not cause rape, "alcohol abuse is
strongly related to the abuse of women." In addition, many college men may
be unaware that having sex with someone who is drunk constitutes rape.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Some men receive peer support for
sexually abusive behavior. Sexually abusive men often are friends with and
loyal to other sexually abusive men and get peer support for their behavior,
fostering and legitimizing it. During
the 1980s and 1990s, a series of rapes in fraternity houses, and subsequent
cover-ups by fraternity members, suggested to researchers that certain all-male
living arrangements foster unhealthy environments conducive to rape.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<b><span style="line-height: 115%;">Alcohol's Role in Acquaintance Rape<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Alcohol appears to play a large role
in acquaintance rape, although it is not the cause. Research indicates that in
over three-quarters of college rapes, the offender, the victim, or both had
been drinking. Researchers provide several explanations for alcohol's presence
in so many rapes:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo4; mso-pagination: widow-orphan;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">"Men view the world in a more sexualized manner
than women do and, consequently, are more likely than women to interpret
ambiguous cues as evidence of sexual intent."<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo4; mso-pagination: widow-orphan;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Some studies have found that men (more so than women)
view certain cues as evidence that a woman
is interested in having sex, such as her wearing revealing
clothing, agreeing to a secluded date location such as the man's room or
the beach, drinking alcohol, complimenting the man during the date, and
tickling the man (Abbey 1991).<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo4; mso-pagination: widow-orphan;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Alcohol increases misperceptions because it reduces a
person's capacity to analyze complex stimuli. Alcohol (and drug) use
increases the risk that men and women will misinterpret messages between
them.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo4; mso-pagination: widow-orphan;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Some men believe in stereotypes about women and
drinking. Some men believe that women who drink are more sexually
available than those who do not.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo4; mso-pagination: widow-orphan;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Some men use alcohol as a justification or an excuse.
Some men use alcohol to justify or excuse acting out, misbehaving, or
committing a crime.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo4; mso-pagination: widow-orphan;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Alcohol causes poor sending and receiving of friendly
and sexual cues. "While drinking alcohol, a woman may not notice her
date's persistent attempts to get her into an isolated location or
encourage her to consume even more alcohol." In one study,
"three-quarters of the acknowledged date rapists interviewed...said
that they sometimes got women drunk in order to increase the likelihood of
having sex with them."<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo4; mso-pagination: widow-orphan;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">In one study, researchers found that women did not see
being alone with a man and drinking as putting them at risk. Women tended
to appropriately estimate the risk to others, but not to themselves,
perhaps because on prior occasions being alone with a man and drinking did
not result in rape. The researchers found that women drinkers believed
they could drink a lot before being at increased risk for sexual
aggression (Norris, Nurius and Graham 1999).<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo4; mso-pagination: widow-orphan;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Alcohol decreases a women's ability to resist rape.
Alcohol slows motor functions, reducing the likelihood that a woman can
verbally or physically resist a rapist.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo4; mso-pagination: widow-orphan;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Research has found that when alcohol or drugs are
involved in acquaintance rape—which is frequently the case—peers tend to
hold women more responsible for the rape and men less responsible for it.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<b><span style="line-height: 115%;">Athletic Teams, Fraternities, and Acquaintance Rape<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">College athletes are
disproportionately reported to campus judicial officers for acquaintance
rape. It is unclear whether they
actually offend more or whether students tend to report them more (perhaps
angered by athletes' esteemed and privileged status). On some campuses,
revenue-generating athletes (usually football and basketball players) may
believe they are immune to campus rules (and sometimes are) and therefore take
advantage of "groupies" or other women they perceive as sexually
interested in them.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">As for fraternities, a
disproportionate number of documented gang rapes involve fraternity members.
Research on reported gang rapes committed by college students from 1980 to 1990
found that fraternity members committed 55 percent of them. Fraternities often
have a unique place on campus; they are typically housed in private residences
(with many private rooms) and hold large unsupervised parties, often with free-flowing
alcohol. Some fraternity members approve of getting a woman drunk to have sex.
This, combined with some fraternities' emphasis on loyalty above identifying
members who rape, has put fraternities in the center of controversy because a
disproportionate number of reported rapes occur on their property. A number of
researchers believe that certain fraternities, because of their practices, are
more rape-prone than others placing sorority members (and other women attendees
at fraternity parties) at a greater risk of rape. Some researchers also believe
that binge drinking makes certain fraternities at a high risk for committing
rape. Many national Greek organizations now require education for their local
chapters concerning sexual assault and alcohol consumption, and some now
mandate "dry" houses.<span style="font-size: 10.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 18.3999996185303px;">
<i style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">Dr. Ron A. Rhoades is an Asst. Professor of Finance at Western Kentucky University's Gordon Ford College of Business, where he chairs the (B.S. Finance) Financial Planning Program. An innovative, passionate teacher, he is the author of <span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/" style="color: #747474; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Choose to Succeed in College and in Life: Continously Improve, Persevere, and Enjoy the Journey (2014</a>)</span></i><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">, </span><i style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">from which many of these blog posts are derived.</i><br />
<i style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><br /></i><i style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">Dr. Rhoades also serves as a consultant to the <a href="http://garrettplanningnetwork.com/" style="color: #747474; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Garrett Planning Network</a>, a nationwide network of independent, Fee-Only financial planners making competent, objective financial advice accessible to all people. He is the author of several books, dozens of articles, and he is a frequent speaker at financial planning and investments conferences. He is the recipient of many awards for his advocacy on behalf of the fiduciary standard. Dr. Rhoades is also a member of The Florida Bar, and he practices estate planning and transfer taxation for select current clients.</i><br />
<i style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><br /></i><i style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">Dr. Rhoades and his wife, Cathy, reside in Bowling Green, Kentucky.</i></div>
<span style="line-height: 115%;"></span><br />
<div style="line-height: 18.3999996185303px;">
<i><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;" /></i><a href="mailto:wkubear@gmail.com" style="line-height: normal;" target="_blank">To contact Dr. Rhoades, please e-mail: WKUBear@gmail.com</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: normal;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">. </span></span></div>
</div>
Ron A. Rhoades, JD, CFP®http://www.blogger.com/profile/09921762176161872029noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8978220165847886802.post-87455474783380350382015-05-05T08:05:00.000-05:002015-05-07T13:48:10.026-05:0015: Drugs: The Surest Way to End Your College Career<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; mso-pagination: widow-orphan;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><i>While I'm for legalization of marijuana, for a variety of reasons, just because something is "legal" (or may be, in the future, in your state) does not mean it is "good for you."</i></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Let’s
examine this carefully. Suppose you can engage in an activity that:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; mso-pagination: widow-orphan; text-indent: -.25in;">
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="line-height: 115%;">Costs you lots of money, that you likely could spend in much
more productive ways (or save);</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 115%;">Damages your brain;</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 115%;">Is the easiest way to get kicked out of college; and</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 115%;">Can ruin your career.</span></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; mso-pagination: widow-orphan;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">How
much would a person have to pay you, to take on such risks? Suprisingly,
nothing, at least for a lot of students in college. In 2012, the rate of
current use of illicit drugs was 22.0 percent among full-time college students
aged 18 to 22.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; mso-pagination: widow-orphan;">
<b><span style="line-height: 115%;">Marijuana – Ill Effects on Your Brain</span></b><span style="line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; mso-pagination: widow-orphan;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Is
“pot” harmless? Not by a longshot, especially for those under the age of 25,
according to recent scientific research. Marijuana is a drug, and all drugs
have risks and side effects.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: .4in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; mso-pagination: widow-orphan; text-indent: -.2in;">
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="line-height: 115%;">THC, the active chemical in marijuana, increases the activity
of a pathway that promotes protein synthesis in the brain. This transient increase
of protein synthesis correlates with </span><b style="line-height: 115%;">long-term
memory deficits</b><span style="line-height: 115%;">.</span><a href="file:///C:/Users/RhoadeRA/Documents/Magic%20Briefcase/WRITING%20AND%20SPEAKING%20PROJECTS/Book,%20My%20Success%20Journal/Choose_to_Succeeed_In_College_And_In_Life.docx#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" style="line-height: 115%;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua', serif;">[1]</span></span></span></a><span style="line-height: 115%;"> Furthermore, and
while additional research is needed to confirm this result, in a decades-long
study of more than 1,000 New Zealanders, researchers found that adolescents who
used marijuana at least four days per week </span><b style="line-height: 115%;">lost
an average of eight IQ points</b><span style="line-height: 115%;"> between the ages of 13 and 38.</span></li>
<li><b><span style="line-height: 115%;">Teens who were heavy
marijuana users had abnormal changes in their brains related to memory and
performed poorly on memory tasks</span></b><span style="line-height: 115%;">. The brain abnormalities and memory
problems were observed in the subjects' early twenties, two years after they
stopped smoking marijuana, possibly indicating long-term effects.
Memory-related structures in their brains appeared to shrink. The younger drug
abuse starts, the more abnormal the brain appeared. The marijuana-related brain
abnormalities look similar to schizophrenia-related brain abnormalities.<a href="file:///C:/Users/RhoadeRA/Documents/Magic%20Briefcase/WRITING%20AND%20SPEAKING%20PROJECTS/Book,%20My%20Success%20Journal/Choose_to_Succeeed_In_College_And_In_Life.docx#_ftn2" name="_ftnref2" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua', serif;">[2]</span></span></span></a></span></li>
<li><b><span style="line-height: 115%;">The size and shape
of two brain regions involved in emotion and motivation may differ in young
adults who smoke marijuana at least once a week</span></b><span style="line-height: 115%;">. The findings
suggest that recreational marijuana use may lead to previously unidentified
brain changes. This study suggests that <b>even
light to moderate recreational marijuana use can cause changes in brain anatomy</b>.<a href="file:///C:/Users/RhoadeRA/Documents/Magic%20Briefcase/WRITING%20AND%20SPEAKING%20PROJECTS/Book,%20My%20Success%20Journal/Choose_to_Succeeed_In_College_And_In_Life.docx#_ftn3" name="_ftnref3" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua', serif;">[3]</span></span></span></a></span></li>
<li><b><span style="line-height: 115%;">Marijuana use may
result in cardiovascular-related complications -- even death -- among young and
middle-aged adults</span></b><span style="line-height: 115%;">.<a href="file:///C:/Users/RhoadeRA/Documents/Magic%20Briefcase/WRITING%20AND%20SPEAKING%20PROJECTS/Book,%20My%20Success%20Journal/Choose_to_Succeeed_In_College_And_In_Life.docx#_ftn4" name="_ftnref4" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua', serif;">[4]</span></span></span></a></span></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; mso-pagination: widow-orphan;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; mso-pagination: widow-orphan;">
<b><span style="line-height: 115%;">Don’t Smoke Pot and Drive!<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; mso-pagination: widow-orphan;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="line-height: 115%;">The
prevalence of non-alcohol drugs detected in fatally injured drivers in the US
steadily rose from 1999 to 2010 and especially for drivers who tested positive
for marijuana. Researchers found that of 23,591 drivers who were killed within
one hour of a crash, 39.7 percent tested positive for alcohol and 24.8 percent
for other drugs. The prevalence of non-alcohol drugs rose from 16.6 percent in
1999 to 28.3 percent in 2010; for marijuana, rates rose from 4.2 percent to
12.2 percent.<a href="file:///C:/Users/RhoadeRA/Documents/Magic%20Briefcase/WRITING%20AND%20SPEAKING%20PROJECTS/Book,%20My%20Success%20Journal/Choose_to_Succeeed_In_College_And_In_Life.docx#_ftn5" name="_ftnref5" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua', serif;">[5]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; mso-pagination: widow-orphan;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="line-height: 115%;">In
a recent study, it was found that among
marijuana-using college students, 44 percent of males and 9 percent of females
drove after using the drug, and 51 percent of males and 35 percent of females
rode as a passenger with a marijuana-using driver. The authors of the study
speculated that the large percentage of students who drove while impaired
reflects the widespread myth that driving after marijuana use is safe.<a href="file:///C:/Users/RhoadeRA/Documents/Magic%20Briefcase/WRITING%20AND%20SPEAKING%20PROJECTS/Book,%20My%20Success%20Journal/Choose_to_Succeeed_In_College_And_In_Life.docx#_ftn6" name="_ftnref6" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua', serif;">[6]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; mso-pagination: widow-orphan;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; mso-pagination: widow-orphan;">
<b><span style="line-height: 115%;">Conclusion<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; mso-pagination: widow-orphan;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Using
illegal drugs in college, including marijuana, is the easiest way to shorten
your college career. In addition, research demonstrates permanent, negative
impacts on your brain.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; mso-pagination: widow-orphan;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Make
a choice. <i>Make a wise choice.</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 18.3999996185303px;">
<i style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">Dr. Ron A. Rhoades is an Asst. Professor of Finance at Western Kentucky University's Gordon Ford College of Business, where he chairs the (B.S. Finance) Financial Planning Program. An innovative, passionate teacher, he is the author of <span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/" style="color: #747474; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Choose to Succeed in College and in Life: Continously Improve, Persevere, and Enjoy the Journey (2014</a>)</span></i><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">, </span><i style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">from which many of these blog posts are derived.</i><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;" /><i style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><br /></i><i style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">Dr. Rhoades also serves as a consultant to the <a href="http://garrettplanningnetwork.com/" style="color: #747474; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Garrett Planning Network</a>, a nationwide network of independent, Fee-Only financial planners making competent, objective financial advice accessible to all people. He is the author of several books, dozens of articles, and he is a frequent speaker at financial planning and investments conferences. He is the recipient of many awards for his advocacy on behalf of the fiduciary standard. Dr. Rhoades is also a member of The Florida Bar, and he practices estate planning and transfer taxation for select current clients.</i><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;" /><i style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><br /></i><i style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">Dr. Rhoades and his wife, Cathy, reside in Bowling Green, Kentucky.</i></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.3999996185303px;">
<i><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;" /></i><a href="mailto:wkubear@gmail.com" style="line-height: normal;" target="_blank">To contact Dr. Rhoades, please e-mail: WKUBear@gmail.com</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: normal;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">. </span></span></div>
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Busquets-Garcia, Beat Lutz, Rafael Maldonado & Andrés Ozaita. Cannabinoid
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W. J. Cronenwett, M. B. Goldman, D. Mamah, D. M. Barch, H. C. Breiter, J. G.
Csernansky. Cannabis-Related Working Memory Deficits and Associated Subcortical
Morphological Differences in Healthy Individuals and Schizophrenia Subjects.
Schizophrenia Bulletin, 2013; DOI: 10.1093/schbul/sbt176</span><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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Jodi M. Gilman, John K. Kuster, Sang Lee, Myung
Joo Lee, Byoung Woo Kim, Nikos Makris, Andre Van Der Kouwe, Anne J. Blood and
Hans C. Breiter. Cannabis Use is Quantitatively Associated with Nucleus
Accumbens and Amygdala Abnormalities in Young Adult Recreational Users. Journal
of Neuroscience, April 16, 2014</span><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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E. Jouanjus, M. Lapeyre-Mestre, J. Micallef.
Cannabis Use: Signal of Increasing Risk of Serious Cardiovascular Disorders.
Journal of the American Heart Association, 2014; 3 (2): e000638 DOI:
10.1161/JAHA.113.000638.</span><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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Trends in Alcohol and Other Drugs Detected in Fatally Injured Drivers in the
United States, 1999-2010. American Journal of Epidemiology, 2014; DOI:
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Frederick P. Rivara, Megan A. Moreno. Marijuana-Using Drivers, Alcohol-Using
Drivers, and Their Passengers. JAMA Pediatrics, 2014; DOI:
10.1001/jamapediatrics.2013.5300.</span><span style="font-size: 9pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Ron A. Rhoades, JD, CFP®http://www.blogger.com/profile/09921762176161872029noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8978220165847886802.post-80343175955569338672015-05-05T08:00:00.000-05:002015-05-07T13:47:56.945-05:0016: Pursue Your Passions: Career Choice; The Distinctions Between Motivators and Incentives<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>“The worst days of those who enjoy what they do, are better than the best days of those who don't.” - E. James Rohn</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>“Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful.” - Albert Schweitzer</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>“Your work is to discover your work and then with all your heart to give yourself to it.” – Buddha</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Career happiness involves doing what you love.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Career success is excelling at doing what you love.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Everyone has passions, often many. One of the beautiful things about college is
that it provides you with the opportunity to explore and find areas of interest
that you are truly passionate about.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">This post is all about determining the
long-term goals in your life – the ones that really matter. Discover what you
are truly passionate about. This, in turn, assists you to make better decisions
about your choice of major, your career, and which pathways to pursue in life.
