The following video depicts a teen who has overcome the struggles of being homeless and will be graduating as Valedictorian of his class:
http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/2014/05/29/inspiration-nation-former-homeless-valedictorian/9717319/
Processing questions:
-What were some of the challenges Griffin overcame?
-What is his attitude? How do you think his attitude has helped him?
-What did the teacher who was interviewed say about him sharing his struggles with others? Why is it important to let other people help us along the way?
Showing posts with label Motivation. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Motivation. Show all posts
June 13, 2014
February 6, 2014
Find your greatness- video
The following video portrays athletes that are striving and working for greatness:
http://www.wimp.com/motivationalvideo/
Discussion questions:
What did the video say about the voices that we hear?
What voice should we listen to?
What are some of the reasons we have for giving-up?
Describe a time when you had to work hard to obtain what you wanted.
http://www.wimp.com/motivationalvideo/
Discussion questions:
What did the video say about the voices that we hear?
What voice should we listen to?
What are some of the reasons we have for giving-up?
Describe a time when you had to work hard to obtain what you wanted.
August 27, 2013
Ashton Kutcher-Teen Choice Awards 2013
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zuBSRC1zpHw
Watch the video and ask the following questions:
What does opportunity look like?
What is his belief about hard work?
Before you quit a job you should always make sure you have ___________(another one first!).
What does is mean to be sexy? Notice that nothing he said about being sexy had anything to do with the physical appearance.
October 1, 2012
Believe
Marlis: www.values.com
I recently was in the hospital for yet ANOTHER emergency surgery. My 18th surgery in 10 years, most of them not planned. It is what it is. I don't know about elsewhere in other hospitals but the ones I've been in have marker boards on the wall for nurses to right their name, the date, goals for the patient etc. I like to take over the goals section. I find a quote to post to inspire myself and those that are helping me. If nothing else, it makes someone smile. I have one vice in this world though I'm not sure if a decaf coffee from Starbucks without any syrups, milk, creamers or other flavors counts as a vice, hehehehehe. After 6 days in, I was getting antsy, so I marched over to the board and wrote, "Starbucks is out there!" It reminded me that even a simple silly goal of a decaf coffee is better than no goal at all, especially when you start to feel defeated, depressed and the "is this ever going to end?!" feeling. It got me to walking more. But what truly astonished me was how much it made all the people coming into my room be it doctors, nurses, lab personnel and visitors - laugh. Just absolutely crack up laughing. I heard many of the medical folks say they needed the laugh due to a tough day. So when you think you are only inspiring yourself, giving yourself a boost, the good vibes are passed along to the people who need it most and that has a beautiful ripple effect!
September 17, 2012
Finish the Race
"It's not only how we reach the line, but who crosses it with us."
In the following video a High School cross country team works together to clench a championship for their terminally ill coach. Have a box of tissues close by...
http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=6370304
The New York Giants football team watched this video of Holland Reynolds crawling across the finish line as their inspiration to finish the season strong. They wanted to do whatever it took to be the best. They wanted to complete the season no matter what.
Process with the class:
-What was the coaches attitude when he found out about his illness?
-What was the reason the team was determined to win?
-What drives you to be successful?
-When you set your goal, what are you willing to do to get it?
-Who is cheering you on, as you strive to meet your goals?
-How does the word "sacrifice" play into this story?
Finish strong.
September 7, 2012
Motivation for Homework
Do you need motivation for doing your homework? Sometimes we all need a little prodding when it comes to getting our work done.
If you ever feel like homework is pointless, you may find inspiration in the following tips. The problems below have been submitted by real students.
Read on to discover how normal you really are!
“Sometimes I just don’t see the point of homework. I mean, I don’t get the point, so I don’t feel like doing it.”
When you start feeling like homework is a drag, it might help to start thinking about the reason you’re doing homework in the first place. The work you do now really is important, even though it’s probably hard to see sometimes.
In truth, your nightly homework is really work that will form the foundation for your future. Right now you are probably being forced to study topics that don’t interest you at all. It may seem cruel and unfair now, but it’s really an important and necessary “evil.”
Why? Because a strong foundation must include a good mix of ingredients. You see, you may not believe that you’ll need your algebra skills later in life, but algebra sets the stage for understanding principles of science, economics, and business.
