For Groundhog Day every year my parents would have us celebrate by watching the movie with Bill Murray and having eggs and sausage ("ground hog" - my dad's touch) for breakfast. If you haven't seen the movie I highly recommend it. Sometimes we just order pizza (with sausage haha).
This week we have been focusing a lot on grammar since we have an intensive grammar exam that we have to take this weekend. In order to be more fully prepared I am waiting to take it on Monday. I have learned that not only does proper grammar distinguish you but it also helps make your communication more clear.
Another thing on nonverbal communication. Today we had stake dodge ball. I love dodge ball but I am not very athletic, so I usually feel like I'm automatically profiled as a poor player based completely on my appearance and perceived coordination. However, at least in dodge ball I have my moments of glory where I can dodge and get the occasional good throw, and today I enjoyed many good games where I contributed to my teams success. I was satisfied to earn their respect and to even have someone on the opposing team express his surprise at how well I ended up performing. I was grateful for the chance to try something new and get some exercise and have some fun. The thing is, you can be completely wrong about someone at first glance. For all the importance of making a good first impression, you might just have to wait to see someone's true colors. I think it's the difference of the beginning, raw materials, and the finished or completed result. Someone could have raw talent or passion that at the moment is unrefined. Additionally, where in one area a person might be weak, they could in another area be a great strength and contribution to the group. I'm not saying I am in any way any better at dodge ball than I was before, but I do feel a little more confidence that I can maybe not be the best, but go have fun and contribute to others having fun and have an enjoyable morning. I really think it's one of life's challenges to see in others what they can become, and see beyond what might be perceived weaknesses in the current moment.
That grammar test was the dread of us all. I found, after a great deal of study, I too became confident like you after successfully playing well in dodgeball. Practice can really build confidence. I believe the biggest confidence builder is success. When you succeed in anything your confidence in that area of life increases majorly, but we can't have success without first working for that success, usually through practice.
ReplyDeleteI like your comments on how people will often judge body language. I play a lot of sports and your dodgeball example was perfect. More often than not, I am probably the guy that says they were surprised at how well someone played. I think part of my problem is that I am extremely competitive and so I will consistently look for a reason why I should be able to beat someone at any activity. Thank you for pointing out this aspect of body language.
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