But this section is also about learning <i>how</i>
to pursue those goals – not with a mindless devotion to achievement of the
goals, but also by treasuring the journey along the way. In essence, you should
venture down the path, toward the desired goals, with a positive attitude each
and every day; this in turn will make achievement of the goals far more likely.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<b><u><span style="background-color: yellow; line-height: 115%;">Assignment #1: “The Five-Year Question.”</span></u></b><b><span style="line-height: 115%;"> </span></b><span style="line-height: 115%;">To assist you
in uncovering your long-term goals and passions, ask yourself this question: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in;">
<i><span style="line-height: 115%;">If a physician told you that you have
five to six years to live, but during that time you will be as healthy are you
are now until suddenly you pass away without pain, what would you like to do or
accomplish during that time so that, at the end of your life, you have no
regrets?<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Write your answers in your journal.
Be specific. For example, if you desire to travel, exactly where to and how
would you travel? With whom? If you desire to spend more time with family and
friends, what specific activities would you do? If you desire to volunteer for
a charitable cause, what charity would you benefit, how would you volunteer,
and how much time would you spend on that activity? If you desire to pursue an
art, craft, learn a skill, or pursue any other form of education, where would
you do it and how much time would you spend doing it?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">If you have children, answer the
question but assume that your children are grown, self-sufficient, and capable.
Make the focus of the second answer on <u>you</u> and what you desire to
accomplish for yourself, even if this feels a bit “greedy.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<b><u><span style="background-color: yellow; line-height: 115%;">Assignment #2: Identifying Ideal Jobs.</span></u></b><span style="line-height: 115%;"> Pursuit of your passions is not just
about undertaking personal activities, but also involves pursuing a career that
you love. Next, ask yourself these questions:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="line-height: 115%; text-indent: 0.5in;">“What is your ideal last job,
before you retire?"</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 115%;">“What is your ideal job, ten years from now?”</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 115%;">“How will you lead your life in a way in which you are happy and
successful”?</span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Write your answers to these questions
in your journal.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">But before you begin writing, read
the following on the distinctions between motivators and incentives. The insights
you gain may well influence your answers to these questions.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6pt; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="line-height: 115%;">INCENTIVES vs. MOTIVATORS<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">What truly motivates us in life? In <i>How Will You Measure Your Life</i>, author
Clayton Christensen explores the types of satisfaction we can find in careers.
This may have important implications for your choice of career.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<b><u><span style="line-height: 115%;">Four Possible Career Quadrants You Can Land In.</span></u></b><span style="line-height: 115%;">
If I were to paraphrase and re-organize the author’s thoughts, there are
four possible career results which can follow:<span style="font-size: 10.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
</div>
<table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoTableGrid" style="border-collapse: collapse; border: none; mso-border-alt: solid black .5pt; mso-padding-alt: 2.9pt 5.75pt 2.9pt 5.75pt; mso-yfti-tbllook: 1184;">
<tbody>
<tr style="height: .4in; mso-yfti-firstrow: yes; mso-yfti-irow: 0;">
<td rowspan="4" style="border: none; height: .4in; padding: 2.9pt 5.75pt 2.9pt 5.75pt; width: 74.15pt;" width="99"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: EN-US;">Low Incentives<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
</td>
<td colspan="2" style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border: none; height: .4in; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 2.9pt 5.75pt 2.9pt 5.75pt; width: 148.4pt;" width="198"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: EN-US;">Highly<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: EN-US;">Motivated<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
</td>
<td rowspan="4" style="border: none; height: .4in; padding: 2.9pt 5.75pt 2.9pt 5.75pt; width: 74.2pt;" width="99"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: EN-US;">High Incentives<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: .4in; mso-yfti-irow: 1;">
<td style="background: #E5DFEC; border-top: none; border: solid black 1.0pt; height: .4in; mso-background-themecolor: accent4; mso-background-themetint: 51; mso-border-alt: solid black .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 2.9pt 5.75pt 2.9pt 5.75pt; width: 74.2pt;" valign="top" width="99"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-language: EN-US;">highly motivated and lack of
one or more incentives<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background: #B2A1C7; border-bottom: solid black 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid black 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: .4in; mso-background-themecolor: accent4; mso-background-themetint: 153; mso-border-alt: solid black .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid black .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 2.9pt 5.75pt 2.9pt 5.75pt; width: 74.2pt;" valign="top" width="99"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-language: EN-US;">highly motivated and incentives present<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: .4in; mso-yfti-irow: 2;">
<td style="background: #D99594; border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: solid black 1.0pt; border-right: solid black 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: .4in; mso-background-themecolor: accent2; mso-background-themetint: 153; mso-border-alt: solid black .5pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid black .5pt; padding: 2.9pt 5.75pt 2.9pt 5.75pt; width: 74.2pt;" valign="top" width="99"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-language: EN-US;">poorly motivated and lack of
one or more incentives<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background: #F2DBDB; border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid black 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: .4in; mso-background-themecolor: accent2; mso-background-themetint: 51; mso-border-alt: solid black .5pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid black .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid black .5pt; padding: 2.9pt 5.75pt 2.9pt 5.75pt; width: 74.2pt;" valign="top" width="99"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-language: EN-US;">poor motivation and incentives present<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: .4in; mso-yfti-irow: 3; mso-yfti-lastrow: yes;">
<td colspan="2" style="border: none; height: .4in; mso-border-top-alt: solid black .5pt; padding: 2.9pt 5.75pt 2.9pt 5.75pt; width: 148.4pt;" width="198"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: EN-US;">Poorly<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: EN-US;">Motivated<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Key to understanding the chart above is to understand the differences in
what spurs on our happiness as we go through life and various careers.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">
<b><i><span style="line-height: 115%;">“Incentives” </span></i></b><span style="line-height: 115%;">are those elements of work which, if not present, can cause
us to be dissatisfied. These elements (called “hygiene factors” in
Christensen’s book) include:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-indent: 0px;">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;">adequate and fair
compensation;</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;">job security;</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;">status;</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;">work conditions;</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;">company policies;
and</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;">supervisory
practices.</span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-bottom: 8.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; mso-pagination: widow-orphan; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 8.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; mso-pagination: widow-orphan; text-indent: -.25in;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 8.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; mso-pagination: widow-orphan; text-indent: -.25in;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 8.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; mso-pagination: widow-orphan; text-indent: -.25in;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 8.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; mso-pagination: widow-orphan; text-indent: -.25in;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Yet, realize, that it is the absence
of any one or more of this factors which lead to job and career
dissatisfaction. Even if these factors are present, it does not mean that you
will love your job; you just will not <i>hate</i>
your job.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">
<b><i><span style="line-height: 115%;">“Motivators” </span></i></b><span style="line-height: 115%;">are the things which will truly, deeply satisfy us in our
careers. Motivation factors include:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;">challenging work;</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;">recognition;</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;">responsibility;
and</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;">personal
growth.</span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">In essence, these factors lead to the
feeling that you are making a meaningful contribution to your work. Motivation
“is much less about external prodding or stimulation, and much more about
what’s inside of you, and inside of your work.” [Christiensen, Kindle edition
p.34.]<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<b><i><span style="line-height: 115%;">Career Paths and Jobs Focused on
Incentives.</span></i></b><span style="line-height: 115%;"> Many
persons choose career paths, and particular jobs, based on incentives as the
primary criteria. For example, they seek out a high-paying job and/or a career
path leading to high pay in the future.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">There is nothing wrong with this
approach. It’s just that – if you pursue a career only for purposes of making
an excellent salary – chances are that you will not be doing “something
important” or “something you really love.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Some persons pursue jobs with high
incentives (such as high compensation) first, believing that they will later –
after financial security is achieved – turn to a different job (or career) that
they love. Unfortunately, changing careers in this fashion rarely occurs, as
higher pay usually leads to adopting a lifestyle which is difficult to give up.
The result is that many highly compensated individuals work in jobs with low
motivation factors – and they are dissatisfied.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">(Although Alfred State’s business
professors may be among the exception – for many, having been highly
compensated in their business careers, they chose to eschew continued high
compensation in order to turn to their love of teaching.)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<b><i><span style="line-height: 115%;">Career Paths and Jobs Focused on
Motivators.</span></i></b><span style="line-height: 115%;"> By contrast, other persons purposely forego
jobs or career paths which promise higher levels of compensation or status in
order to pursue careers in which motivation factors are present. For example,
many persons pursue careers in the military – not for the high level of
compensation, but rather because they believe they are making a real difference
in the world. Similarly, many individuals work for nonprofit corporations,
rather than for-profit corporations, for the same reasons.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">In other words, if you love your job
– even if you are not making piles of money – you are going to be immensely
satisfied.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<b><i><span style="line-height: 115%;">Can You Have It Both Ways –
Incentives PLUS Motivation Factors?</span></i></b><span style="line-height: 115%;"> Are there jobs, or career paths, in which the ideal exists –
not only are you highly incentivized (compensation, status, job security, and
good company policies), but they also are in a career in which they find the
work is challenging, they are provided with great levels of responsibility,
they are encouraged to grow, and (for some) they believe that the work they are
doing is “making a difference.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Yes, such jobs do exist out there.
That’s the upper right quadrant of the chart, above.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<b><u><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="background-color: yellow;">Assignment #3: Understand How to Enjoy the Journey</span>.</span></u></b><span style="line-height: 115%;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">How you pursue these goals is as
important – if not more so – than whether the goals are accomplished. For to
truly appreciate life you should “live in the present” – be thankful for who
you are and what you have already accomplished. While it is important to
possess goals and aspirations, it is equally important for you to realize that
“happiness” is not necessarily tied to the accomplishment of any particular
goal. Realize that happiness – and a positive attitude – can contribute to, and
lead to, success.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">View this Ted Talks video: Shawn
Achor: “The happy secret to better work” </span><a href="http://www.ted.com/talks/shawn_achor_the_happy_secret_to_better_work"><b><span style="line-height: 115%;">http://www.ted.com/talks/shawn_achor_the_happy_secret_to_better_work</span></b></a><span style="line-height: 115%;"> (12:21).</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">As set forth in the video by Shawn
Achor, discover “The Happiness Advantage” and its major benefits:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;">Better
health.</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;">More
productive.</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;">Greater
social connections.</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;">Less
stress.</span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Next, if you find yourself concerned
about your direction in life, consider asking for assistance. Your college has
a career center and within it are a number of personality tests you can take.
Your personality often drives your interests and passions. More importantly,
the career counselors are trained in how to interpret the results of those
tests and to guide you in considering career choices.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">If you desire to take a free version
of the ever-popular “Myers-Briggs” test online without professional assistance,
visit </span><a href="http://www.humanmetrics.com/cgi-win/jtypes2.asp"><b><span style="line-height: 115%;">http://www.humanmetrics.com/cgi-win/jtypes2.asp</span></b></a><span style="line-height: 115%;">. Simply complete the test and the result will
be provided to you. (There is no charge
for this online test.) <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Then, learn more about the typology
which results (such as “ISTJ” or “ENFP”) from your Myers-Briggs assessment. Simply
type your typology into a browser search window, and you’ll find many articles
that describe that typology. Write a summary of what you learn about yourself
in your journal.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Lastly, find some quiet time and
peruse a college catalog. See which courses naturally interest you. Ask
yourself, what would you study if you could do it all over? And also ask, what
courses do you think you could teach, or would want to teach? If money were no
object, how would you desire to further your education? Write your answers to all
of these questions in your journal.<span style="font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="line-height: 18.3999996185303px;">
<i style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">Dr. Ron A. Rhoades is an Asst. Professor of Finance at Western Kentucky University's Gordon Ford College of Business, where he chairs the (B.S. Finance) Financial Planning Program. An innovative, passionate teacher, he is the author of <span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/" style="color: #747474; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Choose to Succeed in College and in Life: Continously Improve, Persevere, and Enjoy the Journey (2014</a>)</span></i><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">, </span><i style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">from which many of these blog posts are derived.</i><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;" /><i style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><br /></i><i style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">Dr. Rhoades also serves as a consultant to the <a href="http://garrettplanningnetwork.com/" style="color: #747474; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Garrett Planning Network</a>, a nationwide network of independent, Fee-Only financial planners making competent, objective financial advice accessible to all people. He is the author of several books, dozens of articles, and he is a frequent speaker at financial planning and investments conferences. He is the recipient of many awards for his advocacy on behalf of the fiduciary standard. Dr. Rhoades is also a member of The Florida Bar, and he practices estate planning and transfer taxation for select current clients.</i><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;" /><i style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><br /></i><i style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">Dr. Rhoades and his wife, Cathy, reside in Bowling Green, Kentucky.</i></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.3999996185303px;">
<i><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;" /></i><a href="mailto:wkubear@gmail.com" style="line-height: normal;" target="_blank">To contact Dr. Rhoades, please e-mail: WKUBear@gmail.com</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: normal;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">. </span></span></div>
</div>
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<span style="font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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Ron A. Rhoades, JD, CFP®http://www.blogger.com/profile/09921762176161872029noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8978220165847886802.post-79113412822432591132015-05-05T07:55:00.000-05:002015-05-07T13:47:41.897-05:0017: Networking<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Approach new contacts with the attitude – “What can I do to help this person?</i>”</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #0d0d0d; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Approach new contacts with the attitude – <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What can I do to help this person?”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<w:wrap type="tight">
</w:wrap></v:shape><span style="line-height: 115%;">“Networking” sounds
like an awful term and may cause you anxiety. In reality, it’s just about the
process of relationship building. Those
who are successful at all aspects of networking discover that not only can they
lend assistance to others, but that in giving such assistance numerous rewards,
both emotional and monetary, can result.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">The most successful persons in
marketing, once they have identified their target market or niche and develop a
marketing program around it, will be required to “network” as part of that
marketing plan.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">You are already involved in MANY
NETWORKS:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-left: .8in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-pagination: widow-orphan; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; line-height: 115%;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="line-height: 115%;">Your
family<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-left: .8in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-pagination: widow-orphan; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; line-height: 115%;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="line-height: 115%;">Childhood
friends and neighbors<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-left: .8in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-pagination: widow-orphan; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; line-height: 115%;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="line-height: 115%;">High
school friends and teachers<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: .8in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-pagination: widow-orphan; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; line-height: 115%;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="line-height: 115%;">College
classmates, friends, and acquaintances<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">You can be involved in many MORE networks because it is
important to you!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-left: .8in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-pagination: widow-orphan; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; line-height: 115%;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="line-height: 115%;">Fraternities
or sororities<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-left: .8in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-pagination: widow-orphan; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; line-height: 115%;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="line-height: 115%;">Special
interest clubs<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-left: .8in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-pagination: widow-orphan; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; line-height: 115%;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="line-height: 115%;">Your
religious place of worship<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-left: .8in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-pagination: widow-orphan; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; line-height: 115%;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="line-height: 115%;">Sport
leagues and activities (for you or your children)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-left: .8in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-pagination: widow-orphan; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; line-height: 115%;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="line-height: 115%;">Community
or neighborhood associations<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: .8in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-pagination: widow-orphan; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; line-height: 115%;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="line-height: 115%;">Business
associations (Chamber of Commerce, “Young Professionals” groups, industry or
trade groups for your profession or trade)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Often you can become an “affiliate
member” of an industry organization that can help you market your business. This
is a great way to network with others in your profession whose market
compliments yours and may send business your way as you send business theirs.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<b><u><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: blue;"><i>Twelve Networking Tips:</i></span></span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<b><span style="line-height: 115%;">1. Don’t Think of it as “Networking.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Part of the fear-factor surrounding
networking is the word “networking” itself.
Instead of trying to “network,” why don’t you “go out to make a new
friend”? Why don’t you think of the upcoming industry event or a question on
Twitter as an opportunity to help someone? When you solve someone’s problem or
point him or her toward a useful resource, all in a friendly manner, you’re
networking. That’s all there is to it.
Networking isn’t scary. It’s just making friends and helping people.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<b><span style="line-height: 115%;">2. Be the First to Say “Hello!”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Introduce yourself. Act as if you’re
the host and introduce new arrivals to your conversational partner or partners.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">If you're wondering how acting as a
host can help your introversion, think about when you have guests at your home
or office, what do you do? You engage them in conversation and make them feel
comfortable. You are a host. What you don't do in your own home or office is
stand by yourself in the corner thinking about how much you hate meeting new
people.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">There are many techniques that can
make the process markedly easier, especially for those who consider themselves
introverted. For example, volunteering to be an ambassador or visitor host for
a local business networking event can be a great way to get involved without
leaving your comfort-zone. Or just going
to a party or event and “acting like a host” can put you in the right frame of
mind.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<b><span style="line-height: 115%;">3. Smile and Shake Hands.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Smile and always shake hands when you
meet anyone. When shaking hands, the web between your thumb and forefinger
should touch the web of the other person’s hand. Shake firmly, just two or three times, then
release.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Always smile – <i>always</i>. Especially when
entering a room. When you smile, others
cannot help but smile back. More
importantly, you indicate to others that you are open to conversation and
people are attracted to those who smile. With a consistent smile, chances are
you’ll see changes in when and how people approach you and their attitudes
toward you. Smiling greatly aids in
networking!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<b><span style="line-height: 115%;">4. Remember Names.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Take your time during introductions!