It’s the same for English homework. You’ll need those skills desperately in college, and you’ll certainly need them to succeed in the world.
“I like one of my subjects. It’s all the others I hate!”
Are you a math whiz? A great writer? Are you artistic—or maybe good at solving puzzles?
Most students have a special talent in one particular area, so they enjoy doing homework in that topic. The problem comes when they avoid doing the other stuff. Sound familiar?
The good news is that you don’t need to love everything. Just pick one area you love and become the self-appointed expert in your school. Get a serious attitude!
Think of yourself as the very best at that one topic, and then make it a reality. For inspiration, you can create a web site or perhaps a series of podcasts about your topic. Become a star!
Once you become the expert in your field, you will gain confidence in yourself and become more tolerant of the topics you don’t enjoy so much. You’ll start thinking of all your least favorite topics as “supporting” actors in your quest for a career in the area you love.
“Some kids get good grades because of their reputations. The teacher just likes them better. I have to work harder for an A.”
If you think you’re at a disadvantage to other students, you can turn things around by getting a competitive attitude.
Think of every project as a challenge and set out to do your assignment better than anybody else. Try to surprise everyone—including the teacher—by doing outstanding work.
If you feel like you are part of a misfit crowd, then it might help to team up with a friend or two. Put your heads together and plot to outdo the popular crowd. You’ll find that this can be very inspiring!
“I do OK in school. I just get so bored sometimes and can’t get into my homework.”
For instance, if you are having trouble getting started on a big science project, then divide your project into steps. Then, reward yourself each time you finish a step successfully. Your first step could be library research.
Set a time line for visiting the library and completing your research. Think of a good way to reward yourself, like a frothy iced coffee drink or another favorite treat. Then focus on the prize and make it happen!
Your parents will probably support you in this endeavor. Just ask!
There are many variations to the “eye on the prize” system. You may want to create a dream box or a bulletin board with pictures of big prizes, like the college of your dreams. Fill the box or board with the objects of your dreams and make a habit of looking at them often.
In other words, keep your eyes on those prizes!
It’s unfortunate but true that some students don’t receive much encouragement or support when it comes to school work. Some students don’t have any encouragement from family or don’t even have any family at all.
But that doesn’t mean nobody cares.
There are lots of people who care very much that you succeed in school. Just think about it—this web site wouldn’t exist if somebody didn’t want you to succeed.
There are many people who care. People in your school have a big stake in your success. They are judged on your performance. If you don’t do well, they don’t do well.
Adults from all walks of life are concerned about education and the plight of students just like you. The state of education is a big topic of discussion and debate among adults. If you feel like you don’t get support at home, then find an education forum and talk about it.
You’ll find that there are lots of people who are interested and willing to cheer you on!
http://homeworktips.about.com/od/timemanagement/a/motivation.htm
If you ever feel like homework is pointless, you may find inspiration in the following tips. The problems below have been submitted by real students.
Read on to discover how normal you really are!
“Sometimes I just don’t see the point of homework. I mean, I don’t get the point, so I don’t feel like doing it.”
Motivation Tip 1: Get Perspective!
You’ve probably heard the old saying “I’ll never use this knowledge in the real world.” It’s time to set the record straight once and for all—that saying is completely false!When you start feeling like homework is a drag, it might help to start thinking about the reason you’re doing homework in the first place. The work you do now really is important, even though it’s probably hard to see sometimes.
In truth, your nightly homework is really work that will form the foundation for your future. Right now you are probably being forced to study topics that don’t interest you at all. It may seem cruel and unfair now, but it’s really an important and necessary “evil.”
Why? Because a strong foundation must include a good mix of ingredients. You see, you may not believe that you’ll need your algebra skills later in life, but algebra sets the stage for understanding principles of science, economics, and business.
It’s the same for English homework. You’ll need those skills desperately in college, and you’ll certainly need them to succeed in the world.
“I like one of my subjects. It’s all the others I hate!”
Motivation Tip 2: Get an Attitude!
Are you a math whiz? A great writer? Are you artistic—or maybe good at solving puzzles?
Most students have a special talent in one particular area, so they enjoy doing homework in that topic. The problem comes when they avoid doing the other stuff. Sound familiar?
