Why I do the things I do...

Why I do the things I do...

my wife would LOVE to know.

I am not talking about the every day crazy things I get myself into (see the above pic) but the things I am doing to help improve myself.

Such as...

Blogging

I like to share. Maybe I didn't so much as a kid but now I do. I like to share information that I feel can be helpful to someone. Blogging allows me to put thoughts down onto "electronic" paper and share them with other like-minded people. I like to believe a bunch of people read those thoughts, but in the grand scheme of things, it is ok if they do not. The process of taking thoughts and converting them into words, sentences, paragraphs, etc is an educational process for me. Plus, hitting that publish button can be somewhat exciting (and intimidating) knowing that other people can actually read my work.

That can be the tough part...hitting the publish button.

Podcasting

Again, I like to share.

I found two other guys who also like to share.

Click on the picture to listen (oh and leave a review on I Tunes)

We have common interests and a common goal to provide not only information to people but a platform for them to share what they know too. We recorded another podcast today (will be released soon) and the process is so much FUN! We get to talk about things we love, share new ideas and laugh about the crazy things going on in our world. And believe me, there are plenty of crazy things!

Twitter

Twitter is my go-to professional development tool. I know what you are thinking...Twitter can't be a PD tool...it is for funny cat videos and crazy memes like this one.

One of my favorites by the way.

No, that's Facebook (for me). I do enjoy some Facebook but usually for entertainment only.

Not a day goes by that I do not gain something from my interactions on Twitter. Every day = great tips, great articles, great followers...the list goes on.

I have connected and made new friends with people all over the world. Some are in education or leadership but others are in completely different fields.

Try it, don't give up on it...you may like it. Come find me @mickshuran

Reading

I read for knowledge but I also read for entertainment.

I read "real" books but I also read on my kindle or I Pad.

I read education and leadership books but I also love a good mystery or crime novel.

I read so I can share.

Here is what is on my night stand right now...

I do these things on a regular basis so I can not only share but grow.

The cool thing is...YOU can do this too.

Don't be afraid to hit the publish button. Don't be afraid that no one will read it.

Don't be afraid of the sound of your voice. Don't be afraid that no one will listen.

Don't be afraid to connect with people in your field or even your favorite author. You may be surprised.

Read every day, even if it is for fun.

If you struggle, ask someone to help.

I will be glad to help.

MS

Thresholds, Granny Shots and Group Think...(Disruptor Series Part 2)

In his new podcast Revisionist History, Malcolm Gladwell tackles the idea of thresholds.

By the way, if you have not read any of his articles or books, you are truly missing out. He is a fantastic storyteller and although sometimes controversial, has great insight as to how humans think and work. Go HERE for more info on Gladwell.

Here is the basic idea:

Wilt Chamberlain, arguably one of the greatest NBA stars of all times, the only player to record a 100 point game...was one of the WORST free throw shooters ever.

Rick Barry, another NBA great, was the best free throw shooter of all times.

Both players are ranked in the NBA's Top 50

Both players are recognizable to basketball fans throughout the world for different reasons. 

The most glaring difference probably relates to physical attributes that cannot be denied.

Wilt was a behemoth, playing at 7' 1" and dominating the inside like no one else could.

And...

Rick Barry shot free throws underhanded.

Yes, that is correct, the ole granny shot. With a 90% free throw made rate, who could argue with those stats?

Well, apparently all of basketball. Since that time, how many other folks have you seen shooting underhand? Can you count on one hand? My guess would be yes.

Why?? 

If it is effective, why do we not see more people shooting this way?

Good news! Someone is bringing it back. Chinanu Onuaku from the Houston Rockets starting shooting that way at Louisville and he says it has helped him.

Will it take root??

Probably not...

The reason Gladwell says this conflict exists is this idea of low vs. high threshold personalities. A high threshold personality is one that is dictated by what the "crowd" thinks. While the low threshold does not concern themselves with the crowd.