Make an extra effort to remember names and use them frequently in the
conversation.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<b><span style="line-height: 115%;">5. Maintain Eye Contact.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Maintain eye contact in any
conversation. Many people in a group of three or more people look around in the
hope that others will maintain eye contact on our behalf. But people don’t feel
listened to if you’re not looking at them. Don’t let your eyes stroll around
the room, looking for other people to talk to, when there is someone talking to
you.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Remember that people want to be with
people who make them feel special, not people who are “special.” Take responsibility to help people you talk
to feel as if they’re the only person in the room.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<b><span style="line-height: 115%;">6. Opening Lines and Sustaining the Conversation<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">In general, approach every
conversation with the attitude: “How can I help this person?” If you find a way to help them through your
own advice, by connecting them with others, or sharing an idea, chances are
they will reciprocate in the future.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">For example, get somebody to talk
about why they’re attending the event and you are on your way to engaging them
in conversation. Show an interest in every person. The more interest you show,
the wiser and more attractive you become to others. Listen carefully for
information that can keep the conversation going.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Play the conversation game. When
someone asks, “How’s business?” or “What’s going on?” answer with more than “Pretty
good” or “Not much”. Tell more about
yourself so that others can learn more about you. At the start of each day, prepare a statement
if asked, “How’s it going?” For example,
“It’s a beautiful day today and I’m at the top of my game!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Better yet, practice your “elevator
speech.” An “elevator speech” is
so-named because it’s a pitch that’s so quick you can tell someone on an
elevator ride and they’ll be hooked before the doors open. Remember, you’re not trying to sell
something. You’re trying to connect with people and forge new business
relationships. Your elevator pitch needs to reflect who you are, what you’re
about, and what you can do to help. Have
2 or 3 lines you can state about yourself that set you apart from everyone
else. The best elevator speeches are very short and intriguing and they lead to
more questions being asked about you.
(For more about elevator speeches, including examples, see the exercise,
following.)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">In conversations with business
acquaintances, be careful. You wouldn’t
want to open a conversation with, “How’s your job at ________?” What if that
person just got fired or laid off? Be careful when you’re asking about an
acquaintance’s spouse or special friend, you could regret it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Don’t act like you’re an FBI agent. Questions
like, “What do you do?”, “Are you married?”, “Do you have children?”, and
“Where are you from?” lead to dead-end conversations.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Show an interest in your conversational
partner’s opinion. You’re not the only person who has opinions about
government-funded programs or what will happen to the stock market.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Stop conversation monopolists in
their tracks. If possible, wait for the person to take a breath or to pause,
then break in with a comment about their topic. Immediately redirect the
conversation in the direction you wish it to go.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Be prepared with exit lines. You need
to move around and meet others.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Don’t melt from conversations. Make a
positive impression by shaking hands and saying goodbye as you leave.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">When networking in a room with
potential clients, drop a hint of what you can do for them. You might say, “Well, I know you're not
likely to be interested in hiring a new employee right now, but I thought I
would share a tip with you on how to recruit students should you desire to do
this at a later date.” Or give your opinion on a market or industry trend. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">It is possible to provide some
general value-added advice without coming across like an annoying salesperson. A statement like this acknowledges that you
are not trying to push them, while still demonstrating your expertise. The
listener will probably remember the statement when he or she does look for
advice.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Another way to ease into networking
is to provide a referral or contact. This could be a direct referral (someone
you know who's in the market for another person's services) or a solid contact
(someone who might be helpful down the road).
Let's say you're networking and you run into a person who owns a
printing shop. You talk for a while, you hit it off, and even though you don't
know of anyone who's looking for this person's services right now, you'd like
to help him out. So you say, “Jim, I don't know of anyone who's actively in the
market for printing services right now, but I do have someone who I think could
be a big help to your business. Her name is Jane Smith and she's a marketing
consultant. I know a lot of her clients need business cards, flyers, and such.
I don't know if she has a deal on the table right now, but I think you both
would really benefit from meeting each other.”
You see how easy that was? You stated right up front you don't know what
will come of the contact. But, then you followed up by saying you do think this
person could help and briefly described how. Chances are this will sound like a
good idea to your new contact.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<b><span style="line-height: 115%;">7. Ooze Confidence.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Be aware of body language. Nervous or
ill-at-ease people make others uncomfortable. Act confident and comfortable,
even when you’re not. Be relaxed,
polite, interested, and confident.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Look people straight in the eye. Stand up straight – <i>no slouching!</i> And if you are not confident – fake it!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<b><span style="line-height: 115%;">8. Set Mini-Challenges.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">At the beginning of a networking
event or an online discussion, give yourself a mini-challenge. Say to yourself,
“By the time I leave tonight, two people will have asked me for my business
card,” or “Before dessert is served, I will have gotten one person to open up
about their web design problems.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Make sure your challenge is quite
small so that it can be completed in an evening, but still a bit of a challenge
for you. Try to push the boundaries of your comfort zone. This way, you’ll
reach out to people you might normally avoid.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">If you attend an event with a friend
or colleague, perhaps you could give each other a mini-challenge. Adding this
competitive aspect can give you added courage to talk to people.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<b><span style="line-height: 115%;">9. Listen More Than You Talk.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Here’s the real trick to meeting
people, and one a shy person can utilize most effectively, most people want to
talk. They’ve got a problem (or several) and they’re all too happy to unload
that problem onto whoever seems the most receptive.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Often, people don’t want to be told
they’re wrong or have a discussion about their problem. Often, they just want
someone to listen.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">So be a listener. Ask questions. Have the other person reveal something about
themselves. And observe the 70/30 rule –
your best conversation is when the other person talks 70% of the time and you
talk only 30% of the time.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<b><span style="line-height: 115%;">10. Be Prepared. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Spend a few minutes before an
anticipated event preparing to talk easily about three topics. They will come
in handy when you find yourself in the middle of an awkward moment or while
seated at a table of eight where everyone is playing with their food.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Before an event, identify potential
contacts. People with power in your niche whose ideals and personality fit
yours.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">You don’t always have to aim straight
for the top players, as everyone will be trying to court their favor. Look for young innovators, those with truly
original ideas, and fresh perspectives. If you can find the people who will become
the new industry leaders and give them something of value, they’ll remember
you.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">As well as researching the people you
want to meet, research the event itself. You’ll feel more comfortable and
confident if you can prepare. Will refreshments be served, or should you eat
beforehand? What will the dress code be? Is it appropriate to bring your
portfolio or smart phone along?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Remember, the key to networking is
giving. Give information, give advice, give your services, give your
personality, and you’ll be well on your way to forging genuine, lasting
business relationships.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<b><span style="line-height: 115%;">11. Embrace Online Networking.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Don’t forget online networking. It’s
a great place for “first introductions.”
What online networking doesn't do, however, is provide a forum where
relationships can deepen. The nature of the medium strips away essential
non-verbal communication cues such as facial expression, tone of voice, and
body language. It's usually better to use online networking with people only
after you've established a relationship with them by traditional means. To
develop trust, respect, and true friendship, it's hard to beat in-person
conversation and physical contact such as the occasional handshake.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Every college student should possess
a LinkedIn page – beginning with their second semester. It’s the way persons in
various industries connect with each other. It’s not a “social” page – don’t
post pictures of your vacation (or worse, partying) there. Rather, LinkedIn is
a place for professionals to connect with one another.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">There are many resources to assist
you in using LinkedIn properly. Just type “LinkedIn college students” into a
Google search.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<b><span style="line-height: 115%;">12. Follow-Up with a Thank You Note.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">At the event, exchange business cards
or contact details with your new acquaintances. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Follow up the day after the event
with a mailed handwritten note and enclose your business card. Tell them you’ll be calling to see if a
morning coffee can be arranged if possible.
Then, after a few days, make the call. The next week, follow up with a
quick email or phone call. You have to keep the relationship alive; otherwise,
you haven’t really networked at all.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">If you discussed a particular topic,
perhaps you could do a little further research and send them an interesting
article or point out a new blog on the subject.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Follow up online discussions with a
note on their social networking page or a private email. Let the person know
you’re interested in exchanging ideas on the topic and offer them some
interesting points for discussion.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<b><i><span style="line-height: 115%;">Networking is an acquired skill. It
can be learned. All it takes is practice.</span></i></b><span style="line-height: 115%;"> And the more you practice, the better and the more
comfortable you’ll be at your next networking event.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; mso-line-height-alt: 1.1pt;">
<b><u style="background-color: yellow;">Exercise
#1: Develop Your Own “Elevator Speech”</u></b> <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; mso-line-height-alt: 1.1pt;">
You must be able to easily explain what you sell and
easily identify who buys what you sell. If you can’t tell anyone those two
things in a few simple sentences (i.e., in the time it takes you to travel up a
few floors in an elevator), then you aren’t in the right business. For example:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: .3in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 1.1pt;">
“I
am privileged to provide real-world instruction to a group of highly engaged
students in financial planning and business law courses at Alfred State
College.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; mso-line-height-alt: 1.1pt;">
This is an “elevator speech.” Yours should be both
distinctive and intriguing. It should
lead the listener to want to ask follow-up questions. Here are some more
examples:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 1.1pt;">
A
financial planner’s elevator speech: “I help my clients transform their lives,
by changing the way they think and act about money and investments.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 1.1pt;">
A
soon-to-be college graduate’s elevator speech may have the following structure:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: .8in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 1.1pt;">
“Hi,
my name is ___________. I will be graduating/I just graduated from
____________________with a degree in _____________________ and I'm looking to
be the future star of a growing company.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; mso-line-height-alt: 1.1pt;">
Make sure your speech has the “hook” needed to
intrigue the listener. Be prepared to pitch your skills or business quickly,
succinctly, and impressively when opportunities arise.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; mso-line-height-alt: 1.1pt;">
To develop your own elevator speech, identify your
unique selling proposition. Write down phrases that describe you (if you are
searching for a job), or your service or product, and how you or it can benefit
others. Throw out the “canned” or “catch” phrases and clichés. Write the pitch
in the same manner you speak. Pay
specific attention to how you and your company are uniquely positioned to
address the other person’s need. Deliver your unique pitch. Work on it, work on
it, and polish it to perfection. Then rehearse, rehearse, and rehearse.
Practice it in front of a mirror. Record it and then watch it. Deliver it to
friends and family. Get their opinion on it.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; mso-line-height-alt: 1.1pt;">
Do you have a 15-second elevator speech? When someone
asks, “What do you do?” or “Tell me a bit about yourself,” can you reply with a
short but intriguing answer?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; mso-line-height-alt: 1.1pt;">
Do you have a longer, 3-minute elevator speech? Use this speech to elaborate on questions
posed by the other person. Break up your answers by inviting more questions.
This longer elevator speech will likely have six parts – each about thirty
seconds long:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: .3in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 1.1pt; text-indent: .3in;">
Introduction<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: .6in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 1.1pt;">
3
Main Points – intriguing questions or ideas you want to share (Think to
yourself, “These are the things I could discuss with you in detail, if you make
some more time available to me.”)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: .3in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 1.1pt; text-indent: .3in;">
Wrap-up<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: .3in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 1.1pt; text-indent: .3in;">
Close – ask them for a follow-up meeting<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; mso-line-height-alt: 1.1pt;">
Whatever its length, your elevator speech should be
able to lead to follow-up questions from those with whom you speak and offer a
teaser as to the benefits you offer to the customer/client. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 112%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<b><u><span style="background-color: yellow; line-height: 112%;">Exercise #2: Establish
Your LinkedIn Page</span></u></b><span style="line-height: 112%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 112%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 112%;">Establish and then maintain your
LinkedIn profile. LinkedIn has many videos to assist you in both establishing
your LinkedIn profile, and then using your profile to connect with others on
jobs. Visit </span><a href="http://university.linkedin.com/linkedin-for-students.html"><b><span style="line-height: 112%;">http://university.linkedin.com/linkedin-for-students.html</span></b></a><span style="line-height: 112%;">, watch several of the videos, and
then build your LinkedIn profile and start forming connections.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 112%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<b><u><span style="line-height: 112%;"><span style="background-color: yellow;">Exercise #3: Attend a
Reception</span><o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 112%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 112%;">Attend a meeting of the local Chamber
of Commerce, or attend a reception, conference, or seminar. (Or, if you must, a party.) Establish a goal
for yourself in advance of the event. How many new people are you going to have
a meaningful conversation with? Review the tips below on further developing
your networking skills before attending the event.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 112%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<b><span style="line-height: 112%;"><i><span style="color: blue;">Have an Entrepreneurial Conversation</span></i></span></b><span style="line-height: 112%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 112%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 112%;">You never go to a meeting,
conference, or reception to find a customer or to make a sale. Rather, you go to <i>find a partner</i>. Learn about them.
Research them thoroughly. Then ascertain how you can work together for
the long term. Flesh out ideas on how you and your company can help them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 112%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 112%;">For example, here’s an “elevator
speech” combined with a pitch to start an entrepreneurial conversation. “My
company wants to do business on a continuing basis with firms that profit most
from what we do. Although I’ve done my homework about your needs the best I
could from the outside, it would be helpful if you could tell me more.” As in
all conversations, <i>listen authentically</i>
to the other person.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 112%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<b><span style="line-height: 112%;"><i><span style="color: blue;">Have a “D.O.S.” Conversation</span></i><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 112%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 112%;">This involves a discussion of what
the other person believes is his or her Dangers, Opportunities, and Strengths
in their life. That is:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 112%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="line-height: 112%;">• “What are your greatest concerns right now?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 112%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="line-height: 112%;">• “Where do (perhaps hidden) opportunities lie?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 112%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="line-height: 112%;">• “What are your strengths for dealing with the dangers and the
opportunities?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 112%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<b><span style="line-height: 112%;"><i><span style="color: blue;">Tips for Attending Conferences, Receptions, and Seminars</span></i><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 112%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<i><span style="line-height: 112%;">Remember to Smile and Ooze Confidence!</span></i><span style="line-height: 112%;"> There are a
great many successful people who are inherently shy. Over time they have acquired the skills to
network with others, establish lifelong friendships, and acquire clients. So
can you! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 112%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<i><span style="line-height: 112%;">Understand the organization hosting the event.</span></i><span style="line-height: 112%;"> What is the nature of the people in attendance?
Who is there to sell or introduce a product?
Who is there to network and share ideas? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 112%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<i><span style="line-height: 112%;">Are there particular people you desire to meet?</span></i><span style="line-height: 112%;">
Find out if a list of attendees for the event or conference is
available, if so, “Google” them. Check
them out on Facebook and LinkedIn. Review their firm’s web site. In advance of
the event, you can even e-mail a person in whom you are interested. For
example: “I’m a student in the _____________________ Program at
___________________ College/University. I was reading about (something they
wrote, or said, or “about your firm”) and I was hoping to be able to chat with
you for a few minutes at the _______________ conference, to gain any insights
you may have for a soon-to-be grad, such as me, just starting a career as a
__________. Would it be possible to meet
with you, briefly, at some time during the conference? Thank You.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 112%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<i><span style="line-height: 112%;">Plan your attendance.</span></i><span style="line-height: 112%;"> If there are multiple conference sessions to be held at the same time,
know what sessions you are planning to attend. This also provides fodder for
conversation and questions, especially if you are trying to decide between
which one of two sessions running concurrently you will attend. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 112%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<i><span style="line-height: 112%;">Dress for Success</span></i><span style="line-height: 112%;">. Shined shoes and clean, well-fitting business clothes. Blazers and
dress pants or a suit for gentlemen attending receptions and blouses with a
skirt, dress pants, or a suit for ladies. Generally speaking, men do not need
to wear a tie and women do not need to wear a dress unless the reception is
held right before a sit-down dinner. In warm weather, a polo shirt with blazer
is also acceptable in most conferences. Basically, office attire for both men
and women is the “dress code.” And make sure it would not be deemed “too sexy.” Your appearance should be neat and well
groomed from head to toe.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 112%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<i><span style="line-height: 112%;">Don’t Hang Out</span></i><span style="line-height: 112%;">.
While it is okay to attend a function with a friend or colleague, you are
typically not there to socialize with just the people you came with or already
know. Don’t just gather in groups with those you already know and stay there.
Get out and mix with strangers. After a few minutes of conversation with a
person, he or she will no longer be a stranger!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 112%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<i><span style="line-height: 112%;">Act Like the Host</span></i><span style="line-height: 112%;">. Pretend you are the host of the event. Introduce people to one another.
Make sure you know where the food and restrooms are at, so you can direct
persons that way if asked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 112%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 112%;">One of my favorite introductory
questions when I find myself playing the role of pretend host is, “Hi, (read
name from badge). How is the conference going for you?” Follow up with
questions such as, “Did you enjoy the opening keynote speech this morning?” or
“What was the best breakout session you’ve been to?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 112%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<i><span style="line-height: 112%;">Don’t eat or drink too much.</span></i><span style="line-height: 112%;"> Certain times are not
appropriate for eating a great deal or drinking alcohol. Receptions at conferences commonly provide
food, but are usually just appetizers, which are not an invitation to “fill up.”
