23 Tuesday Mar 2021
Posted in Ted Talk
Tags
Coursera, exploring, Khan Academy, Learning, Online Education, Skills, Tyler Dewitt, Udemy, YouTube
I’m a huge fan of online learning. This short TED talk will give you some more reasons you should adopt this practice. Online learning is more agile than the traditional school that can barely keep up with technology, let alone teach it. I love learning and the online platforms available are terrific.
I hope you enjoy today’s TED talk.
Have a great day!
Until next time…
Dave
04 Thursday Mar 2021
Posted in Thankful Thursdays
Tags
Goodreads, gratefulness, Gratitude, Happy, Kindle, Learning, Productivity, Reading, Scribd, self-improvement, Studying
Today, I’m thankful for the Scribd app. If you aren’t familiar, the Scribd app gives you access to tons of books, magazines, and audio books. I read a bunch of books each year, and this saves me a lot of money. I am reading two books right now that retail for $15 each on Amazon right now. So the $8.99 I pay each month is well worth it. I like reading a few books at a time, so this service is terrific. Here’s a link if you’d like to check it out. https://www.scribd.com/
If you are an avid reader, who wants to save a few bucks, I’d highly recommend Scribd. I read about 60 books a year, and most of them are on Scribd. I am not an affiliate and get ZERO dollars if you join up, but trust me, this is a terrific service. You can also download this app to your tablets and phone. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve gotten my reading done sitting in a dental or doctor’s office. For a really good combination, you can listen to a song or two on Apple Music or Spotify, if you get these music services. I enjoy reading with either a focus or some other purely instrumental genre in the background. From time-to-time I’ll listen to classical, but for the most part, calming instrumentals that aren’t too “busy” work great for me.
Another great companion to reading is the Kindle and Goodreads apps. Most of my friends and colleagues use both of these, and it’s a great way to track what you’ve read, and share it with friends and like-minded folks, who enjoy the same genres you do. If you have a Goodreads account, it’ll automatically track what you read on the Kindle, but you can add books manually, particularly those you read on Scribd if you choose to try it out.
Well, that’s it for today, folks. Happy Reading!
Until next time…
Dave
22 Monday Feb 2021
Posted in Motivation Monday
I’ve written about failure many times before on this blog. I am addressing it again today because it is so important to achieving anything. I’m a huge video game fan. My current game is Call of Duty Black Ops Cold War. What a title right? It is a great game and tons of fun, particularly when my brother and nephew join in. Whenever I begin playing a new game, I alway screw up huge in the beginning. You are learning the game mechanics, the tips and tricks, the maps, the different modes of play, and so much more. If I quit playing because I fail to win a match here or there, I lose huge.
Playing the game is about winning and losing. If you win, it feels great. If you lose, it doesn’t feel so good, but that feeling motivates me to get out there and play another match. You see? We need failure so we can learn from past mistakes. We also need failure to remind us how good it feels to win. If you fail a bunch, and finally get a win, regardless of how small, it always feels awesome.
So get out there, folks! Get out there and put your best effort in. If you win–AWESOME. If you lose, figure out where you went wrong, and get back at it. The win is waiting for you.
I hope all of you have a terrific week!
Until next time…
Dave
15 Monday Feb 2021
Posted in Motivation Monday
Tags
Consistency, duplication, habits, Knowledge, Learning, Mindset, motivation, realistic, Sources
How do you get up on Monday, attack your goals and priorities, and feel great consistently? You do other things consistently. If you smoke, drink, and stay up until 3 am binge-watching a series on Netflix, you probably will not be your best at 6 am. Makes sense, right? The same follows with working out. If you are not eating right and getting enough rest, your performance in the gym is probably going to suck pretty bad too.
When I worked, I did my best to be in bed at a reasonable time every day. I went to the gym at the same time every day. It was my consistency that allowed me the same performance at work, in the gym, etc. Self-discipline is the key to anything we want in life. If you want to write a book, you have to discipline yourself to write on a schedule with deadlines and all the rest. If you want to get in shape, you have to go to the gym or exercise in some way consistently, coupled with eating right, drinking water, and getting enough sleep to recover. I’m not preaching some new thing today. This is the way things work–period.
So, if your goals are going off the rails, those New Year’s resolutions are not progressing, re-evaluate. Do you really want those things that you wrote down, or were they a pipe dream? This is one of the biggest problems with goal setting and achievement. We write things down, but fail to plan how to achieve them. Many times I have begun planning in the past and realize that the commitment to achieve something I think I want to achieve is just too much. I’d like to write some books someday. I gave this a chance a year ago, and it didn’t go anywhere. Why? Because other things came up that took a priority, and I couldn’t do what most authors do–work on their books consistently. I had too many other things on my plate that were a higher priority for me. Make sense?
So, here’s what you do if you are having trouble with consistency. First, reevaluate what your goals are. Second, examine what it will take to achieve your goals by the date you set. Third, be honest with yourself about your motivation levels around certain goals. Are they really something you want to pursue, or is there something else that is higher on your list? Fourth, put those goals on hold that you struggle to commit to. You can always pursue them next year or at some other time.
