Optimism and Motivation

I found the Gandhi’s Top 10 Fundamentals for Changing the World article to be very interesting. He made a lot of great points that not only demonstrated qualities of being a leader, but they also great tips on how to make the world as a whole, better. I think that I have demonstrated some of those qualities in my life. The ones that jump out at me are it says to see the good in others and to help them, and to forgive and forget. It makes a point that everyone is human and that everyone makes mistakes. It is important that we continue to look at the good in people and to help them with their errors. That way, it is not only helping them, but you also get the chance to be a leader by example.

The Optimism Creed was a good article as well. It showed many of the same characteristics that the Gandhi article talked about. I actually loved the Optimism Creed. I think that every single one of the points on it are very good promises to follow. I think the one that best applies to me was the one that said, “To think only of the best, to work only for the best, and to expect only the best.” I loved this one because I think of myself as very competitive. I like to perform to the best of my ability and get upset if I don’t. Something that I need to work on from this list, however is making sure that I stay optimistic as much as I can. There are times when you just aren’t happy with yourself and criticize yourself and others too much. It is important to be cheerful and not worry too much. By being optimistic, I think you can bring out the best in others.

I think that the last meeting we had was very productive. We got a lot done and were able to re-film many parts to our Capstone Project. As for this summer, I am very excited to see if I get any of the jobs that I applied for on campus. Also, I hope to be a good leader next year when I am a STARS Mentor and on the E-Board for Loyola’s Club Football Team.

I think I motivate others by making sure I comfort them and try to get the best out of them. My main sources of motivation are my parents and my teachers. They show me how to succeed and always give the best advice.

Be Yourself and Learn to Live

After reading the article, “18 Truths to Start Telling Yourself” I realized that there are many of these truths that we don’t tell to ourselves. I was easily able to relate to over half of them. I think that each one of them is true and should be followed. The one that I could relate to the most was the first one where it said, “I can only be me.” Very often you find people trying to change who they are to impress others, when in reality, you should just be yourself and let others see you for who you really are. It is the only way that I think you will be able to truly enjoy your life. I think that this one truth I need to improve on. I think that I always try to make everyone as happy as they can be with me and in the end, I don’t think I’m showing them my true self, and I can start by accepting the truth that I should just be me. My biggest strong points I think are that small things make a big difference and that everyone deserves kindness, respect and has something amazing to offer. I always value the opinions of others and treat them like I would want myself to be treated. Every person in our lives helps us grow as a persona and as a result, they all have something valuable to offer. 

 

             In the article, “15 Ways to Live, and Not merely Exist”, I found many of the same messages as the first article. It made a lot of the same points such as being you, appreciating the little things in life, loving others, and loving yourself. I was able to relate to them all, and as mentioned above, I loved the point this article made too about being who you really are. Uniqueness is priceless and you should embrace it. I don’t think I disagreed with any of the points the article made. 

 

            As for our video project, things are coming along. I think we should have started earlier but we’ve gotten a lot done. Almost all the footage has been shot (we had to redo a few of them because they came out bad). We are hoping to have all footage accounted for by Monday and to start editing it as soon as possible. As for the STARS LEAD program as a whole, I think I have improved exponentially as a leader. I learned many things about being a leader such as servant leadership. Overall, I have been very satisfied with the STARS LEAD Program. The only thing that I wish we did more of however, was talking to other high school students. We’ve only talked to a group of kids once, and I just wish we could talk to them more because I believe we have a lot we can offer to them in terms of advice and support.