They also may provide alcohol. It is acceptable to have a drink or two, as long
as you do not overindulge and get inebriated. Conference receptions are not
fraternity parties, nor is the “hospitality suite” provided at some
conferences. Both are simply another way to network.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 112%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 112%;">For example, a common practice of
recruiters is to host a reception after a day of interviewing students at a
college campus. The recruiters focus on the students who show up and who also
had good interviews. They also pay attention to the students’ behavior at the
reception. If those students who have attracted their attention eat or drink
too much, it’s a negative sign of their ability to control themselves and
present a professional demeanor at all times. (This author landed a job at a
top law firm right out of law school, in part because I ordered ginger ale
instead of drinking alcohol at the reception following the interviews. I learned
of this through a senior partner’s comment to me a year after I joined the
firm.)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 112%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<i><span style="line-height: 112%;">Realize</span></i><span style="line-height: 112%;"> -
Others, even experienced practitioners, can be shy. Some individuals may be preoccupied. Don’t get discouraged if your first or second
attempt to “network” does not work out!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 112%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<b><span style="line-height: 112%;"><i><span style="color: blue;">Tips for Approaching Others at a Reception or Conference</span></i></span></b><span style="line-height: 112%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 112%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<i><span style="line-height: 112%;">Maintain a pleasant attitude</span></i><span style="line-height: 112%;">. Have a positive attitude, tell yourself that this will be a
good, worthwhile conversation, and look forward to the opportunity to start
building a relationship with a new person.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 112%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<i><span style="line-height: 112%;">Observe your surroundings and comment.</span></i><span style="line-height: 112%;"> Example: “This is a nice layout” or “I really liked
the shrimp.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 112%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<i><span style="line-height: 112%;">Ask a question</span></i><span style="line-height: 112%;">.
Example: “Have you been to many ___________ conferences before?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 112%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<i><span style="line-height: 112%;">Learn from your “failures.”</span></i><span style="line-height: 112%;"> Others, even experienced practitioners, can fail at
networking at times. Some
individuals may be preoccupied making it difficult to engage them in
conversation. Don’t get discouraged if your first or second attempt to
“network” does not work out!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 112%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<b><span style="line-height: 112%;"><span style="color: blue;"><i>Obtain Business Cards while Networking</i></span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 112%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 112%;">Make a game of it. How many business
cards can you get? But, go about it the
right way! Even if you are a student, you should have a “business” card. Special business card paper and computer
software enables you to design and print your own supply at a low cost.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 112%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 112%;">Hand out your card only if you are
asked for it. You don’t necessarily want
to pass out your card. What you want is
to get other people’s cards, because that puts you in control of future contact
with that person. Plus, it also looks better if you are the one asking for the
card!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 112%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<b><span style="line-height: 112%;"><i><span style="color: blue;">Correctly Break Into Group Conversations</span></i><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 112%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 112%;">Some people inappropriately break
into conversations. You’ve probably experienced this in social situations as there
are “open” and “closed” networking conversations. Identifying an “open” one and
approaching it tactfully is a useful network skill.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 112%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 112%;">Typically, if two people are facing
each other during a conversation, it would be considered a “closed”
conversation. It may be rude to try to break into a “closed” conversation. If two people are at an angle to and not
facing each other directly, that is an indication that they might be open to
having another conversation partner. If
there is a group of people, sometimes try to sort of linger on the edge for a
little bit and they might non-verbally invite you in. Alternatively, they may
say something that strikes your interest and you can just make a little
interjection.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 112%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<b><span style="line-height: 112%;"><span style="color: blue;"><i>Use Permission-Based Marketing to Enhance Your Newsletter List</i></span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 112%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 112%;">When you obtain a person’s business
card, <u>ask</u> if you can contact them or add them to your newsletter mailing
list. Don’t send out newsletters to
someone you’ve just met without asking permission first. I was once approached
by a person gathering business cards at a conference and by the time I got home
from the conference I had an email that said “Hi, I’ve added you to my
newsletter list.” Apparently she emailed
everyone whose business card she took, because the email had a large number of
recipients. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 112%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 112%;">Newsletters are supposed to be
permission-based marketing. If you
didn’t ask permission in person, you can ask in a subsequent e-mail, “Hey, it
was great meeting you. I put out a newsletter and if you’re interested, here’s
a link (or reply) to be a part of my mailing list.” That way it’s “opt-in” rather than “opt-out.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 112%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<b><span style="line-height: 112%;"><span style="color: blue;"><i>Learn “Small Talk” Skills</i></span></span></b><span style="line-height: 112%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 112%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 112%;">To enhance your “small talk” skills,
the author suggests Diane Windingland’s <i>Small
Talk Big Results: Chit Chat Your Way to Success</i>! ($3.99 Kindle price at
Amazon.com). There are also numerous
videos on YouTube illustrating how to make “small talk.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 112%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<b><span style="line-height: 112%;"><span style="background-color: yellow;">Self-Evaluation</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua', serif;">After the event you
attended, write an essay of 300 to 400 words in your journal, which describes
“what worked” and “what did not work” for you during your networking
activities. Did you reach your goal as
to how many new people to establish a meaningful relationship with?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua', serif;"><br /></span>
<div style="line-height: 18.3999996185303px;">
<i style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">Dr. Ron A. Rhoades is an Asst. Professor of Finance at Western Kentucky University's Gordon Ford College of Business, where he chairs the (B.S. Finance) Financial Planning Program. An innovative, passionate teacher, he is the author of <span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/" style="color: #747474; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Choose to Succeed in College and in Life: Continously Improve, Persevere, and Enjoy the Journey (2014</a>)</span></i><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">, </span><i style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">from which many of these blog posts are derived.</i><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;" /><i style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><br /></i><i style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">Dr. Rhoades also serves as a consultant to the <a href="http://garrettplanningnetwork.com/" style="color: #747474; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Garrett Planning Network</a>, a nationwide network of independent, Fee-Only financial planners making competent, objective financial advice accessible to all people. He is the author of several books, dozens of articles, and he is a frequent speaker at financial planning and investments conferences. He is the recipient of many awards for his advocacy on behalf of the fiduciary standard. Dr. Rhoades is also a member of The Florida Bar, and he practices estate planning and transfer taxation for select current clients.</i><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;" /><i style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><br /></i><i style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">Dr. Rhoades and his wife, Cathy, reside in Bowling Green, Kentucky.</i></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.3999996185303px;">
<i><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;" /></i><a href="mailto:wkubear@gmail.com" style="line-height: normal;" target="_blank">To contact Dr. Rhoades, please e-mail: WKUBear@gmail.com</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: normal;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">. </span></span></div>
Ron A. Rhoades, JD, CFP®http://www.blogger.com/profile/09921762176161872029noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8978220165847886802.post-51747540536763512782015-05-05T07:15:00.000-05:002015-05-07T13:47:23.175-05:0018: Eight Steps to Finding an Internship or JobGetting a job upon graduation involves careful consideration by you of your career path and preparation for same. It also involves a number of steps you should be taking, each semester, to enhance your prospects for getting a job. Following are tips to getting your foot in the door and securing a job in your desired field.<br />
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<b><span style="color: blue;">Step One: Know your aptitudes.</span></b> Persons generally enjoy careers in areas where they possess an aptitude for the type of work they will be doing. How do you discover your aptitude? As discussed in previous chapters, uncover your aptitudes through personality assessments. Discuss the results of the personality / career path assessments with college career counselors. Your college’s career development center staff will possess expertise in how to best interpret the results of personality and other aptitude assessments.<br />
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<b><span style="color: blue;">Step Two: Identify the educational requirements for your career path</span></b>. Is it a two-year degree, certificate program, or four-year degree? What is the payoff for securing a graduate degree in the field? Establish your goal … and then pursue it. Realize that you are competing with graduates from around the country for jobs – become exceptional!<br />
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<b><span style="color: blue;">Step Three: Prepare your résumé – no matter whether this is your first semester or your last.</span></b> Look for “gaps” in your résumé. For example, have you participated in clubs, organizations, and/or have you been employed part-time during college? Have you assumed any leadership positions in a club or organization, or as a residence hall assistant? Have you undertaken any civic engagement activities? How can you fill those gaps?<br />
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<b style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: blue;">Step Four: Review your résumé.</span></b> Contact your college’s career development office, and/or review your résumé with faculty members who have practiced in the career field. Discuss how to fill in “gaps” in your résumé. Discuss how to network and obtain a job. Ascertain whether establishing a personal profile on LinkedIn (absolutely crucial for many professions), and/or a “web portfolio,” or using some other form of web-based social media, may assist with your chosen field. (And, if so, set it up!)<br />
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<b style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: blue;">Step Five: Develop a great “elevator speech”</span></b> – a succinct, 20- to 30-second or so pitch in which you set forth your interests, stenghts, and accomplishments. Be creative. Does your elevator speech motivate the listener to learn more about you? Practice, practice, and practice your elevator speech until it rolls off your tongue casually.<br />
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<b><span style="color: blue;">Step Six: Attend your college’s Career Fair each and every semester</span></b>. Even if you are not yet looking for an internship or permanent job, attending the Career Fair can give you a perspective on the jobs which might be available in your field, practice in speaking with employers, and it is a good networking opportunity. Bring your résumé, dress well, and seek out business cards from employers who may interest you. Write thank-you notes to employers who interest you, and enclose your well-prepared business card. You can obtain business card stock that you can run through a laser printer; with the right design and fonts these business cards can look quite good. If practice job interviews are offered by one or more employers – sign up!<br />
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<span style="color: blue;"><b>Step Seven: Network, network, network</b></span>. Many resources exist on networking, including YouTube videos. Here’s a few tips:<br />
(1)<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Who do you already know that works in your chosen field? Who do you know that may be a customer or client of a business in your chosen field and who may possess personal knowledge of the manager or recruiter for the firm? Make a spreadsheet to track everyone who might be of assistance in your job search. Don’t forget family members and friends of the family – they often can provide introductions!<br />
(2)<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Attend industry conferences and luncheons, especially those within the geographic area in which you desire to work. Lean how to network, before you attend those conferences.<br />
(3)<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Connect with alumni, friends, and potential employers through social media. But make certain your social media pages are proper and don’t contain inappropriate pictures, profanity, etc. – many a potential employee has lost out on a job when a potential employer reviews their Facebook or other social media page!<br />
(4)<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Get to know your professors. They are often contacted by potential employers, and they might be able to provide you with either introductions and/or additional networking tips.<br />
(5)<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Talk to your friends about whom they may know in your field of interest.<br />
(6)<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>If you read an article that resonates with you, written by someone in your desired career field, send the author a compliment in an e-mail and introduce yourself.<br />
(7) Ask people you know if they know persons in your chosen career, and then ask for an introduction, for you to interview them about the career/profession/job (the interview should last not longer than an hour).<br />
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<span style="color: blue;"><b>Step Eight: Seek to improve daily, and never give up</b></span>. Establish and track S.M.A.R.T. goals for your personal development, each and every semester. As part of such S.M.A.R.T. goals, incorporate some of the activities suggested above.<br />
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<i style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">Dr. Ron A. Rhoades is an Asst. Professor of Finance at Western Kentucky University's Gordon Ford College of Business, where he chairs the (B.S. Finance) Financial Planning Program. An innovative, passionate teacher, he is the author of <span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/" style="color: #747474; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Choose to Succeed in College and in Life: Continously Improve, Persevere, and Enjoy the Journey (2014</a>)</span></i><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">, </span><i style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">from which many of these blog posts are derived.</i><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;" /><i style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><br /></i><i style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">Dr. Rhoades also serves as a consultant to the <a href="http://garrettplanningnetwork.com/" style="color: #747474; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Garrett Planning Network</a>, a nationwide network of independent, Fee-Only financial planners making competent, objective financial advice accessible to all people. He is the author of several books, dozens of articles, and he is a frequent speaker at financial planning and investments conferences. He is the recipient of many awards for his advocacy on behalf of the fiduciary standard. Dr. Rhoades is also a member of The Florida Bar, and he practices estate planning and transfer taxation for select current clients.</i><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;" /><i style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><br /></i><i style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">Dr. Rhoades and his wife, Cathy, reside in Bowling Green, Kentucky.</i></div>
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<i><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;" /></i><a href="mailto:wkubear@gmail.com" style="line-height: normal;" target="_blank">To contact Dr. Rhoades, please e-mail: WKUBear@gmail.com</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: normal;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">. </span></span></div>
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Ron A. Rhoades, JD, CFP®http://www.blogger.com/profile/09921762176161872029noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8978220165847886802.post-52698767846384439832015-05-05T07:10:00.000-05:002015-05-07T13:47:05.073-05:0019: Employ Daily Affirmations & Success Tips<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<b>Understand the Power of Daily
Affirmations and Success Tips<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Our
lives are an outer manifestation of our inner thoughts and beliefs. Our whole
lives can be transformed if we choose to think positive thoughts and commit to
being better persons. Positive affirmations are simple positive statements that
you can choose to repeat to yourself.<o:p></o:p></div>
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An
increased body of scientific evidence supports the proposition that you can
“say it until you become it.” In other words, if you define who you want to be,
and repeat that vision repeatedly, you are much more likely to transform
yourself into that person.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Stated
differently, daily affirmations are positive statements that describe a desired
situation, which are often repeated, until they get impressed on your mind. As
you repeat these statements, you come to believe them. This in turn pushes you
to take action and to strive to make the positive statements come true.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;">Daily affirmations train your brain
to think positively; they are uplifting truths you want to believe and
heartwarming convictions about yourself or the world as a whole. They are one
of the most effective ways to proactively and permanently change the way you
think.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;">There are many “daily affirmation”
videos on YouTube which you can explore, and then introduce to your students.
