William G JR Covington
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Article
You Cannot Not Influence
Influence is ubiguitous and subtle. It is cyclical in that we are constantly being influenced as we influence others. In fact subtle influence is often more effective than overt attempts to change other people because it reaches people who don't have their defences up. Young people are influenced by both the content delivered in classes and the manner of the teacher. Relational influence is coupled with content expertise for pedagogical reception at two levels. Tom Morris no
January 6, 2012
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Turning Dreams Into Actions That Create Destiny
Random acts can be compared with purposeful behaviors in that the latter is intentional, while the former is pointless. Dreams are fulfilled when activities not pertinent to their accomplishment are eliminated and replaced by focused efforts. William Jennings Bryan opined, "destiny is not a matter of chance; but a matter of choice." He went on to add, "it is not a thing to be waited for. It is a thing to be achieved." Destiny is created by active decision-makers, not passive
November 28, 2011
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Self-Mastery is Power in Action
An infant cannot even control his bodiy functions. Most adolescents can't control extreme swings in their emotions because of peer pressure. There's no power of control in either case. Sadly, adults who are insecure have never learned to control themselves either. They abrogate control to other people, circumstances,and myriad other exte al influences. Centuries ago Seneca observed this tendency when he noted, "most powerful is he who has mastered himself in his own power."
June 13, 2011
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Innovators Overcome Peer Pressure
Copyright 2011 Healthy relationships can become dysfunctional if they prohibit one from "marching to the beat of a different drum," the one uniquely designed for only one set of ears. Peer pressure is an intangible force leading to either positive or negative outcomes, depending on how it is used. Cory Doctorow notes, "the accolades of your peers is very exciting always." However excessive attention to the opinion of others can inhibit a person from risk-taking that could le
May 13, 2011
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Tips for Psychologically Healthy Goal-Setting
Stress occurs from setting unrealistic goals. Self-imposed pressure does nothing to enhance the quality of life. A goal might be met, but the price paid is not necessarily worth the effort. Setting goals in a healthy context can have positive ramifications in that both process and result are considered. The tips this article recommends are offered in the spirit of enjoying both the "journey" of goal attainment along with the intended results. 1. Backward Design. By looking a
January 10, 2011
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Clutter Can Be A Positive Influence
Rather frequently we're encouraged to clean out clutter at home and work. However, I'd like to present an alte ate viewpoint as I point out the positive aspects of accumulating various items. Collectibles contain messages for both the person owning them and visitors. They say a lot about a person's interests and background. A house or office filled with books sends a message of an erudite occupant. Photographs on the wall are an indication of monumental moments in the person
June 7, 2010
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Mentorship As An Investment Paying Dividend
As a professor, it is rewarding when a former student seeks my advice long after they have graduated. True respect is earned, not demanded. Leaders that rely on formal authoritative structures for compliance do not connect with the hearts of their subordinates. They may temporarily have the individual's submission to fulfill the tasks at hand, but the respect that comes from willing cooperation is lacking. "You can make more friends in two months by becoming interested in ot
May 18, 2010
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What is Your Before/After Result?
Since success only comes after exerting effort, achievers attain results to the extend that they are pushed beyond their comfort zones. Regardless of the arena, a "before and after" process occurs whereby one is transformed in the process of contending successfully. Take education as one arena. After completing a writing course, a person should be better at conveying thoughts on paper than before taking the course, but in the process of learning, there were challenges to be o
May 21, 2009
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Creatively Building A Support Network
Frequently people think of applying creativity to accomplishing a task. But building a support system of like-minded achievers can be approached from a creative perspective as well. Keep in mind connecting with other people not only helps you to get ahead in your career, it also can enhance your quality of life. Dr. Anne Paris notes, "Revolutionary understandings in clinical psychology now suggest that healthy interpersonal relationships are the fuel for optimal emotional, c
July 1, 2008
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Better Choices Result in an Enhanced Quality of Life
One of the paradoxes of life is that in giving of yourself whether through your time, talent or other resources, you receive. It is in serving other people that the quality of your own life is enhanced. Service becomes a paradigm of the mind as it moves a person from a consumer to a producer mentality. A consumer takes resources, while a producer is the creative agent through which resources are generated. It could be in a song written, a service performed, a problem solved,
May 5, 2008
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Discover Hidden Opportunities In Difficult People
Conflict is inevitable in relationships whether socially or at work. Some are minor, others can lead to severe stress. It may not be possible to eliminate conflict, but learning how to deal with it appropriately can enhance the quality of life by reducing stress and improving relationships. With that truth established let's consider how this negative can be turned into a positive and interacting with difficult people can lead to a desired outcome. See strife as the enemy, no
April 12, 2008
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Imagination: The Key to Dream Fulfillment and Creative Expression
Imagination is the foundation upon which breakthroughs that improve life's quality are made. Just one thought, if pursued and realized can have substantial positive outcomes. Writing in the early 1900s, French psychologist Theodule Ribot noted that the inventive process comes from desire, which arouses the images that the imagination arranges and combines. So it's a combination of having a well-prepared mind that is receptive to adapting what one knows to a new context. Jose
February 18, 2007