Week 1 Reading - The Are of Possibility Reflection
This has been a great read so far. So many things have been unveiled to me as I read this book. In the first four chapters, I am challenged to look inward at my perspective, not only of myself, but of my career, my family, my relationships, my attitudes, my motives and several other things that often get me distracted. The first chapter, in my opinion, deals with assumptions. All too often, I find myself making assumptions that can easily be avoided if I will simply stop, take a look around me, think about what I need to accomplish at this given moment, and then come up with an idea to see it through. As a teacher, I am guilty of short selling my students at times by not evaluating what I want them to learn then, as a result, assuming that the difficulty I am having teaching is due to my not having a clear plan of action. Given the unlimited resources at my disposal, there is nothing that should hold me back from being an effective teacher. I need to realize that I am the master of my creativity; I can use it to empower young people, and when we work together, the sky is the limit to what we can accomplish. Also, I often times find myself assuming certain things about my students, which is very unfair. When I begin working with students, it is easy for me to automatically make assumptions about their success, solely based on a short amount of progress, as opposed to several years of work and practice. Instead of focusing on the negatives and the difficulties I face day in and day out, I need to look upward and find the positives in my environment and use them to motivate me and guide me.
When I think about the Universe of Possibility, I am instantly engaged. I am reminded of the numerous times that she told me that I could be anything I wanted to be or do anything I wanted to do. Those words have stuck with me for years. When I read this chapter, I was challenged and inspired. In the section that talks about “Down to Earth in a Universe of Possibility,” that was one of my favorite sections. That is exactly the kind of mindset that I would like to have. Always looking for potential in everything I do. I will admit, at times I have looked at a business opportunity as a way to make money instead of a way to create new ideas and inspire customers. My struggle is trying not to place myself at the level of other successful people who are close to me. What challenges me is the call to look around for opportunities where there is need and measure the potential in those moments. When I approach situations from that perspective, I am much more likely to create or be a part of the winning solution that will positively impact people.
When it comes to giving an “A,” I thought that was a really clever idea. It was obvious that Ben was successful using that method with the musicians under his baton. I am uncertain as to whether or not that would work in my situation. I would like to try it, however. I am not sure as to whether or not students would foresee this as an opportunity to take advantage of “the system.” I certainly want those in whom I come in contact with to be successful in everything they do. However, this begs the question: “Is there a cutoff point?” “Can this be taken too far” If so, where is that point? But if we do that, are we leaving the realm of possibility using the means of assumption? Yes…I realize everybody deserves a chance. But when and where does then line need to be drawn? Just how successful could this work for me, seeing as how I teach music like Ben does in the reading? There is only one way find out. If Ben’s students were affected that much by realizing that they were worth much more than a letter grade, how could my student benefit from this principle?
I am a contribution! What an awe – inspiring concept! I would never have believed that I actually was significant in this world until after I read this. For me, this chapter is more than a “feel – good” pep talk. It is a reminder that I am valuable to the people that I surround myself with. I am important to others and what they do and become. It begs me to raise the questions: What do I have that I can give to others to help them succeed? How can I be a positive influence on others? How can I make a positive impact on others? Or more importantly, what can I see in others that I can point out that they can use to further benefit society? These questions and many more should be used to help each of us recalculate the value of our contribution. We all have something to contribute; what is it and how important is it to ourselves and others?