Students can also be encourage to make their own daily affirmations – by
posting in their dorm rooms or place of study, or even by making their own
videos<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Similar
to daily affirmations are “success tips.” These phrases serve as reminders to
you. These phrases are typically advice from those who have already achieved
success.</div>
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<b><u><span style="background-color: yellow; line-height: 115%;">Exercise #1:</span></u></b><span style="line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;">Watch this short TED Talks video,
“Richard St. John's 8 secrets of success” </span><a href="http://www.ted.com/talks/richard_st_john_s_8_secrets_of_success.html"><b><span style="line-height: 115%;">http://www.ted.com/talks/richard_st_john_s_8_secrets_of_success.html</span></b></a><span style="line-height: 115%;"> (3:33).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;">Write down any “success tips” you
discern from the video, which you may find useful in your life, in your
journal.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<b><u><span style="background-color: yellow; line-height: 115%;">Exercise #2:</span></u></b><span style="line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;">Over the next three days, review the
following daily affirmations and success tips – and the text or videos which
accompanies them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;">Choose the most powerful daily
affirmations and success tips (either in text form, or video), and write them
down in your journal. You are not confined to the list below. You may also
choose success tips or daily affirmations which you have previously discovered
and use in your life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;">Place the chosen success tips on a
sheet of paper, and post the paper in your room where you are certain to see
them each morning. Review the success tips each morning for the next seven
days. After seven days, write in your journal as to the impact of these success
tips upon you. Consider continuing the use of success tips and daily
affirmations in subsequent weeks.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="line-height: 115%;">Daily Affirmations for Your Consideration</span></u></b><span style="line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; line-height: 115%;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="line-height: 115%;">I
am the architect of my life; I build its foundation and choose its contents.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; line-height: 115%;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="line-height: 115%;">I
am a successful student.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; line-height: 115%;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="line-height: 115%;">I
will allow myself enough sleep each night to fully rest, so that I may learn
without drowsiness the next day.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; line-height: 115%;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="line-height: 115%;">Today,
I am brimming with energy and overflowing with joy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; line-height: 115%;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="line-height: 115%;">My
body is healthy; my mind is brilliant; my soul is tranquil.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; line-height: 115%;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="line-height: 115%;">I
will exercise my body each day, in ways that I enjoy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; line-height: 115%;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="line-height: 115%;">I
am superior to negative thoughts and low actions.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; line-height: 115%;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="line-height: 115%;">I
have been given endless talents which I begin to utilize today.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; line-height: 115%;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="line-height: 115%;">I
forgive those who have harmed me in my past and peacefully detach from them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; line-height: 115%;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="line-height: 115%;">A
river of compassion washes away my anger and replaces it with love.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; line-height: 115%;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="line-height: 115%;">I
possess the qualities needed to be extremely successful.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; line-height: 115%;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="line-height: 115%;">Creative
energy surges through me and leads me to new and brilliant ideas.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; line-height: 115%;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="line-height: 115%;">Happiness
is my choice. I base my happiness on my own accomplishments and the blessings
I've been given.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; line-height: 115%;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="line-height: 115%;">My
ability to conquer my challenges is limitless; my potential to succeed is
infinite.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; line-height: 115%;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="line-height: 115%;">Everything
I encounter is a lesson and teaches me something.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; line-height: 115%;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="line-height: 115%;">Today
and every day, my thirst for learning is alive and well in me!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; line-height: 115%;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="line-height: 115%;">I
can learn <i>anything</i>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; line-height: 115%;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="line-height: 115%;">My
study habits improve daily.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; line-height: 115%;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="line-height: 115%;">I
choose to take charge of my education, for I know that the more I learn, the
more I will achieve.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; line-height: 115%;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="line-height: 115%;">A
great student lives within me; today that student shows up by preparing for
each class and actively participating in class.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; line-height: 115%;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="line-height: 115%;">I
will master the material in my classes, and I will over time become an expert.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; line-height: 115%;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="line-height: 115%;">Today
I invest in myself, through learning and scholarship, so that tomorrow I can
make a difference.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; line-height: 115%;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="line-height: 115%;">I
enjoy studying and learning.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; line-height: 115%;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="line-height: 115%;">I
respect my professors and fellow students by arriving on time for classes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; line-height: 115%;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="line-height: 115%;">I
choose to grow each day and become an even better person.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; line-height: 115%;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="line-height: 115%;">I
deserve to be employed and paid well for my time, efforts, and ideas.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; line-height: 115%;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="line-height: 115%;">Each
day, I am closer to finding the perfect job for me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; line-height: 115%;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="line-height: 115%;">I
am courageous and I stand up for myself.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; line-height: 115%;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="line-height: 115%;">Sometimes
I will leap before I look and take chances.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; line-height: 115%;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="line-height: 115%;">I
choose to rush toward my fears, for life is better on the other side.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; line-height: 115%;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="line-height: 115%;">My
thoughts are filled with positivity and my life is plentiful with prosperity.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; line-height: 115%;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="line-height: 115%;">Today,
I abandon my old habits and take up new, more positive ones.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; line-height: 115%;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="line-height: 115%;">Many
people look up to me and recognize my worth; I am admired.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; line-height: 115%;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="line-height: 115%;">I
am blessed with an incredible family and wonderful friends.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; line-height: 115%;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="line-height: 115%;">I
acknowledge my own self-worth; my confidence is soaring.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; line-height: 115%;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="line-height: 115%;">Everything
that is happening now is happening for my ultimate good.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; line-height: 115%;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="line-height: 115%;">I
am a powerhouse; I am indestructible.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; line-height: 115%;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="line-height: 115%;">My
future is an ideal projection of what I envision now.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; line-height: 115%;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="line-height: 115%;">My
efforts are being supported by the universe; my dreams manifest into reality
before my eyes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; line-height: 115%;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="line-height: 115%;">The
perfect partner for me is coming into my life sooner than I expect.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; line-height: 115%;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="line-height: 115%;">I
radiate beauty, charm, and grace.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; line-height: 115%;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="line-height: 115%;">I
am conquering my illness; I am defeating it steadily each day.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; line-height: 115%;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="line-height: 115%;">My
obstacles are moving out of my way; my path is carved towards greatness.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; line-height: 115%;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="line-height: 115%;">I
wake up today with strength in my heart and clarity in my mind.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; line-height: 115%;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="line-height: 115%;">My
fears of tomorrow are simply melting away.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; line-height: 115%;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="line-height: 115%;">I
am at peace with all that has happened, is happening, and will happen.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; line-height: 115%;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="line-height: 115%;">My
life is just beginning.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; line-height: 115%;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="line-height: 115%;">I
chose to never, ever, give up!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<b><u><span style="line-height: 115%;">Success Tips for Your Consideration</span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-pagination: widow-orphan; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; line-height: 115%;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="line-height: 115%;">“I am a scholar, motivated to
succeed. I am part of a diverse, caring community of scholars.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Repeating this phrase will assist you
realize that scholarship is a part of your life. Create the image you should
be, and you will more likely achieve that image.</span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; line-height: 115%;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="line-height: 115%;">“Self-Control and Grit are the Most
Important Determinants of Success”</span></b><span style="line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">A TedX talk by Angela Lee Duckworth,
“Grit – The Key to Success,” illuminates the importance of grit (i.e.,
perseverance and determination) in this 6-minute video: </span><b><span style="line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://www.ted.com/talks/angela_lee_duckworth_the_key_to_success_grit.html">http://www.ted.com/talks/angela_lee_duckworth_the_key_to_success_grit.html</a></span></b></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; line-height: 115%;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="line-height: 115%;">“9 hours 15 minutes”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<i><span style="line-height: 115%;">What Can Sleep Do for You in College? </span></i><span style="line-height: 115%;">With adequate sleep, you will feel energized and focused.
Your grades will improve. You will be more vibrant and alive. You'll smile
more. More people will say about you, "Wow, I'd really like to get to know
that person." You'll even secure more dates!<i><o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<i><span style="line-height: 115%;">The Dire Consequences of Insufficient Sleep. </span></i><span style="line-height: 115%;">Sleep is an important key to health,
wellness, cell growth, memory formation, mental agility, physical performance,
and peace of mind. You name it and sleep can improve it. Insufficient sleep can
have serious and sometimes fatal consequences for themselves and others around
them. For example, an estimated 20% of vehicle crashes are linked to drowsy
driving.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Short sleep duration is associated
with various adverse health effects (e.g., cardiovascular disease or obesity),
decreased workplace and public safety, and impaired job performance. Being
drowsy during a job interview will usually result in a short interview. And, of
course, appearing drowsy during a conference with a prospective client, or at a
networking event, can easily convey the wrong impression concerning you and
your abilities.<i><o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<i><span style="line-height: 115%;">How Much Sleep Does a College Student Need? </span></i><span style="line-height: 115%;">The National Sleep Foundation
recommends that healthy adults sleep 7–9 hours per day. For college students
the recommended amount of sleep is 9 hours 15 minutes for the average college student,
to be fully engaged in all of your classes, and for maximum learning. (Most college students possess overconfidence
in their abilities, and hence substantially underestimate how much sleep they
require.)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Yet, 30% of civilian employed U.S.
adults (approximately 40.6 million workers) reported an average sleep duration
of less than or equal to only 6 hours per day, according to the Centers for
Disease Control.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<i><span style="line-height: 115%;">Sleep Advice from Fellow Students. </span></i><span style="line-height: 115%;"> Here is some
advice from college students about getting enough sleep:<i><o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-pagination: widow-orphan; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; line-height: 115%;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="line-height: 115%;">“While
it may sound self-explanatory, in our freshman year it took some of us some
time to realize that he or she needed to get a good night’s sleep. Once one’s
sleep each night increased, so did one’s GPA.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-pagination: widow-orphan; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; line-height: 115%;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="line-height: 115%;">“Regardless
of how much you might personally need, you will have a hard time concentrating
in class – and learning – if you are drowsy. Also, your ability to retain facts
in memory is greatly enhanced when you get enough sleep.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-pagination: widow-orphan; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; line-height: 115%;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="line-height: 115%;">“If
you get plenty of rest, you will have more energy to make it to every class on
time, and to do all of the readings and assignments.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">To manage all your time better, get
more sleep. More sleep will also lead to you being nicer, more attractive, and
generally more awesome. And yes, more sleep can even lead to greater
socialization. Better grades is then just an added bonus!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<i><span style="line-height: 115%;">Additional Resource:</span></i><span style="line-height: 115%;"> Dr. James Maas, <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">The Power of Sleep</span>.
To learn more, consider watching this 28-minute video, “Dr. James Maas at The
UP Experience 2010”: </span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GxEJTNEtIKY"><b><span style="line-height: 115%;">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GxEJTNEtIKY</span></b></a><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="line-height: 115%;">. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-pagination: widow-orphan; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; line-height: 115%;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="line-height: 115%;"> <u>“Ooze Confidence” (And if you are not
confident … fake it!)<o:p></o:p></u></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<i><span style="line-height: 115%;">“Fake it till you make it”</span></i><span style="line-height: 115%;"> is not about faking happiness until you trick yourself into
being happy. It’s not about acting like you’re too cool for school until other
people also believe you are, and then basing your life around a made-up
personality. It’s about confidence. It’s about meeting situations that you feel
intimidated by head-on, telling yourself that you’re ready for them, and
putting “I-can-DO-this” intentions out there, until you’ve done such a good job
convincing yourself that you suddenly can handle the challenge before you.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Appear confident, in everything you
do. And if you are not – fake it! (By
appearing to act confident, those around you don’t know of your insecurities –
and it actually trains your mind to think confidently!)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Some YouTube videos which explore the
concept of “self-confidence” further:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">“How to Build Your Self-Confidence” – Daily Idea - </span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZLAogkva-Ok"><b><span style="line-height: 115%;">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZLAogkva-Ok</span></b></a><span style="line-height: 115%;"> (3:12) (Walk 25% faster. Stand up
straight. Complement others. Speak up at least once in each group
discussion. Make time to work out.)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">“The Big Bang Theory – Confident Leonard” </span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XjrEdiodxuE"><b><span style="line-height: 115%;">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XjrEdiodxuE</span></b></a><span style="line-height: 115%;"> (0:52) (humor)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">“Inspirational Video on Increasing Your Confidence” – Believe in yourself
(from <i>Britain’s Got Talent</i>) </span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=__Gs02ZmUmE"><b><span style="line-height: 115%;">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=__Gs02ZmUmE</span></b></a><span style="line-height: 115%;"> (3:02)</span><br />
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; line-height: 115%;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><b><u><span style="line-height: 115%;">“Don’t Lie Down with Dogs – You’ll
Get Up with Fleas”<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<i><span style="line-height: 115%;">If you lie down with dogs, you get up with fleas</span></i><span style="line-height: 115%;">, or in Latin, <i>qui cum canibus concumbunt cum pulicibus surgent.</i> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;">"He that lieth down with dogs
shall rise up with fleas" has been attributed to Benjamin Franklin's Poor
Richard's Almanack. The quote has a large almost universally agreed meaning of
"You should be cautious of the company you keep. Associating with those of
low reputation may not only lower your own but also lead you astray by the
faulty assumptions, premises and data of the unscrupulous."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;">Studies indicate that your income is
destined to become the average of the five people you spend the most time with.
But it gets worse. Your weight is destined to become the average of the five
people you’re around most. Your habits (smoking, drinking, etc.) will correlate
with those folks. Your level of marital satisfaction, of outside friendship, of
ability to play the 1990s video game <i>Street
Fighter</i>? All are tied to some degree to those of your peers.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">View Greg Reid’s YouTube Video, “How
to Create Success by Association”: </span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hwkdEI7Dbyg"><b><span style="line-height: 115%;">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hwkdEI7Dbyg</span></b></a><span style="line-height: 115%;"> (2:23).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Also view this video from the College
Success Series by Pedro De Abreu: “Who do you hang out with” </span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kJg22LtLcVo"><b><span style="line-height: 115%;">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kJg22LtLcVo</span></b></a><span style="line-height: 115%;"> (7:30).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;">Remember - love your family and
friends – but <i>choose</i> your peer group.</span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; line-height: 115%;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><b><u><span style="line-height: 115%;">“If you don't have time to do it
right, when will you have time to do it over?” – John Wooden<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;">These are key words of wisdom from
one of the greatest college basketball coaches of all time.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">It takes “self-control” – making a
sacrifice today in order to obtain a greater reward later. This is aptly
explained by behavioral psychologist Dan Ariely in a TedX talk, “Dan Ariely at
TEDxDuke”: </span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PPQhj6ktYSo&feature=g-list&list=PLWISm-2xRzgkKn4kRcpLopDT_i7JRmnKG"><b><span style="line-height: 115%;">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PPQhj6ktYSo&feature=g-list&list=PLWISm-2xRzgkKn4kRcpLopDT_i7JRmnKG</span></b></a><span style="line-height: 115%;"> (17:48)</span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; line-height: 115%;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><b><u><span style="line-height: 115%;">“Success is not given to you. It is earned.”</span></u></b><b><span style="line-height: 115%;"> <u><o:p></o:p></u></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<i><span style="line-height: 115%;">Realize the Empirical Value of a College Education</span></i><b><span style="line-height: 115%;">. </span></b><span style="line-height: 115%;">The Great Recession of 2008-2009,
from which the United States economy is still recovering, revealed some stark
truths regarding the value of a college education. Not only do college
graduates earn a great deal more over the course of their lifetimes, but also
their rate of unemployment is far below that of those who do not possess
college educations. In short, there are jobs out there – for <i>educated</i> and <i>skilled</i> workers.</span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; line-height: 115%;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><b><u><span style="line-height: 115%;">“Just Do It. Do It. Do It. Do It … DO IT NOW!”<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Say the foregoing statement <i>out loud</i> to yourself whenever you are
tempted to procrastinate. Even when others are around you. (They may ask you
what you are doing, and then they’ll be inwardly jealous of you.) This
statement – if you actually state it out loud – works to assist you in getting
started on a project.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Procrastinators don't have good
problem solving skills and struggle more with homework than those that did it
consistently early. Here are some videos
on avoiding procrastination and using available time more effectively. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Establish your work space to avoid
distractions. “Stop Procrastinating” by
Charlie </span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qjIsdbBsE8g"><b><span style="line-height: 115%;">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qjIsdbBsE8g</span></b></a><span style="line-height: 115%;"> (4:17)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Starting a project is the biggest
barrier to productivity. Use periods of
focused, intense work, followed by breaks (90 minutes followed by 15-minute
break). See “The Science of Productivity” </span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lHfjvYzr-3g"><b><span style="line-height: 115%;">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lHfjvYzr-3g</span></b></a><span style="line-height: 115%;"> (3:15). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Also view “The Science of
Procrastination – & How to Manage It” </span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1nBwfZZvjKo"><b><span style="line-height: 115%;">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1nBwfZZvjKo</span></b></a><span style="line-height: 115%;"> (2:49).</span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; line-height: 115%;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><b><u><span style="line-height: 115%;">“When you want to succeed as bad as
you want to breathe, then you'll be successful.”<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">A great video on this, “How Bad Do
You Want It? (Success)” is found at: </span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lsSC2vx7zFQ"><b><span style="line-height: 115%;">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lsSC2vx7zFQ</span></b></a><span style="line-height: 115%;"> (6:00), featuring Eric Thomas
(inspirational speaker) and former East Carolina running back Giavanni Ruffin.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Eric Thomas also communicates this
lesson in a classroom setting, in this “How Bad Do You Want Success” video: </span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRfoFGGyRvU"><b><span style="line-height: 115%;">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRfoFGGyRvU</span></b></a><span style="line-height: 115%;"> (5:30)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Some students watch this video every
day - as a daily affirmation.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; line-height: 115%;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><b><u><span style="line-height: 115%;">“Be who you are and say what you feel
because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind.” – Dr.
Seuss<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Adam LoDolce, “The Dating Confidence
Coach,” once gave a presentation on our college campus. He related the story of
how he learned to venture outside of his own comfort zone. He had sought out
the advice of a colleague, and they were having lunch at a crowded restaurant.
When Adam inquired of his colleague as to how to be more outgoing, his colleague
stood up on his chair in the restaurant and shouted out, “I love all of you
very much.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Some in the restaurant smiled. Some
even applauded. After his colleague sat down, the colleague said: “See that
table over there, where the family is looking at me disapprovingly? That’s o.k.
Not everyone will accept me for whom I am. From now on, they are no longer a
part of <i>my universe</i>.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Don’t be afraid of what others think
of you. There are plenty of people who will accept you for who you are. If you
encounter rejection (and realize that you will – and everyone does), just note
that that person, or those people, are no longer a part of your own universe.