Motivation is about mindset. It is about pursuing the things you really want vs. pursuing things you think others want you to have. It’s your life. Pursue what you want. Also be realistic. If your schedule does not allow you to go to the gym every day, then start working out at home. If that doesn’t work consistently, then reduce the number of times you exercise and stick with that. At a minimum, if all else fails—walk. Walking is healthy. It is something most of us will be able to do for most of our lives. Any exercise is better than no exercise.
This same process can be used for any goal you have. Are you doing the things necessary to achieve it? Do you know what those things are? If the answer is no to both or either of these questions, there’s a quick fix. Simply do some research to see what other people do? Writing? You can find tons of information about writing books, articles, blogging, etc. all over the place. You can find out what other people are doing and try that. The first place I turn when I’m looking at doing something new is the Internet. Then I tag the things other people are doing and begin experimenting. Someone will have done what I need to do, and they will tell you. These can be found on YouTube, on some online schools/universities, or you may luck out and know someone that does something you are trying to do. All these resources are available. You just have to get out there and look. Once you begin to learn what it takes, then you have to decide: Can I duplicate what they are doing? Do I really want to do this? Can I fit in these steps or processes into my day? If yes, then you are all set and ready to go. If not, you may have to decide to put it all on hold.
The mindset we have is critical to achieve our goals. We have to know what we have to do consistently to achieve the things we want. We have to learn about what others are doing to achieve their results. We have to be willing to apply what we learn consistently in order to achieve what we want to achieve consistently. Make sense?
Ok, folks. Have a great week!
Until next time…
Dave
09 Tuesday Feb 2021
Posted in Ted Talk
Tags
biology, Bog Corpses, bogs, Chemistry, History, Interesting, Learning, Science, TED, Ted Talk, TedEd
Here is a quick video about why we are finding corpses in various places that are preserved for thousands of years. Why does this occur? Watch this video to find out. If you enjoyed this, here’s an article that will provide you some more information about this phenomena: https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/europe-bog-bodies-reveal-secrets-180962770/ It is fascinating!
Until next time…
Dave
04 Thursday Feb 2021
Posted in Thankful Thursdays, Thinking Thursdays, Uncategorized
Tags
Consistency, Exercise, huge results, Learning, Reading, small actions, Udemy, Writing
Photo credit: CallofDuty.com
Over the last few years, as more of my schedule has come under my control, I have found that doing a little each day compounds into huge results. A little exercise, a little reading, a little writing, and a few minutes watching, listening, or reading some educational material can go a long way.
Some of you are working from home. The beauty of working from home is you can get a lot of things done in a more efficient way. You are not forced to work only for your boss and then look at that pile of laundry, dirty dishes, or snow-filled driveway on your own time. Now you can work on both sets of priorities simultaneously, other than those ZOOM conference calls that eat up a good portion of the workday. Why not take an hour a day and knock out a little in each area: reading, writing, exercise, and learning? It doesn’t take long.
The average length of a session on Udemy is roughly 5-6 minutes long. If you take a few courses, you’re looking at 20-30 minutes each day. You’ll get your graduation certificates in no time, and if you take the right courses, you’ll be adding some critical skills to your toolbox. If you select the 4+ star-rated courses on Udemy, you’ll also be entertained by popular instructors that make the material fun and interesting. 30 minutes a day for 6 days (assuming you subscribe to my “do nothing day” policy) is 3 hours of learning!
If you take the time to analyze what you do each day, I think you’ll be amazed at how much time you spend watching television or streaming videos, and other activities, that although entertaining, don’t build anything. I’m a huge video game fan. My current favorite is Call of Duty, Black Ops, Cold War. It’s a great game and very popular (over 100 million players worldwide). I could play that game for 10+hours a day and still have more energy to play even more. Balance is the key. We all need our downtime to relax, recharge, and rejuvenate. Watch those shows, play those games, get some of that “me” time, but balance this out with some productive activities that will keep your mind working. It is really exciting to me when I pick up some new skill that I can apply immediately to what I do every day.
That’s all I got today, folks. Have a great Thursday!
Until next time…
Dave
21 Thursday Jan 2021
Posted in Thinking Thursdays
Tags
cheap, easy, fascinating, inexpensive, Learning, Life-long Learning, new courses, new material, Thinking, Udemy
As the future unfolds, many of us will need to retool and learn new things. I decided to pursue the Python programming language. First, it’s a pretty easy language to learn. There are some things that still confuse me, but mostly, particularly with what I want to do with it, the language is very “learnable”.
I’m taking a Python course on Udemy. These courses cost money, but if you are patient, you can get most of them for less than 20 USD. It’s a real bargain when you consider that you have permanent access to the course, the instructors are outstanding in the 4-star rated and above courses, and you get so much content that you’ll be busy for a few months.
