Archive for category Motivational Thoughts
Humanities (from a college essay)
Posted by dlakstins in Motivational Thoughts on September 12, 2009
Just a little something brief from old Intro to Humanities. Comments appreciated!
Understanding the humanities is an important part of developing ethical reasoning because it allows us to be moved by someone else’s work of art. The fact that this course is a prerequisite for a business degree is very important because it provides this ethical foundation for reasoning. Traveling around the world was one of the greatest experiences of my life and allowed me to take a glimpse into the lives of other people in less developed countries. As a result of this travel I have more compassion for people in difficult circumstances and a broader view of life. In addition, my experiences as a first generation American helped me realize the trials and tribulations facing immigrants that come to our country. These experiences cause me to view the humanities from a viewpoint that many are not able to experience. My grandmother had a phrase that she repeated on many occasions, “Nothing is easy.” This was her viewpoint as a person who lived through perhaps the worst war in the history of mankind. I am an optimist so I don’t like to say that something is not easy. I feel any of us can accomplish whatever we wish if we are determined enough. However we all need a dose of realism in our lives and meditating on the history of other cultures helps us to have just that. Everyone can be touched by a work of art. Whether it be film, music, architecture, paintings, or sculptures, art can change our lives. As we look to the future of our world, art gives us hope that someday we will all be able to understand each other and perhaps peace can be a reality.
Optimism
Posted by dlakstins in Motivational Thoughts on January 1, 2009
Optimism is described as “an outlook on life such that one maintains a view of the world as a positive place.” Some would call this naive. But there is no doubt that having a positive outlook leads to a happier life. So why are so many people negative?
It’s easy to be negative and cynical. Instead of trying to change for the better, a negative individual embraces the bad things about themselves with open arms. Instead of viewing others accomplishments with pride and respect, a negative person inwardly curses another who has out accomplished themselves.
What’s the harm in optimism? A few extra wrinkles from smiling all day? strange looks as you skip down the street? These are minor when compared to the amazing advantages of waking up everyday and saying something positive in the mirror.
Optimism takes work. It means rewriting ingrained habits that we may have had for years. It means overcoming the negative influences of so called friends. Most of all it means change.
But change is good!!
It’s Time To Evolve
Posted by dlakstins in Motivational Thoughts on October 27, 2008
Evolution is defined as “a gradual process in which something changes into a different and usually more complex or better form.” There has never been a better time to evolve your personal and professional life than right now. Why? As the economy slows, there will be winners and losers and being on the right side of that coin can bring much piece of mind.
Looking back in time, as so many in the media have forced us to do over the last month, reveals many lessons of the Great Depression. Times were bad, jobs were scarce, but we survived. As a matter of fact, many of the businesses that we frequent daily survived the Great Depression.
Why? Because they evolved with the times. The companies that made it were the ones that created demand for their products and services by advertising. That’s right, advertising was the lifeblood of company growth during the Great Depression. Chrysler Corp proved to be one of the biggest winners of the Depression. Coincidentally releasing the Plymouth as a low priced alternative automobile might have saved them from the economic conditions that stole the life of much of their competition.
The moral of the story? No matter how bad things are, or how bad the media paints them to be, winners will adapt to the changing times and come out ahead. View this as an opportunity to “evolve” yourself and align with the industries and companies that will come out on top of this slow economy.
Some examples? My guess would be green power, advertising & marketing, construction (specifically rebuilding hurricane areas), and media. But judge for yourself and continue to evolve with the ever changing times ahead.
Don’t Give Up On Your Dreams
Posted by dlakstins in Motivational Thoughts on August 31, 2008
Throughout the last year as I’ve traveled across the United States talking to people about their dream jobs. One constant fact has overshadowed all the individuals we’ve met. Everyone has dreams that they’re not ready to give up. I’ve met amazing people nationwide who have awesome talents that they want to share. Most importantly, they are enjoying the journey to get there. Busting with life and ambition, their faces light up when I ask “so what’s your dream job.”
Today at my hotel I met a front desk girl who wants to be a radio DJ and a valet guy who wants to be a screenwriter. They’re full of life and energy. These people are everywhere, on every corner, just waiting for their big break. There is no doubt in my mind they will accomplish they’re dreams.
Don’t give up your youth no matter how many people tell you to fit into their mold. Cling to your dreams like a life raft and they will be accomplished.
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