And move on.</span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; line-height: 115%;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><b><u><span style="line-height: 115%;">“Your work is going to fill a large
part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you
believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you
do. If you haven't found it yet, keep
looking. Don't settle. As with all matters of the heart, you'll know when you
find it.” - Steve Jobs<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Watch this short video, “Steve Jobs
passion at work,” at: </span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PznJqxon4zE"><b><span style="line-height: 115%;">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PznJqxon4zE</span></b></a><span style="line-height: 115%;"> (1:31)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">If you are uncertain of your career
path, narrow down your choice of careers by discovering what personality traits
you possess, and learn how you can translate your various aptitudes into
possible career paths. And, as also discussed in another chapter, seek out a
career for which you possess a passion.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; line-height: 115%;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><b><u><span style="line-height: 115%;">“Never give up.”</span></u></b><span style="line-height: 115%;"> Some inspirational videos: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
“Best
Motivation Video Ever” (people who failed) - <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RmTxr7OsPj0&feature=g-list&list=PLWISm-2xRzgkKn4kRcpLopDT_i7JRmnKG"><b>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RmTxr7OsPj0&feature=g-list&list=PLWISm-2xRzgkKn4kRcpLopDT_i7JRmnKG</b></a> (1:17)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
“Never
Give Up in Life – A Truly Inspirational Video” Nicholas James Vujicic: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=13N6gAlhAqg"><b>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=13N6gAlhAqg</b></a> (5:18)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
Never
Give up: Inspirational video” (zebra battles lion): <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bx796zSg5gs"><b>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bx796zSg5gs</b></a> (2:46)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
Jimmy
Valvano: “Jimmy’s 1993 ESPY Speech”: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HuoVM9nm42E"><b>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HuoVM9nm42E</b></a> (11:14)<b><u><o:p></o:p></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
“Derek
Redmond's Incredible Olympic Story - Injury Mid-Race”: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t2G8KVzTwfw"><b>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t2G8KVzTwfw</b></a> (2:35)</div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; line-height: 115%;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><b><u><span style="line-height: 115%;">“You can have anything you want if
you are willing to give up the belief that you can't have it.” – Robert Anthony</span></u></b><b><span style="line-height: 115%;"> <u><o:p></o:p></u></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<i><span style="line-height: 115%;">Do you believe that you can’t get an
“A”? You’re right.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<i><span style="line-height: 115%;">Do you believe that you can’t succeed
in college? You’re right.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<i><span style="line-height: 115%;">Do you believe you are a loser?
You’re right.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<i><span style="line-height: 115%;">BUT …<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<i><span style="line-height: 115%;">Do you believe you’re a winner?
You’re right.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="line-height: 115%;">Do you believe you can boost your
GPA? You’re right.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<i><span style="line-height: 115%;">Do you believe you will have a
successful career? You’re right.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<i><span style="line-height: 115%;">Tell your mind what you want it to think. Internalize those thoughts into
beliefs. And your mind will begin to find ways to prove you right. </span></i><span style="line-height: 115%;">You can achieve everything in your wildest dreams. But you
won’t if you believe you can’t. Your mind will work to keep you stuck right
where you are.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">It’s your choice. Choose enthusiasm, energy, and elation. Choose to win. Choose BIG success!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Here’s more inspirational videos:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">“Susan Boyle First Audition - Britain’s Got Talent”: </span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8OcQ9A-5noM"><b><span style="line-height: 115%;">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8OcQ9A-5noM</span></b></a><span style="line-height: 115%;"> (7:03)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">“The most motivating 8
min of your life!” </span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MYKsbld6LII"><b><span style="line-height: 115%;">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MYKsbld6LII</span></b></a><span style="line-height: 115%;"> (8:11)</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-pagination: widow-orphan; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; line-height: 115%;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><b><u><span style="line-height: 115%;">“Don't ever promise more than you can
deliver, but always deliver more than you promise.” – Lou Holtz<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Establish the expectations of your
supervisor, your peers, your clients and customers. And then exceed them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">If you know you won’t meet the
expectation of another – <i>contact them</i>,
and re-establish a new expectation. The very worst thing you can do is have a
deadline pass, without reaching out.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-pagination: widow-orphan; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; line-height: 115%;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><b><u><span style="line-height: 115%;">“If you go looking for a friend,
you’re going to find they’re scarce. If
you go out to be a friend, you’ll find them everywhere.” – Zig Ziglar<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"> Why is it when we need friends the most, we
can't find them? Zig Ziglar's quote addresses that "what can you do for
someone else" approach that will help you make friends simply by thinking
of other people first. If you're desperate to have friends, you will behave in
a way that is different than if you're out to be friendly and helpful. One way
to achieve this attitude Ziglar speaks of is by volunteering. Doing something
for others can help you meet people while you give of yourself. Showing this
side of yourself will make you much more attractive to new friends. And, as so
many of us who have done so know – what you give to others, you get back
ten-fold.</span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; line-height: 115%;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><b><u><span style="line-height: 115%;">“Rush toward your fear. Life is great on the other side.”<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">When you are afraid or fearful of
something – whether it be introducing yourself to a stranger, public speaking,
performing, etc. – rush toward this fear and get it done. It’s great on the other side. </span><span style="text-align: center;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<b><u><span style="line-height: 115%;">Tips from Professional Coaches.</span></u></b><b><span style="line-height: 115%;"> </span></b><span style="line-height: 115%;">Perhaps the
largest challenge is not in finding success tips, but rather applying them to
your own life, business, or professional practice. For this reason, many successful
entrepreneurs use coaches, a couple of whom are listed below.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Other people have learned to write
down the success tips they come across, and then condense them into not more
than a single piece of paper (front and back).
Whether placed in a smart phone, or in a purse of wallet, this listing
of success tips is consulted often. As a
better success tip is uncovered, the listing is changed – but always kept to
two pages (never more). Even then, implementation
of only one or two strategies should be undertaken. Again, focus is important.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; line-height: 115%;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="line-height: 115%;">Enhance Your Communication Skills.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">“You Build Trust by Listening to the
Client's Story, not by Telling Yours.” - –Bill Bachrach, author and coach to
financial advisors. Visit </span><b><span style="line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://www.baivbfp.com/">http://www.baivbfp.com/</a></span></b></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; line-height: 115%;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="line-height: 115%;">“Make Today Count”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;">“Good decisions today will give you a
better tomorrow … Keep a positive attitude throughout the day. Happiness is a
matter of perspective - it is something you decide ahead of time. Influence
others with your attitude. Say something positive in every conversation ...
Sincerely compliment, praise, acknowledge, bolster, raise up, and reward people
whenever possible. Express gratitude daily.” – John Maxwell, author of <i>Make Today Count: The Secret of Your Success
Is Determined by Your Daily Agenda</i>, and many other books</span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; line-height: 115%;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="line-height: 115%;">The Seven C's of Success - by Brian
Tracy<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;">“After having studied top achievers
and peak performers over the past 25 years, I've concluded that these unique
men and women, have in most cases, mastered what I call the Seven C's of
Success.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; line-height: 115%;">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><i><span style="line-height: 115%;">Clarity</span></i><span style="line-height: 115%;"> - Eighty percent of success comes
from being clear on who you are, what you believe in and what you want.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; line-height: 115%;">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><i><span style="line-height: 115%;">Competence</span></i><span style="line-height: 115%;"> - You can't climb to the next rung
on the ladder until you are excellent at what you do now.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; line-height: 115%;">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><i><span style="line-height: 115%;">Constraints</span></i><span style="line-height: 115%;"> - Eighty percent of all obstacles to
success come from within. Find out what is constraining in you or your company
and deal with it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: .75in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; line-height: 115%;">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><i><span style="line-height: 115%;">Concentration</span></i><span style="line-height: 115%;"> - The ability to focus on one thing
single-mindedly and see it through until it's done takes more character than
anything else.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; line-height: 115%;">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><i><span style="line-height: 115%;">Creativity</span></i><span style="line-height: 115%;"> - Flood your life with ideas from
many sources. Creativity needs to be exercised like a muscle, if you don't use
it you'll lose it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; line-height: 115%;">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><i><span style="line-height: 115%;">Courage</span></i><span style="line-height: 115%;"> - Most in demand and least in
supply, courage is the willingness to do the things you know are right.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; line-height: 115%;">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><i><span style="line-height: 115%;">Continuous learning</span></i><span style="line-height: 115%;"> - Read, at the very least, one book
a week on business to keep you miles ahead of the competition. And just as you
eat and bathe, organize your time so you spend 30 minutes a day exploring
e-mail, sending messages, going through web sites, because like exercise, it's
the only way you can keep on top of technology. If you get away from it, you'll
lose your edge.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;">The foregoing is from Brian Tracy, </span><b><span style="line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://www.appleseeds.org/Tracy_7-Cs-Success.htm">http://www.appleseeds.org/Tracy_7-Cs-Success.htm</a></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="line-height: 115%;">Concepts from “The Strategic Coach”:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<b><i><span style="line-height: 115%;">Define Your Unique Ability</span></i></b><span style="line-height: 115%;">. The essence of what you love to do
and do best, in all areas of your life.
Delegate “competent” activities – those for which I am merely competent,
and “incompetent activities” – those that are stressful due to lack of required
skill. “Is this something I should be doing, or can it be done better by
someone else?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="line-height: 115%;">Unique Ability Activities</span></i><span style="line-height: 115%;"> – The activities for which you have
superior skill, passion, energy, and endless opportunity for improvement.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="line-height: 115%;">Excellent Activities</span></i><span style="line-height: 115%;"> – The activities for which you have
superior skill, a great reputation, and sense of teamwork, but no passion.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<i><span style="line-height: 115%;">Competent Activities</span></i><span style="line-height: 115%;"> – The activities for which you are
merely adequate, only reaching minimum standards.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<i><span style="line-height: 115%;">Incompetent Activities</span></i><span style="line-height: 115%;"> - The activities where you
experience failure and stress because you don’t have the required skill.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<b><i><span style="line-height: 115%;">Referability Habits.</span></i></b><span style="line-height: 115%;"> Show up on time. Do what you say.
Finish what you start. Say please and thank you.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<b><i><span style="line-height: 115%;">The R-Factor Question</span></i></b><span style="line-height: 115%;">: “If we were sitting here three
years from today, what has to have happened during that three-year period for
you to feel happy about your progress?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<b><i><span style="line-height: 115%;">The 10x Goal</span></i></b><span style="line-height: 115%;">: Last year’s revenue, multiplied by
10. Obtain a dramatically expanded vision of the company’s future. Consider the
crucial delegations I must make to achieve this 10x growth. How have I
leveraged myself, and my team? Approach it as a game. Brainstorm with team
members key changes that will lead to breakthrough growth – communicate the
largest check goal to the team; strategize together how to achieve these goals.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Learn more from Dan Sullivan, by
visiting </span><a href="http://www.strategiccoach.com/"><b><span style="line-height: 115%;">www.Strategiccoach.com</span></b></a><b><span style="line-height: 115%;">.</span></b><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<b><span style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b>
<i style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">Dr. Ron A. Rhoades is an Asst. Professor of Finance at Western Kentucky University's Gordon Ford College of Business, where he chairs the (B.S. Finance) Financial Planning Program. An innovative, passionate teacher, he is the author of <span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/" style="color: #747474; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Choose to Succeed in College and in Life: Continously Improve, Persevere, and Enjoy the Journey (2014</a>)</span></i><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">, </span><i style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">from which many of these blog posts are derived.</i><br />
<i style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><br /></i><i style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">Dr. Rhoades also serves as a consultant to the <a href="http://garrettplanningnetwork.com/" style="color: #747474; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Garrett Planning Network</a>, a nationwide network of independent, Fee-Only financial planners making competent, objective financial advice accessible to all people. He is the author of several books, dozens of articles, and he is a frequent speaker at financial planning and investments conferences. He is the recipient of many awards for his advocacy on behalf of the fiduciary standard. Dr. Rhoades is also a member of The Florida Bar, and he practices estate planning and transfer taxation for select current clients.</i><br />
<i style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><br /></i><i style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">Dr. Rhoades and his wife, Cathy, reside in Bowling Green, Kentucky.</i><br />
<i><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;" /></i><a href="mailto:wkubear@gmail.com" style="line-height: normal;" target="_blank">To contact Dr. Rhoades, please e-mail: WKUBear@gmail.com</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: normal;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">. </span></span></div>
Ron A. Rhoades, JD, CFP®http://www.blogger.com/profile/09921762176161872029noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8978220165847886802.post-18907737970814968702015-05-05T07:00:00.000-05:002015-05-07T13:46:14.460-05:0020: Eighteen Things I Wish I Knew When I Was 18<div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 16.1000003814697px;">Often we forget the key lessons that we learn. One way to not forget is to formulate your own list of “keys to success.” From time to time, new concepts may be added, earlier concepts modified, or an item may be removed from the list. Here is the author’s current list of his own personal “Keys to Success” together with some quotations and commentary, which may provide you with further insight and inspiration.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 16.1000003814697px;"><b><span style="color: blue;">1. Understand your purpose in life.</span></b> (One of mine is “service to others.”). Use your life to reach out and touch other people's hearts in such a way that could have never occurred alone.</span></span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 16.1000003814697px;">“The only ones among you who will be really happy are those who will have sought and found how to serve.” - Albert Schweitzer.</span></li>
</ul>
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<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 16.1000003814697px;">“It’s not what you do in life as your chosen profession, or occupation that matters. It’s whether you impact other lives in a positive way. Everyone has the opportunity to contribute in his or her own way. The most important thing for you to determine is how you, personally, will impact the lives of others, and what can you do to increase the magnitude of that impact.”– John H. Ferguson, M.D. (1898-2004)</span></li>
</ul>
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<li><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 16.1000003814697px;"> “Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.” - Martin Luther King Jr. </span></li>
</ul>
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<li><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 16.1000003814697px;">“You must be the change you want to see in the world.” - Mahatma Gandhi</span></li>
</ul>
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<li><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 16.1000003814697px;">“If not now - when? If not you – who?” – Paraphrased from Hillel, a Jewish religious leader, sage and scholar, c. 110 B.C.E. – 10 C.E.</span></li>
</ul>
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<li><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 16.1000003814697px;">“Every man is said to have his peculiar ambition. Whether it be true or not, I can say for one that I have no other so great as that of being truly esteemed of my fellow men, by rendering myself worthy of their esteem.” - Abraham Lincoln</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 16.1000003814697px;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 16.1000003814697px;"><b><span style="color: blue;">2. Possess a positive attitude.</span></b> If you think you can’t, you’re right. Winners have positive attitudes and enthusiasm. Think positive. Choose work you enjoy, and which is worthy of your time and talent. View challenges as opportunities. Become the most positive and enthusiastic person you know.</span></span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 16.1000003814697px;">“Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success.” – Albert Schweitzer</span></li>
</ul>
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<li><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 16.1000003814697px;">“Men often oppose a thing merely because they have had no agency in planning it, or because it may have been planned by those whom they dislike.” - Alexander Hamilton</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 16.1000003814697px;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 16.1000003814697px;"><b><span style="color: blue;">3. Possess a vision and possess passion for its achievement</span></b>. Think and dream big. Keep success in your mind.</span></span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 16.1000003814697px;">“We live in deeds, not years; In thoughts not breaths; In feelings, not in figures on a dial. We should count time by heart-throbs. He most lives Who thinks most, feels the noblest, acts the best.” - Aristotle</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 16.1000003814697px;"><b><span style="color: blue;">4. Set goals</span></b> – so you can begin to move forward in the right direction.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 16.1000003814697px;"><b><span style="color: blue;">5. Plan on how to achieve goals</span></b>. Know what’s important each day. Set your priorities accordingly.</span></span></div>
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<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 16.1000003814697px;">Proper Planning Prevents Poor Performance</span></li>
</ul>