I’m enrolled in an NLP course, two Python courses, a graphic design course, two Excel courses, a digital marketing course, and a data science and business analysis course. I’m taking these because my new position in a religious organization requires that I know how to do all these things (excluding python and NLP). My goal is to complete all these courses before the end of 2021. Not a problem. I’ll get there in no time. The key is to do a little each day. By doing a little learning each day, you’ll retain the information more efficiently. To repeat, since you have lifelong access to Udemy courses you purchase, you are free to go back and review anything that you forget or need to refine. It’s a terrific service. I highly recommend it.
Is there something you’d like to learn, just to learn it? Head on over to Udemy. You won’t be disappointed.
Until next time…
Dave
05 Tuesday Jan 2021
Posted in Thinking Tuesday
Tags
Digital Marketing, Educational, Excel, Gaming, Great books, Great movies, Learning, Python, Reading, TedEd, Udemy
I enjoy sharing things I find on the Internet, things I learn, and things I find entertaining like a good series on Netflix, a great book I just finished, or even a course I’m taking. Instead of just Ted Talks, I’m opening this up to anything I find that I think is interesting.
You’ll begin seeing book reviews, movie and television series reviews, game reviews, and even some cool stuff I’m learning this year. This year’s focus is on digital marketing, data science (particularly using Excel and Python), and statistics. This is my learning focus this year because I took on a new position in my religious organization in October 2020, and I need to learn a bunch of stuff to do the job well.
Anyway, I wanted to use today’s post as a precursor to what you’ll see here. Don’t worry, I’m not changing my 5 quotes on Wednesday, which was one of your 2020 favorites. That is staying, but you’ll see further changes as I evolve my blog into a newer, more interesting place to visit in 2021.
I hope you enjoy the adventure I’ll be taking you on every Tuesday.
Until next time…
Dave
04 Monday Jan 2021
Posted in Motivation Monday
Tags
Achievement, Determination, Goals, Innovation, Learning, lockdowns, motivation, New Year, persistance
I’m back after a nice vacation toward the end of December. I hope all of you had a pleasant time during the holiday season. We had a little get together with my sister and her boyfriend. The meals were terrific.
It’s that time again to list out my goals for the year. Here we go:
Physical
Exercise daily
Learning
Finish Masters in Sociology
Learn Excel
Learn Marketing
Learn Statistics and various diagrams
Learn Digital Advertising
Learn Python
Learn Graphic Design
Financial
Add 1200.00 to my savings by year’s end
Pay off dental bill by year’s end
Spiritual
Finish 12 ECK discourses
Run 9 Book Discussions
Run 1 Sound of Soul event
Develop 1 Digital Report to be used by me for Vahana reports each month
Learn about Facebook advertising and test it in the Thumb area by year’s end
Spiritual Exercise 2x 365 days
Gratitude Journal 365 days
Read Bible 365 days
Reading
Read 60 books in 2021
Writing
Build followers to 1100 by year’s end
Finish and Post 250 Blog Posts
Follow 200 new Blogs this year
Begin a new non-fiction book (fiction writing is on hold for the time being)
Social
Write 52 letters to my wife
Post poetry and Quotes 365 times this year
Interact and make friends playing Call of Duty
Hobbies (Call of Duty Gaming)
Diamond out Submachine guns
Diamond out shotguns
Diamond out launchers
Diamond out knife
Diamond out Sniper Rifles
Diamond out Pistols
Learn Combined Arms Maps
This is my list of goals for the year. Note: I have planned no face-to-face or location goals at all, since it is highly likely intermittent lockdowns will continue, particularly as the COVID virus mutates. There is already a new strain in the US.
Get at it, folks! It’s a new year. You’ll see some new content types this year on my blog. I like changing up this blog from time to time because it makes it interesting for me and I would like to find more ways to entertain and serve you in 2021. We’ll see how it goes.
Have a great year all!
Until next time…
Dave
28 Saturday Nov 2020
Posted in Spiritual Saturday
Tags
Experience, fixidity, higher worlds, Learning, liberation, lower worlds, Negative, Neutral, Physical body, Positive, Soul
In my religious path, we believe in two realms of worlds–the lower worlds and the higher worlds. The lower worlds are bound by matter, energy, space and time and are fixed, while the higher worlds are not bound by these same characteristics, and are unlimited.
The lower worlds are designed for Soul to learn. The design gives them the appearance of completeness, spaciousness, and accommodation, yet are beset with numberless restrictions. Subsequently, everything here comes with advantages and disadvantages. Everything has a “catch”.
A person is rich, but dies from a disease money can’t cure. A person commits evil acts and gets away with it (or so he or she thinks). Bad things happen to good people, without any rhyme or reason. Change is permanent here.
When we realize we are not this body, the fixidity of this reality makes sense. We live, we die, we return to do it all over again. Only when we realize the temporal nature of this place, we will begin to search for something beyond this. When we do, we find that Soul is the real us, and these many bodies and lifetimes we experience are just that–experience, so Soul can learn and become liberated from this ever-turning wheel.
Have a great Saturday!!
Until next time…
Dave
