Journal Post #3

Just Listen

I saw a quote posted the other day that said, "the biggest communication problem we have is that we do not listen to understand, we listen to reply."  I had to read the post a few times before the meaning of the statement finally sunk in—point taken.  The more I thought about, I feel there is a lot of truth in this observation as to how we communicate with others.  Whether it is consciously or subconsciously, we typically take in information so that we can formulate an answer or response.  There is a feeling of inadequacy associated with not having a response, which probably has something to do with our own insecurities.  But by providing an immediate response does that reduce our ability to really contemplate an issue and understand what is being said?

This common approach can be related to arguments or disagreements we me have one with another.  When we are in a heated debate are we listening the other side’s point of view, or are we simply gathering additional information to be used in our rebuttal?  If the point of the argument is to validate your standpoint and outline the flaws in your counterpart’s perspective, you may be better served in trying to understand their perspective.  This may not change your opinion on the matter, but it will improve your understanding.

$100.00 Challenge Project Update:

I have been able to make a deal with one of my neighbors, who is a cabinetmaker.  I am going to go to his shop every Saturday morning and sweep up for a couple of hours.  In return, he will allow me to take all of the scrap pieces of wood for my project. 

Journal Post #2

Is It Worth It?

Is it worth it?  That is a question I have caught myself asking a lot this week.  Three weeks into this semester, taking a full load—4 classes a total 13 credit hours.  Work is going crazy; fiscal year end is upon us.  Kids, basketball practice, church callings, not to mention trying to have relationship with my wife—other than passing ships on the sea.  (By the way, she is finishing her Family Nurse Practitioner degree). Early morning up at 5:00—homework.  Get home as fast as I can, eat, bathe kids and put them to bed—homework.  I hopefully get to bed before midnight and the vicious cycle repeats itself.

I realized today as I am turning in one of my last assignments of the week that I am asking myself the wrong question.  The “Is it worth it?” question is not one to ask while you are going through the trying period in your life.  That is a question to ask at the end of the challenge and before the start of a new one.  Why?  Because I know the answer is yes.  The late nights, the long hours, the hectic schedule and all the craziness that comes along with it will be worth it.  But for now, I am going to bed.  (Finally).

$100.00 Challenge Project Update:

I think I have pretty much decided which project I am going to take on for my $100.00 challenge, and I was also able to find a way that I can actually earn some sweat equity and get a deal on the raw materials.  Things are starting to come together.

Journal Post #1

Balance

This semester is really turning out to be a challenging on, already.  Trying to balance the workload and prioritize things; I was reminded of something Mitt Romney stated a few weeks ago while speaking at the BYU devotional in Provo, UT.  There was a Q & A portion and Mitt Romney was asked, “How have you balanced family life and a very public life?”  To which he responded, “Balance is something I’m always asked about: work, family, the church, community, how do you balance these? I once joked if you aren’t fulfilling all the things you’d like to do in your family, and you’re not really getting the job done at work, and you’re not fulfilling your church callings like you want to, then things are in balance.”

The feeling of always having more to do or never being able to get ahead is one I can relate to.  I think there is some truth in his reply.  I know that when I feel like I am on top of things at work that means other areas of my life require some attention.  If you become too ultra-focused on a specific aspect of your life, you will loose focus of the other things around you.  Balancing the challenges in life has no end; it is an ongoing process that helps refine us.

$100.00 Challenge Project Update:

This week I have spent a lot of time brainstorming on what I should do for my $100.00 challenge.  I was really stumped as to what I could and felt that I really didn’t have many options.  I got to talking with my wife the other night about the assignment and she was able to give a list of options.  I am actually getting a little more excited about the project rather than dreading it, like I was before.