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<li><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 16.1000003814697px;">Delegate everything except genius. (Dan Sullivan concept.)</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 16.1000003814697px;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 16.1000003814697px;"><b>6. Take action – goals and plans are nothing without action.</b></span></span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 16.1000003814697px;">“Never mistake motion for action.” – Ernest Hemingway</span></li>
</ul>
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<li><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 16.1000003814697px;">“The journey of a thousand miles begins with but a single step.” – Confucius</span></li>
</ul>
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<li><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 16.1000003814697px;">“Eighty percent of success is showing up.” - Woody Allen</span></li>
</ul>
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<li><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 16.1000003814697px;">“Just showing up is half the battle. Showing up prepared is three-quarters of the battle.” – President George Bush (Sr.)</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 16.1000003814697px;"><b><span style="color: blue;">7. Never stop learning.</span></b> Every successful person throughout history maintained a lifestyle of learning. Read books, attend seminars, and never stop learning. Commit yourself to constant improvement throughout your life.</span></span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 16.1000003814697px;">"I cannot live without books." - Thomas Jefferson</span></li>
</ul>
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<li><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 16.1000003814697px;">“Real knowledge is to know the extent of one's ignorance.” – Confucius</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 16.1000003814697px;"><span style="color: blue;"><b>8. Whatever you do - do it exceptionally well.</b></span> Become the best in what you do. Perform exceptionally.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 16.1000003814697px;"><span style="color: blue;"><b>9. Stay focused.</b></span> Make a “to do” list; finish something every day.</span></span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 16.1000003814697px;">“He who follows two hares is sure to catch neither.” – Benjamin Franklin</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 16.1000003814697px;"><b><span style="color: blue;">10. Innovate.</span></b> Successful people do things differently. Innovation is the key to improvement and breakthrough.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 16.1000003814697px;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 16.1000003814697px;"><span style="color: blue;"><b>11. Persevere.</b></span> Try and try again until the goal is achieved. Never give up. Persistence, persistence, persistence. Possess grit.</span></span></div>
<div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 16.1000003814697px;">“When I despair, I remember that all through history the ways of truth and love have always won. There have been tyrants, and murderers, and for a time they can seem invincible, but in the end they always fall. Think of it - always.” -Mahatma Gandhi</span></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 16.1000003814697px;">“PERHAPS the sentiments contained in the following pages, are not yet sufficiently fashionable to procure them general favor; a long habit of not thinking a thing wrong, gives it a superficial appearance of being right, and raises at first a formidable outcry in defense of custom. But tumult soon subsides. Time makes more converts than reason.” – Thomas Paine, Common Sense, Philadelphia, Feb. 14, 1776</span></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 16.1000003814697px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 16.1000003814697px;"><b><span style="color: blue;">12. Forge good character.</span></b> This includes resolve, honesty, responsibility, trustworthiness, and discipline. Without the right character, all the other personal traits you possess don’t mean much.</span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 16.1000003814697px;">Theodore Hesburgh, former President of Notre Dame, stated:</span></span></div>
<div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 16.1000003814697px;">“You don't make decisions because they're EASY; </span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 16.1000003814697px;">You don't make decisions because they're CHEAP; </span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 16.1000003814697px;">You don't make decisions because they're POPULAR; </span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 16.1000003814697px;">You make decisions because they're RIGHT.”</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 16.1000003814697px;">“Character is like a tree and reputation like a shadow. The shadow is what we think of it; the tree is the real thing.” - Abraham Lincoln</span></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 16.1000003814697px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 16.1000003814697px;"><span style="color: blue;"><b>13. Observe “The Golden Rule.”</b></span> Treat everyone you meet like you want to be treated. Be forgiving of yourself and others. Care for others, seek out their concerns, and listen. Become a great listener. And never talk ill of others. </span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 16.1000003814697px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 16.1000003814697px;">The Golden Rule is an ethical code that states one has a right to just treatment, and a responsibility to ensure justice for others. Generally, it is a “positive rule” – describing positive duties. When stated negatively, the “silver rule” is most commonly understood to be "Do not do to others as you would not have them do to you" but may be also stated as “Do no harm.”</span></span></div>
<div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 16.1000003814697px;">(Christianity) “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” Luke 10:25-28: “Thou shalt love … thy neighbour as thyself.” Jesus' teaching is the the positive formulation of actively doing good to another that, if the situations were reversed, one would desire that the other would do for them. This formulation emphasizes the needs for positive action that brings benefit to another, not simply restraining oneself from negative activities that hurt another.</span></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 16.1000003814697px;">(Judaism / Old Testament) Tobit 4:15 "Do to no one what you yourself dislike." Sirach 31:15 "Recognize that your neighbor feels as you do, and keep in mind your own dislikes."</span></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 16.1000003814697px;">(Islam) “Hurt no one so that no one may hurt you.” - Muhammad, The Farewell Sermon. “None of you [truly] believes until he wishes for his brother what he wishes for himself.”- Muhammad, An-Nawawi's Forty Hadith 13 (p. 56)</span></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 16.1000003814697px;">(Confucianism) “Never impose on others what you would not choose for yourself.” Confucius, Analects XV.24 (tr. David Hinton) …… “Tzu Kung asked: ‘Is there any one word that can serve as a principle for the conduct of life?’ Confucius said: ‘Perhaps the word 'reciprocity': Do not do to others what you would not want others to do to you.’”</span></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 16.1000003814697px;">(Hinduism) “One should never do that to another which one regards as injurious to one’s own self. This, in brief, is the rule of dharma. Other behavior is due to selfish desires. ” Brihaspati, Mahabharata (Anusasana Parva, Section CXIII, Verse 8) </span></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 16.1000003814697px;"><i>Some additional thoughts, concerning how we treat others:</i></span></span></div>
<div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 16.1000003814697px;">“With malice toward none, with charity for all, with firmness in the right as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in, to bind up the nation's wounds, to care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow and his orphan, to do all which may achieve and cherish a just and lasting peace among ourselves and with all nations.” – Abraham Lincoln, Second Inaugural Address</span></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 16.1000003814697px;">“I am prepared to die, but there is no cause for which I am prepared to kill.” – Gandhi</span></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 16.1000003814697px;">"I am rather inclined to silence, and whether that be wise or not, it is at least more unusual nowadays to find a man who can hold his tongue than to find one who cannot." – Abraham Lincoln</span></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 16.1000003814697px;">“The greatest compliment that was ever paid me was when one asked me what I thought, and attended to my answer.” - Henry David Thoreau</span></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 16.1000003814697px;">"Never question another man's motive. His wisdom, yes, but not his motives." – Dwight D. Eisenhower</span></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 16.1000003814697px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 16.1000003814697px;"><span style="color: blue;"><b>14. Don’t watch television</b></span> (except noteworthy shows on current affairs and/or history / science). I have never had, in all my years of advising elderly clients and discerning what their regrets have been, anyone state to me: “I wish I had spent more time watching TV.”</span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 16.1000003814697px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 16.1000003814697px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 16.1000003814697px;"><b>15. Always live below your means. </b></span></span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 16.1000003814697px;">Read George S. Clayson’s book, The Richest Man In Babylon (a free PDF version of this book is available online)</span></div>
<div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 16.1000003814697px;">“I just don’t need it.” – What you should say to yourself when you are out shopping.</span></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 16.1000003814697px;">“When prosperity comes, do not use all of it.” - Confucius</span></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 16.1000003814697px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 16.1000003814697px;"><b><span style="color: blue;">16. Avoid long commutes</span></b>. You’ll have lower expenses, conserve personal time, and be a whole lot safer. 1 in 83 people in the U.S. die from auto accidents and many more are permanently injured in auto crashes. The best way to avoid auto accidents is to minimize the time you spend driving.</span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 16.1000003814697px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 16.1000003814697px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 16.1000003814697px;"><b><span style="color: blue;">17. Take responsibility for your own life.</span></b> Abandon any “entitlement” attitude.</span></span></div>
<div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 16.1000003814697px;">“The graveyards are full of indispensable men.” - Charles De Gaulle.</span></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 16.1000003814697px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 16.1000003814697px;"><b><span style="color: blue;">18. “Live Big!” </span></b> It’s possible to have a great deal of fun without spending a lot of money. For ideas, visit the Yeske Buie Inc. <a href="http://www.yebu.com/uncategorized/what-does-it-mean-to-live-big/" target="_blank">“Live Big!” list</a>.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 16.1000003814697px;"><br /></span></span>
<i style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">Dr. Ron A. Rhoades is an Asst. Professor of Finance at Western Kentucky University's Gordon Ford College of Business, where he chairs the (B.S. Finance) Financial Planning Program. An innovative, passionate teacher, he is the author of <span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/" style="color: #747474; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Choose to Succeed in College and in Life: Continously Improve, Persevere, and Enjoy the Journey (2014</a>)</span></i><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">, </span><i style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">from which many of these blog posts are derived.</i><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;" /><i style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><br /></i><i style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">Dr. Rhoades also serves as a consultant to the <a href="http://garrettplanningnetwork.com/" style="color: #747474; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Garrett Planning Network</a>, a nationwide network of independent, Fee-Only financial planners making competent, objective financial advice accessible to all people. He is the author of several books, dozens of articles, and he is a frequent speaker at financial planning and investments conferences. He is the recipient of many awards for his advocacy on behalf of the fiduciary standard. Dr. Rhoades is also a member of The Florida Bar, and he practices estate planning and transfer taxation for select current clients.</i><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;" /><i style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><br /></i><i style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">Dr. Rhoades and his wife, Cathy, reside in Bowling Green, Kentucky.</i><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;" /><a href="mailto:wkubear@gmail.com" target="_blank">To contact Dr. Rhoades, please e-mail: WKUBear@gmail.com</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">. </span></span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Ron A. Rhoades, JD, CFP®http://www.blogger.com/profile/09921762176161872029noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8978220165847886802.post-41459796872091278392015-05-05T06:50:00.000-05:002015-05-09T14:29:23.711-05:0021: Ron's Top Ten Secrets for Personal Productivity<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">There are many theories about what
makes some people more productive than others. Some say it is the ability to
multi-task, while others say productive people focus and don't multi-task. Some
say it is scheduling time to return e-mail, while others say return e-mail
promptly as a means of enhancing communication. I believe the keys to
productivity may be different for every person. Having said that, here's my
countdown of my “Top Ten” secrets for my own personal productivity.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<b><span style="line-height: 115%;">10. KNOW WHAT IS TRULY IMPORTANT
IN LIFE.</span></b><span style="line-height: 115%;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">What are the long-term major goals in
your life? Then, how does what you are doing now relate to the accomplishment
of those goals? Once you've figured out your lifetime goals (which some may
regard as discovering "the meaning in life"), you can then make
day-to-day decisions much better.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<b><span style="line-height: 115%;">9. FIND A WAY TO ENTER DATA - FAST</span></b><span style="line-height: 115%;">. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Personally, I'm a very fast typist.
But most other professionals are not. The solution for them is likely a
dictation system (such as Siri or Dragon Naturally Speaking), or recording and
then sending audio files off to be transcribed (there are many services
available for this; some rely on software to transcribe, others rely on cheap overseas
labor).</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<b><span style="line-height: 115%;">8. DELEGATE, DELEGATE, DELEGATE</span></b><span style="line-height: 115%;">. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">In the workplace, if you are not
skilled at properly delegating to others, then you are not properly skilled.
This only applies in college if you are working with a group of students on a
group project.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Have no one to delegate to? In the
early steps of one's career, one is usually the person who someone or everyone else
delegates to. As you gain experience, however, you need to focus on your
"unique abilities" (as Strategic Coach founder Dan Sullivan) calls
them. You need to <i>create</i> time for
yourself through delegating tasks someone else can do just as well or better
than you.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Interestingly enough, as a professor I
have found there is much I would like to delegate, but the delegatee options
are few. The solution for me is two-fold. First, I work smarter by creating
less work for myself. Second, I
occasionally hire an assistant, out of my own funds. (Why? - What's more
important? The money I spend out of my own pocket for an assistant, or my
time?)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Don't have time to delegate? STOP.
Schedule a <i>focus</i> day (another
Dan Sullivan task). A day in which you spend the entire day prioritizing,
creating systems that shift work away from you, training others, and/or
delegating tasks.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<b><span style="line-height: 115%;">7. CONTINUALLY INVEST IN YOURSELF.</span></b><span style="line-height: 115%;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Can you afford to attend a
conference? Can you afford to take a course for certification designed to make
you in your profession? Or take a class to expand your knowledge?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Here's a better question, can you
afford not to?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Nothing beats going to industry and
continuing educational conferences in person. On my iPad, by the end of the
conference, I have dozens of new ideas written down. Most of these are from
hallway conversations (or over lunch or dinner) with colleagues and some are
from the presentations themselves. But then comes the next step. Narrow the
list of ideas down to <i>three and only
three </i>items to accomplish. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Yes, conferences are expensive, but
if you do them with a purpose and come back with great ideas and new knowledge,
then they are worth your time and money to attend.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Education does not begin and end with
formal schooling or with conferences. If you are not reading at least five
hours of professional material a week, then you'll likely never really master
the craft of your profession.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Better yet, spend ten hours a week
educating yourself in a particular subject and you'll likely, over the course
of several years, become “the expert” whom others will turn to.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<b><span style="line-height: 115%;">6. FOCUS ON JUST ONE MAJOR PART OF YOUR LIFE, EACH DAY.</span></b><span style="line-height: 115%;">
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Don't try to work and accomplish
three things from one list, then turn your attention and accomplish two things
from another list. For me, at least, it
is far better to focus an entire day on a particular project. Most days, my focus is on teaching. But at times, my focus is on my financial
planning practice. On other days, I devote myself to research and writing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Of course, this item might be
personal to me as I have a hard time “shifting gears” from one segment of my
life to another without coming up with an excuse to "blow off" the
second segment. So rather than fight this
temptation, I just avoid it by seeking to arrange each of my days around a
different segment of my life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Also, for me, I am most productive in
the morning. I try to get to work by 7am
(and am often to work earlier). Then I will
save some projects for late in the day, which require less creative
thought. But again, that's just adapting
my personal schedule to take advantage of my personal traits rather than
fighting against my personal tendencies.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<b><span style="line-height: 115%;">5. HAVE "FREE DAYS."</span></b><span style="line-height: 115%;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">This is very essential. It is another
concept I learned from the publications of Dan Sullivan (Strategic Coach). These "free days" are the days when
we focus on family and personal relationships. These are the days when our
passions take over with a plan for doing so.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Want to have a <i>really</i> free day? No cell phone. No e-mails. No web browsing. And
nothing related to any work activity.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">That's not to say that the day is not
planned out. It may be a day for shopping, going to see a movie, going out to
eat, walking, mowing the lawn, or reading a (fiction) book. It might be
traveling, or sailing, or kayaking, or playing tennis or racquetball, or
several of these things. It might be socializing with family and/or
friends. Whatever it is, the day's focus
is entirely about these things.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">The result? Relaxation, as the day
goes on. And with relaxation comes greater creativity. I'll frequently get
ideas (work-related) as I relax, but on these free days I just jot them down to
consider further on another day.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<b><span style="line-height: 115%;">4. HAVE A "TO DO" LIST AT ALL TIMES.</span></b><span style="line-height: 115%;">
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Revise it DAILY. If you don't have 5-10 minutes to update your
“to do” list each day, then you are out of control.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">My "to do" list begins with
this message at the top: "Make Each Day Count."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">I've tried a number of software
programs and different methods for keeping a “to do” list, but I keep coming
back to a simple Microsoft Word document. In this manner, it is easy to move
items up, or down, and add items during the days, etc.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">I actually keep several to do lists, all
on separate pages of one Word document. I have a list of upcoming tasks for
each class I teach, another for my financial planning practice, another for my
professional growth and development, another for personal matters to attend to,
and yet another for each committee I serve on.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<b><span style="line-height: 115%;">3. MINIMIZE YOUR TIME WATCHING TV OR PLAYING VIDEO GAMES</span></b><span style="line-height: 115%;">
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">This is about NOT doing something.
Let's see, if one spends two hours watching TV a night, five nights a week,
then that's 10 hours a week. What was gained?
Sure, there are some shows that are educational in nature and perhaps
worth watching. And I'm all for moments when one needs to "gel" or
"escape." (Walking is better
for “gelling,” by the way.) But I've never had any client tell me near the end
of his or her life, that he or she wished they had watched more TV. They have a lot of other regrets, but none
about missing a TV show.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">What is the best way to begin to minimize?
