Matthew L Goodwin

Two different mind sets

 

     The importance of knowing the differences between the  signs of being a victim and creator. One of the most appealing article I had came across was written by Dave Mirman on Dr. Downing  research on two different types of mind sets. Having the ability and willingness to change your mind set and knowing that is going make a change.

 

     According to Dr. Downing there are two types of individuals: victims and creators.  Those that are victims do not take responsibility for their actions or mistakes whereas creators are determined to achieve their goals despite the obstacles they must face.  David Mirman gave an example of this by presenting a scenario in which two students had to obtain a textbook that was out of stock.  One student contacted other college bookstores as well as online internet sources, in order to purchase the textbook, while the other student did not obtain the textbook because it was not his fault that it was out of stock.  Through this example, it is obvious who was the victim and who was the creator(Mirman).  This theory does not only apply to the classroom, but must also be considered in other aspects of life as well.  Those that are victims are unlikely to achieve the goals they have set for themselves, while creators reach for the stars.  Throughout life, every individual plays both a victim and a creator.

 

     I am a creator, however, I have been a victim to myself numerous times throughout life.  One example of this was when I thought about returning to school.  I was often asked by my peers why I was not enrolled at Thomas Nelson Community College.  I commonly responded with an excuse such as: having a child, and not having the time or money time.  Even though individuals were sympathetic of my situation, it was undeserved.  The reason for this was because I was just afraid of not being able to keep up in class, reading out loud, and having to make a speech. It was not until I thought about the example I wanted to set for my son that I no longer wanted to be a victim.

 

     For this reason, there are many areas that I need to improve upon in order to become a creator.  One way I can achieve this is to continue to learn how to change my mind set.  For example, when it was time to enroll at Thomas Nelson Community College it was more beneficial for me to focus on my future rather than the obstacles I might face.  Secondly, I must face my fears by putting myself in uncomfortable situations.  One fear of mine involves talking to large groups of people, and it is through TNCC that I can conquer these obstacles.  For example, at TNCC I can enroll in public speaking as well as other challenging courses to push my limits.

 

     The ways I have decided to make the change to more of  a creator mind set.  The first step for me was enrolling at Thomas Nelson Community College. Having a support system in place to help me tho things I was having problems with. Putting in more time in my school work to earn the highest grades as I can. Taking advantage of my professors office hours for additional help or looking over my work to see if I fully understand the material. The biggest reason and driving for me,changing my mind set is to prove to myself i can do it and set a example for my son to look up to .  

 

Work Cited

Mirman, David. "Do you think like a Victim or Creator ." WEB.2 Jan.2012. 31 Mar.2015<http://youaretheprimemover.com/2012/do-you-think-like-a-victim-or-a-creator>.