The good news is that you don’t need to love everything. Just pick one area you love and become the self-appointed expert in your school. Get a serious attitude!
Think of yourself as the very best at that one topic, and then make it a reality. For inspiration, you can create a web site or perhaps a series of podcasts about your topic. Become a star!
Once you become the expert in your field, you will gain confidence in yourself and become more tolerant of the topics you don’t enjoy so much. You’ll start thinking of all your least favorite topics as “supporting” actors in your quest for a career in the area you love.
“Some kids get good grades because of their reputations. The teacher just likes them better. I have to work harder for an A.”
Motivation Tip 3: Get Competitive!
This problem could be real or imagined. Either way, this problem is the best kind! If you have a competitive spirit, you can have a lot of fun with this one.If you think you’re at a disadvantage to other students, you can turn things around by getting a competitive attitude.
Think of every project as a challenge and set out to do your assignment better than anybody else. Try to surprise everyone—including the teacher—by doing outstanding work.
If you feel like you are part of a misfit crowd, then it might help to team up with a friend or two. Put your heads together and plot to outdo the popular crowd. You’ll find that this can be very inspiring!
“I do OK in school. I just get so bored sometimes and can’t get into my homework.”
Motivation Tip 4: Get Your Eye on the Prize!
If you get bored just thinking about homework, then you may need to focus on setting and reaching goals.For instance, if you are having trouble getting started on a big science project, then divide your project into steps. Then, reward yourself each time you finish a step successfully. Your first step could be library research.
Set a time line for visiting the library and completing your research. Think of a good way to reward yourself, like a frothy iced coffee drink or another favorite treat. Then focus on the prize and make it happen!
Your parents will probably support you in this endeavor. Just ask!
There are many variations to the “eye on the prize” system. You may want to create a dream box or a bulletin board with pictures of big prizes, like the college of your dreams. Fill the box or board with the objects of your dreams and make a habit of looking at them often.
In other words, keep your eyes on those prizes!
Motivation Tip 5: Get Support!
It’s unfortunate but true that some students don’t receive much encouragement or support when it comes to school work. Some students don’t have any encouragement from family or don’t even have any family at all.
But that doesn’t mean nobody cares.
There are lots of people who care very much that you succeed in school. Just think about it—this web site wouldn’t exist if somebody didn’t want you to succeed.
There are many people who care. People in your school have a big stake in your success. They are judged on your performance. If you don’t do well, they don’t do well.
Adults from all walks of life are concerned about education and the plight of students just like you. The state of education is a big topic of discussion and debate among adults. If you feel like you don’t get support at home, then find an education forum and talk about it.
You’ll find that there are lots of people who are interested and willing to cheer you on!
http://homeworktips.about.com/od/timemanagement/a/motivation.htm
Hope
Hope is Eternal
You will need: Faith & Perseverance
"All the darkness of the world cannot put out the light of one small candle." - Anonymous
Sometimes it feels like we are surrounded by darkness and we wonder if we'll ever smile again. At times like this it is essential to remember that we are not alone. Seek out comfort from family, freidns, and negihbors-or volunteer to help others. Ironically, bringing hope to someone else's life is the best way to strengthen it in our own.
Simple Steps
* Designate a safe place in your home to keep a "Hope Candle." Light it regularly, saying a few positive words aloud, as a symbol to yourself and to the world that hope endures.
* Make a "Hope Box." Cover a show box with pretty paper and fill it with items that inspire hope in you-a drawing from a child, a loving note from your spouse or a newspaper article.
August 15, 2012
Native American Proverb
"When you were born you cried and the world rejoiced. Live your life in such a manner that when you die, the world cries and you rejoice."
July 23, 2012
Overcome
Nothing worth having comes easily. The harder you have to work, or the more you have to sacrifice, the more you will appreciate what you have gained.
Goal Setting
What is standing in the way of you reaching your goals?
Are you willing to sacrifice to get to your goal?
What do you have the power to change?
What don't you have control over in your life?
What resources do you have to reach your goals?
Are you willing to sacrifice to get to your goal?
What do you have the power to change?
What don't you have control over in your life?
What resources do you have to reach your goals?
June 8, 2012
Finding Purpose
When you were born you cried and the world rejoiced.
Live your life in such a manner that when you die, the world cries and you rejoice.
-Native American Proverb
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