Limit yourself to one or two television series to follow. Anything else you
watch must be a one-time event such as a sports event, movie, or a mini-series.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">If you play video games, set a timer
so you know when to quit that compelling video game.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Want to watch TV or play a video game
as a way to relax before going to bed? Not the best idea, according to academic
research. Part of the light emitted in video monitors and TV screens act to
trigger your brain into thinking that it is daylight. Hence, it will keep you
awake. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">If you need to relax before bed, read
a book.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<b><span style="line-height: 115%;">2. PRACTICE SELF-CONTROL</span></b><span style="line-height: 115%;">. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">In the end, it all comes down to your
ability to sacrifice the present in order to gain more in the future. To get the (truly) important things done
first, before doing other things.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Self-control can be taught, but it must
be continually practiced. Even vacations should have a plan. You can have
"free days" too, but those should be planned as well. Having free
days takes self-control, too!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Self-control begins with getting
enough sleep. A study (by Dr. James Maas) has shown that the average college
student needs 9 hours 15 minutes of sleep every night. Most people over estimate
their abilities, even when it comes to how much sleep they need. I try to get
the amount of sleep I need for my age, which is eight hours of sleep a night. And
I often get nine hours of sleep. If I'm drowsy during the day (even after lunch),
it means I'm sleep-deprived and I'm likely suffering a decline in personal
productivity of 20% to 30% or greater.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Of course, I'm by no means perfect at
exercising self-control. It takes continual practice. It means doing things
that are good for me and conducive to productivity, such as working in my
university office (not at home, where distractions are potentially many). It
means limiting who has my phone number and encouraging e-mails as a means of
contacting me. I practice the ways that help me to maintain focus and avoid
distractions.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<b><span style="line-height: 115%;">1. HIRE A COACH.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">In my role as a financial advisor, I
act as financial life coach to my clients. But that doesn’t mean that I don’t need
one, too.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Hire a coach to assist you personally
or your practice. Consider rotating coaches every year or two to get fresh
perspectives.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 6.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Practice and personal coaches usually
pay for themselves many times over in terms of propelling you, professionally
and personally, to greater and greater success.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt;">
<div style="line-height: 115%;">
<b><span style="line-height: 115%;">Interested in these concepts, and want to learn more?</span></b><span style="line-height: 115%;">
Try the following. Dan Sullivan, <i>How
the Best Get Better </i>- book and CD set: </span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/How-Best-Get-Better-book/dp/1896635296"><b><span style="line-height: 115%;">http://www.amazon.com/How-Best-Get-Better-book/dp/1896635296</span></b></a><span style="line-height: 115%;"> <span style="font-size: 10.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 115%;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<i style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">Dr. Ron A. Rhoades is an Asst. Professor of Finance at Western Kentucky University's Gordon Ford College of Business, where he chairs the (B.S. Finance) Financial Planning Program. An innovative, passionate teacher, he is the author of <span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/" style="color: #747474; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Choose to Succeed in College and in Life: Continously Improve, Persevere, and Enjoy the Journey (2014</a>)</span></i><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">, </span><i style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">from which many of these blog posts are derived.</i><br />
<i style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><br /></i><i style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">Dr. Rhoades also serves as a consultant to the <a href="http://garrettplanningnetwork.com/" style="color: #747474; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Garrett Planning Network</a>, a nationwide network of independent, Fee-Only financial planners making competent, objective financial advice accessible to all people. He is the author of several books, dozens of articles, and he is a frequent speaker at financial planning and investments conferences. He is the recipient of many awards for his advocacy on behalf of the fiduciary standard. Dr. Rhoades is also a member of The Florida Bar, and he practices estate planning and transfer taxation for select current clients.</i><br />
<i style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><br /></i><i style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">Dr. Rhoades and his wife, Cathy, reside in Bowling Green, Kentucky.</i><br />
<a href="mailto:wkubear@gmail.com" target="_blank">To contact Dr. Rhoades, please e-mail: WKUBear@gmail.com</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">. </span></span></div>
Ron A. Rhoades, JD, CFP®http://www.blogger.com/profile/09921762176161872029noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8978220165847886802.post-72198081712816428962015-05-05T06:40:00.000-05:002015-05-09T14:38:35.162-05:0022: After a Failure - Persevere!<b>I Failed Academically. I Got Up. I Then Succeeded. So Can You!</b><br />
<br />
Please permit me to tell you a story.<br />
<br />
Shortly after I arrived at college I suffered several events that had not happened to me in high school – I failed. Over and over. I blew it on several quizzes, essays, and exams, with failing grades in one course and grades far below my personal expectations in several others. Within a few weeks I felt as if I didn’t deserve to be at college.<br />
<br />
Compounding the problem – I was extremely shy. It went beyond introversion (which, I later learned, is a strength, but not an excuse). I was not forming connections with other students. I was quiet. I often ate alone at the eateries on campus. I was lonely. I suffered from social anxiety. I felt, again, like I didn’t belong at college.<br />
<br />
But – <i>I persevered</i>. I used my grit and determination to figure out how to change – a few little things, that then had major impacts. And, very importantly – I reached out for assistance, and received guidance – some from fellow students, some from professors, and some from other types of counselors.<br />
<br />
And then, with courage, I chose to tackle the challenges I encountered head-on. I utilized my new insights into how to study, how to keep myself focused, how to manage my time more effectively, and how to make friends. I graduated from college and then went on to law school, where I graduated with honors.<br />
<br />
Today I am blessed to be teaching college students, after successful careers as a lawyer and then as a financial planner. I have dozens of colleagues I am proud to call my friends. I also engage in advocacy efforts in Washington, DC, and speak several times a year at industry conferences – often to rooms of a thousand or more attendees (and I do so without any nervousness or anxiety). I’ve received numerous financial industry rewards.<br />
<br />
My success is due to one thing – my perseverance, at a time during my first year of college when I didn’t think I belonged in, or deserved to be at, college. I prevailed … and so can you!<br />
<br />
If you find yourself in similar situation, or having similar feelings, realize this:<br />
<ul>
<li>You deserve to be here. You’ve made it! – You are in college. You have every right to be here. You deserve this opportunity. It’s up to you to make the most of it!</li>
<li>Not all who apply to this college are offered admittance. You were admitted with the full expectation that you possess the talent and abilities to succeed here. We all want you to succeed – that’s why we welcomed you to our community of scholars on the first full day you were here.</li>
<li>Realize that scientific research has demonstrated that neither your intelligence, nor your I.Q., is fixed. The brain is malleable. With effort, practice, and exercise, new neural connections form in your brain. The result is that your intelligence, as measured by I.Q. scores, can and will increase.</li>
<li>You can, and will, make friends and join communities. Your campus is a great place to make friends, many of whom will become lifelong friends.</li>
</ul>
<br />
A student once wrote to me that he suffered miserably from loneliness his first semester. And then he joined the drama club on his campus. Not only did he make friends, but in his sophomore year he landed a small part in one of the plays. By his junior year he landed a leading role in another play. His self-confidence in social situations went from very low levels to very high levels. He learned to overcome his fears, and he then became outwardly friendly to others and a friend and mentor to many other students.<br />
<br />
Many other of my students have written to me, in essays which I assigned in one of my classes, that they really didn’t find a lot of new friends on campus until they joined a couple of clubs and organizations. Some wrote that the first club they joined didn’t work out, so they just dropped out and joined another – and tried again until they found a “good fit” for them. If you have not yet done so - join a club or organization – this week!<br />
<br />
Realize that in your freshman year, and often in subsequent years, EVERYONE will experience an academic setback (a grade, or many grades, below their expectations). And EVERYONE at one time or another – or for extended periods – will have awkward moments or periods when they feel that they don’t belong. These setbacks should not be interpreted by you as a sign you don’t belong in college, or that you are not going to succeed.<br />
<br />
<b style="background-color: yellow;">YOU DESERVE TO BE HERE.</b><br />
<br />
Another student I know lacked confidence in his abilities. “Everyone else seems so confident in class,” he told me. “Even when they take notes in class. I sometimes feel like I’m the only one who is lost.” I assured him he was not.<br />
<br />
Every week I receive e-mails from students inquiring about how they should study for a particular class. (This past week I received over a dozen e-mails and visits, asking exactly that question.) And I often meet with students who doubt their own abilities. By reaching out to me, they have “crossed the threshold” – often I can empower them with a study method. At other times I refer them to another person on campus, perhaps a specialist in dealing with a particular issue, who can offer the needed guidance.<br />
<br />
While each student’s situation is different, and the challenges and their solutions vary, perhaps the key is this …<br />
<ul>
<li>EVERY STUDENT HAS DOUBTS.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>EVERY STUDENT AT ONE TIME OR ANOTHER. EVERY STUDENT LACKS CONFIDENCE IN HIS OR HER OWN ABILITIES.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><i><b>BUT </b></i>… EVERY STUDENT AT COLLEGE IS A SCHOLAR, AND HE OR SHE CAN OVERCOME THE OBSTACLES AND PREVAIL.</li>
</ul>
I cannot promise you that every experience you have on any campus will be a positive one. At times you may have some negative experiences. But I can assure you that YOU BELONG HERE. You made the grades to get into college. You can, with effort and perseverance, and if you reach out for assistance, succeed at college.<br />
<br />
Small decisions by you can yield big results. One student relayed to me that she overcame her poor writing skills when she made the decision to cross the threshold and entered the Writing Lab. She asked for her essay to be reviewed (before it was submitted in the class she was writing it for. She received valuable tips on the essay’s organization, the use of topic sentences in paragraphs, etc. Her resulting essay grades improved dramatically. And this led to improvements to her final grades in many classes, and to her cumulative GPA.<br />
<br />
Another student was not doing well in College Algebra, but after his first test he started to do all of his homework in the math lab (a quiet place on most college campuses, where a proctor is often available to help out when students get stuck on a problem or concept. His grades in that, and subsequent math classes, improved dramatically. (And he was less distracted at studies.)<br />
<br />
Still another of my students wrote to me that she expanded her comfort zone by sitting down with another person, who was all alone, in the dining hall. She adopted the role of interviewer, asking questions about the other person’s major, what they liked about the college and campus, what advice they would have for an incoming freshman, etc. (Asking questions – and listening and then asking follow-up questions – is a great way to start a relationship.) It turns out that the person she approached has some of the same issues she was dealing with. They remain friends to this day.<br />
<br />
If you suffer a setback, and you begin to feel depressed, or feelings that you may not succeed here, there is so much help available at your college. Reach out and seize it.<br />
<ul>
<li>Your fellow students.</li>
<li>Your Resident Assistants (they’ve been there – recently).</li>
<li>Your Residence Directors (they’ve also been there).</li>
<li>The Academic Success Coaches, and other advisors at the Student Success Center.</li>
<li>Peer tutors, available for most classes. Just ask at the Student Success Center. </li>
<li>Your academic advisor.</li>
<li>Your professors.</li>
<li>Your coaches.</li>
<li>Your club's advisor.</li>
<li>The Health & Wellness Center - especially if you experience depression, test anxiety, nervous twitches, etc.</li>
<li>Your college's Career Development Center – particularly if you begin to question whether you are in the right major.</li>
<li>… and more!</li>
</ul>
Where do you begin? Contact your RA, RD, academic advisor, or coach – they can either assist you, or connect you with the right resources on campus. Or go directly to the support service you think might be able to assist you.<br />
<br />
Remember as well to get to know the various Department Secretaries / Assistants – everyone knows that the all-important secretaries know everything, and are often the best starting point! (If you want an answer to a general question about the college, ask a professor. If you want the right answer, ask the Department secretary!)<br />
<br />
Your Assignment: Write a letter to another freshman. This is an important exercise, which everyone can do. It will provide you with real insights, as you write the letter. Pretend to write a letter to “my brother/sister/friend, when you get to college.” Tell them what you’ve already learned. Give them tips on what it takes to succeed, and persevere, while at college.<br />
<br />
Lastly, repeat after me, either:<br />
<ul>
<li>(If you are presently alone, say out loud): “I am a, motivated to succeed. I am part of a diverse, caring community of scholars.”</li>
<li>(If you are with one or more others, say together, out loud): “We are scholars, motivated to succeed. We are part of a diverse, caring community of scholars.”</li>
</ul>
<span style="background-color: yellow;">Some final thoughts …</span><br />
<br />
College is a great place to grow and expand your comfort zone, a bit at a time. If not now, when?<br />
<br />
Challenge yourself to become a better person – and student – each and every day.<br />
<br />
Adopt S.M.A.R.T. Goals to propel you forward.<br />
<br />
Develop yourself better into the person that others will follow.<br />
<br />
Have a GREAT semester. Thank you.<br />
<br />
<b style="background-color: yellow;">16 Keys to Success in College</b><br />
<br />
1. Adopt a mindset of continual self-improvement and personal growth. Possess a vision of your present and future self.<br />
<br />
2. Obtain 9 hours 15 minutes (on average) of sleep to become more productive and to increase your capacity to learn.<br />
<br />
3. When obstacles are presented, use your grit to persevere.<br />
<br />
4. Accept personal responsibility for your own success – don’t blame others.<br />
<br />
5. Possess S.M.A.R.T. goals – and review them daily. Live your life by design, not by default.<br />
<br />
6. Don’t let others’ views – or your own limiting views – define your own future. Let go of self-judgment. Try it for a day!<br />
<br />
7. Don’t lie down with dogs. Choose friends who also desire to be successful, and who work hard to be such! Otherwise, over time those who party too much and don’t desire to excel will pull you down.<br />
<br />
8. Ooze confidence! (If you lack confidence, fake it until you become it! It works!)<br />
<br />
Don’t wait until you are 50 to take a risk. Watch this video about Susan Boyle: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MfJVqCm_shc">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MfJVqCm_shc</a> (5:50)<br />
<br />
9. Expand your “comfort zone” – do one thing each day that scares you!<br />
<br />
For an inspirational video on having “BIG TALK” (not “small talk”) with others, view: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=deScHJGoVc8">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=deScHJGoVc8</a> (6:23)<br />
<br />
10.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Rush toward your fear … for life is better on the other side!<br />
<br />
For an inspirational video, “Be Fearless,” view: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NjjYVROiJIA">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NjjYVROiJIA</a> (8:55)<br />
<br />
11. Choose to want to succeed as much as you want to breathe! For inspirational videos from Eric Thomas, view: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lsSC2vx7zFQ">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lsSC2vx7zFQ</a> (5:50) (for athletes)<br />
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WTFnmsCnr6g">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H8Ju8hTUUMA</a> (14:49) (for other scholars)<br />
<br />
12. Live one day at a time. Be thankful that each day brings forth a new opportunity.<br />
<br />
13. Express gratitude to others, always.<br />
<br />
14. Practice kindness, compassion, and empathy.<br />
<br />
15. Never say an unkind word about another.<br />
<br />
16. For your choice of career … follow your heart.<br />
<br />
<b>Challenge yourself to become a better person – and student – each and every day. </b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></b>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">Dr. Ron A. Rhoades is an Asst. Professor of Finance at Western Kentucky University's Gordon Ford College of Business, where he chairs the (B.S. Finance) Financial Planning Program. An innovative, passionate teacher, he is the author of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/" style="text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Choose to Succeed in College and in Life: Continously Improve, Persevere, and Enjoy the Journey (2014</a>)</i><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">, </span><i style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">from which many of these blog posts are derived.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><br /></i><i style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">Dr. Rhoades also serves as a consultant to the <a href="http://garrettplanningnetwork.com/" style="text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Garrett Planning Network</a>, a nationwide network of independent, Fee-Only financial planners making competent, objective financial advice accessible to all people. He is the author of several books, dozens of articles, and he is a frequent speaker at financial planning and investments conferences. He is the recipient of many awards for his advocacy on behalf of the fiduciary standard. Dr. Rhoades is also a member of The Florida Bar, and he practices estate planning and transfer taxation for select current clients.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><br /></i><i style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">Dr. Rhoades and his wife, Cathy, reside in Bowling Green, Kentucky.</i></span><br />
<i style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></i>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><a href="mailto:wkubear@gmail.com" target="_blank">To contact Dr. Rhoades, please e-mail: WKUBear@gmail.com</a><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">. Thank you.</span></i></span>Ron A. Rhoades, JD, CFP®http://www.blogger.com/profile/09921762176161872029noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8978220165847886802.post-1205517205418032882015-05-05T06:30:00.000-05:002015-05-09T14:39:18.449-05:0023: Congratuations, Grads!<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>A wise man and great leader once said, at a university's graduation ceremony:</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">“No one wants to die. Even people who want to go to Heaven don't want to die to get there. And yet death is the destination we all share. No one has ever escaped it. And that is as it should be, because death is very likely the single best invention of life. It is life's change agent. It clears out the old to make way for the new. Right now the new is you, but someday not too long from now, you will gradually become the old and be cleared away. Sorry to be so dramatic, but it is quite true."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">"Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life. Don't be trapped by dogma — which is living with the results of other people's thinking. Don't let the noise of others' opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition ... Stay hungry, Stay foolish."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> <i> </i></span><i> - Steve Jobs</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Time goes by quickly. As you enter into another phase of life’s journey, it is up to you to use your limited time wisely and fruitfully.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">And, as Steve Jobs alludes to … </span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Think for yourself. Don’t let others define you, or your thoughts.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Be passionate. Have the courage to follow your heart.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Stay focused on all aspects of your success. Establish S.M.A.R.T. Goals for yourself every three months, and track your progress.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Continually expand your comfort zone.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Be a lifelong learner – not just about your trade or calling, but about all aspects of life around you (including learning about yourself).</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">In a world filled with doubt, you must dare to dream. In a world filled with anger, you must dare to forgive. In a world filled with hate, you must dare to love. In a world filled with distrust, you must dare to believe. And once you do, you will find that power you once thought you lacked. Believe in yourself!</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">And, lastly … treasure each day and seek to enjoy each moment. For true success is not a destination, but rather a series of rewards along life’s journey</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Best of luck, graduates!</b> Please come back and visit us often, and keep in touch. And, when circumstances permit, consider contributing back to assist the next generation of students who follow in your footsteps. Thank you.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">Dr. Ron A. Rhoades is an Asst. Professor of Finance at Western Kentucky University's Gordon Ford College of Business, where he chairs the (B.S. Finance) Financial Planning Program. An innovative, passionate teacher, he is the author of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/" style="text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Choose to Succeed in College and in Life: Continously Improve, Persevere, and Enjoy the Journey (2014</a>)</i><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">, </span><i style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">from which many of these blog posts are derived.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><br /></i><i style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">Dr. Rhoades also serves as a consultant to the <a href="http://garrettplanningnetwork.com/" style="text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Garrett Planning Network</a>, a nationwide network of independent, Fee-Only financial planners making competent, objective financial advice accessible to all people. He is the author of several books, dozens of articles, and he is a frequent speaker at financial planning and investments conferences. He is the recipient of many awards for his advocacy on behalf of the fiduciary standard. Dr. Rhoades is also a member of The Florida Bar, and he practices estate planning and transfer taxation for select current clients.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><br /></i><i style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">Dr. Rhoades and his wife, Cathy, reside in Bowling Green, Kentucky.</i></span><br />
<i style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><a href="mailto:wkubear@gmail.com" target="_blank">To contact Dr. Rhoades, please e-mail: WKUBear@gmail.com</a><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">. Thank you.</span></i></span><br />
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Ron A. Rhoades, JD, CFP®http://www.blogger.com/profile/09921762176161872029noreply@blogger.com0