Wilt = high threshold = does not want to look foolish in front of the crowd
Rick = low threshold = does not give a crap about what the crowd thinks

Is this something that exists in your schools, businesses, houses etc??

Would it be beneficial to know who around might exhibit either a high or low threshold personality?? 

I believe it could make a huge impact!

Think about working on a project. If the entire group consists of high threshold personalities, there is a likelihood that group think will occur. Basically, everyone will agree and in reality, no one agrees.

Ever heard of the Abeline Paradox??

What if everyone had a low threshold personality?? There literally could be fights!

The balance is necessary. 

I visited Chattanooga STEM recently (my third or fourth visit). Each time I visit, I gain something new and interesting. Tony Donen, the principal at Chattanooga STEM, talked about how ALL of their students are given the Myers-Briggs Test. The results of that personality test are used throughout the year to help group those students on different projects.

Instead of grouping by ability, group by personality?? 

Looking at personalities and using the results may be something worthy to examine.

Back to Rick and Wilt. To this day, Rick Barry works with young players to attempt to convince them to consider his way of shooting. He believes that ALL players can be good free throw shooters, they just have to have confidence, good form and practice. I bet he even still wonders why more people do not shoot that way. I bet if Wilt were still alive, he would have that answer...

No way...it's a granny shot!

MS

One Word 2017...I may need your help!

Like most folks, I struggle with New Year's Resolutions. So much that I no longer even attempt them.

Do you ever wonder what resolutions people have or the statistics on how long they last?? Click Here for some New Year's Resolutions Statistics.

A few years ago, I was able to watch a short clip by Jon Gordon that allowed me to rethink the process. 

Here is the video in case you missed it.

ONE WORD - Jon Gordon

Basically, you choose a word which sums up what YOU want out of the new year. There is more to it than that but I will probably butcher it if I try to describe in detail, so check it out on your own. Plus, tons of people are getting into it. It is fun to see everybody's word for the year. Go to Twitter or Facebook and type #OneWord or look on your favorite blogs, you will see a bunch! 

Here are a few of my favorites so far...(check them out).

Dr. Ryan Jackson's #OneWord - Progress
Julie Davis's #OneWord - Brave
Christopher King's #OneWord - Growth


The past couple of years, I chose the same word...PRESENT. The reason...I was terrible at wrapping presents...just kidding (no really, I am bad a wrapping presents too but that's another story).

I was bad about not being PRESENT with my family and friends. I was there but I was not there...ever felt that way??

Since that time, I cannot say that I am cured but I will say that I am able to remind myself very quickly and easily when I am not being PRESENT with the people I care about most. And I will say, I have improved. I even have a daily reminder on my desk...Thanks to Kim Uselton!

The concept does work!

I will continue to use the word PRESENT because it works for me (most of the time...I still fail, but that is ok). However, it is pretty ingrained in me now so I think it is time to add another #OneWord to my repertoire.  

I know EXACTLY what I need to focus on. 

I have thought and thought and thought and the same idea has popped into my head. 

The problem, it is not #OneWord but two. 

Mental Toughness

That's it, mental toughness. I stink at it. 
What I mean by stinking at it is...

If I need to get up at 5:30am to run or workout...I stink at it.
If I need to read or write instead of watching one of my shows (see last post), I stink at it.
If I need to ignore that bag of Doritos and a cold beer...I stink at it.

I am in a constant battle with my mind. I need to be more mentally tough! 

So...this is where I may need your help. 

Do I try to find a one word solution for mental toughness (if so do you have any suggestions)? 

Or, do I simply use mental toughness as my #TwoWords mantra to define my 2017? Who knows, maybe a new trend will start...What are your #TwoWords??

The reality of it is this. I know it is more about the PROCESS. If I am thinking about what my weaknesses might be or what I need to focus on for the new year, then I am already moving in the right direction. 

So...think about what YOU want out of 2017. If you come up with that #OneWord that ultimately describes your PROCESS, that is awesome! If it happens to be two words, that will do just fine. The key is finding that word, words, mantra, whatever and use it to guide your life. You and I will improve.

MS