SfC Home > Excellence >
Reader questions and feedback on excellent attitudes and behavior. Also refer to peak performance, quality, maximum, Ron Kurtus, School for Champions. Copyright © Restrictions
Answers to Readers' Questions on Excellence:
General
The following 12 comments and questions have been sent in. They are listed according to date.
List of first 10 items
- How do I apply to your school?
- I want to be a champion soccer star
- Wants free online college courses
- How do you overcome procrastination?
- Want to overcome being and introvert
- Need advise concerning self-esteem
- I get funny feelings in my stomach
- Having difficulty in getting a job
- Lost confidence after poor presentation
- Wants advice every day
How do I apply to your school?
Question
April 29, 2009
I want to know how do apply form your school
Skhumbuzo - South Africa
17675
Answer
No formal application is necessary to take the lessons from the School for Champions. We provide free supplemental lessons that will help you succeed in your school or work.
I want to be a champion soccer star
Question
February 22, 2009
What can be done in order for me to end up participating at school of champions as a soccer star ? Besides which particulars are for for registration ?
Thabo - RSA
17313
Answer
You can read our lessons on such subjects as excellence, success in life, competition, among others. Right now, we don't have a sports section on excelling in soccer, which would be a good idea.
There is no registration and our lessons are free. They are meant to supplement other studies you are doing.
Try to get books on soccer, as well as peak performance in athletics. Also try to read some inspiring stories about great soccer stars.
The most important thing is to love the sport and enjoy playing it. To be a star in soccer, you need to study and learn the techniques in all positions. Watch games with top players and study their moves, so that you can learn to use them when you play.
It is good to play against those who are better than you, while you are learning. If someone beats you or gets by you, study how that was possible.
The only way you can learn from players lower than your level is to try to teach them the fundamentals. It is a good reminder of those fundamentals. It is also a way to give back for what others have taught you.
Practice, practice, practice. Believe in yourself, and you will become a champion in soccer.
Best wishes on playing a good game.
Wants free online college courses
Question
January 12, 2009
Hello My name is Marcin and I have just stopped my education in my college. I am trying to get into free online course as I don't have time to spend all day in the school. I would like to find myself in the this course, but unfortunately I do not have money to pay for it. Please let me know about all the details and what I can achieve after this course as soon as possible. Thank You very much.
Marcin - Great Britain
17092
Answer
You need a specific field to study, instead of something general. If you are working during the day, you might seek courses that are offered at night in the field that you want to pursue. You can use our lessons for free to help you understand your studies, but there are really no free online courses that will give you a certification or diploma that you may need to get a better job.
How do you overcome procrastination?
Question
July 22, 2007
3 questions:
1. how do you improve at something you are already good at?
2. how do you improve at something you're not so good at
3. how do you overcome procrastination which keeps you from improving?
- USA
14107
Answer
You can tell you are good at something by being able to readily complete tasks in the activity or according to some judgment criteria. You improve by setting up greater personal challenges or moving into competition at a higher level. If you don't have to struggle, the task isn't fun and you don't grow.
In some things you may not be good at them because of lack of training and experience. As you pursue your goals in that area, you will slowly improve. Of course, you need some motivation to try to get better.
But there are some activities where talent is the driving factor. If you are tone deaf and can't sing very well, you might improve a little with practice and training, but you probably will never be very good at it.
Procrastination is making a decision. Usually, it is deciding to do something easy, as opposed to doing something difficult, like trying to improve.
Write down what you want to achieve and how you want to improve in an area. Write down the outcome you can envision. Then look at the activities you do are part of your procrastination, like watching cartoons on TV or talking to friends on the telephone. Put those items to the side and don't let them interfere with achieving the things you have written down.
It's not easy, but that is one way to overcome procrastination.
Best wishes on becoming in champion in your endeavors.
Want to overcome being and introvert
Question
September 6, 2006
i'm introvert. how could i overcome this condition
mohit - India
11861
Answer
An extrovert is someone likes to talk to other people and to show off his or her skills and knowledge. The problem is that they often need other people to feel fulfilled. An introvert usually has activities he or she enjoys doing alone.
But what an introvert needs to do is to be observant of other people and gain the skill of listening. In that way, you can do social things and enjoy other people and still have the independence of being able to do things by yourself.
Shy people often worry about having to impress other people. You don't need to impress, but it is good to be able to clearly communicate and to try to understand the other person.
Need advise concerning self-esteem
Question
July 28, 2006
Hi - I have been reading with interest the information on self esteem as well as questions from other visitors to your site. I am considered by most people I meet in life as a kind generous person, a good listener as well as a good homemaker, friend, wife, mother etc etc however I still suffer from low self esteem. I am full of knowledge and informtion in certain areas and yet when I am with people I have just met (e.g. such as at a party) I am reluctant to talk/discuss issues as I am always afraid I am going to say the wrong thing. I particularly feel out of sorts when I am at work - I always think that other people "click on" to things quicker than myself and that I should be able to do more (even though I work 8 or 9 hours straight with most times not taking any breaks except for bathroom breaks - I always seem to have to do a new task a number of times before I can confidently say I "get it". My children tell me that I am trying too hard and therefore I am blinded. I see this sort of behaviour in other people and I tell them to stop it - yet at 50 years of age I cannot seem to take my own advice. All I can put it down to is that growing up I was not supported in any way other than the basic clothing, shelter, food etc and always seemed to be told I was shy or fat or stupid (When I look back at photographs, I was certainly not fat) which makes me think that perhaps I was not shy or stupid either - but seriously I am very confused and don't know what to do about this problem. I would appreciate any suggestions you can give me. Thanking you in anticipation.
Cynthia - Australia
11559
Answer
Many problems with self-esteem come from criticism when a child, as well as not getting any real praise or encouragement. Even if you don't believe what others have said, it becomes ingrained in your mind.
But you can start on the road to rectifying the situation. One thing to do is to never put yourself down when people praise you. For example, if someone complements you on your cooking, don't say, "Oh, it is nothing." Instead, simply said, "Thank you." That make both of you feel better. Not accepting praise is something people with low self-esteem often do not realize they do.
Another thing to do is to start patting yourself on the back when you finish a project. Just say, "Good job." It is acknowledging your skills and talents.
Don't be a passive listener. When in a conversation, don't worry about trying to impress people with your knowledge or worrying about them judging you. Instead, try listening and asking questions to get more information. Most people just love to talk, but you can also lead them in your direction, so that you can express yourself too.
Your work style may require more time than others. But what counts is that you finish a task on time and it is correct. Someone who "gets it" quickly but mas some errors in not doing such a great job.
Never work for 8 hours straight. Take breaks, just as everyone else. When you work continuously, your effectiveness drops off dramatically. Taking a break allows you to refresh your mind. Also, it is good to interface with people at work, just for some small talk, instead of being known as a work-a-holic.
Write down all your good features and achievements. Realize that you have a lot to offer. Then you don't have to worry about impressing other people. They don't need or want to be impressed. Love yourself and others will do that naturally.
I hope these ideas help. Best wishes for great life.
I get funny feelings in my stomach
Question
July 1, 2006
hey umm I get funny feelings in my stomach when I think about this girl and my stomach always gets hot what is happeneing to me?
Darian - USA
11418
Answer
It is part of a natural reaction that men get when they are physically attracted to a woman. Unfortunately, often the guy will get such strong feelings that when he tries to talk to the girl, he starts to act stupid or gets tongue-tied and can hardly talk. It takes self-control to be able to act cool when you get those feelings.
Having difficulty in getting a job
Question
August 27, 2005
Dear Sir,
I'm truly sorry to barge in on you like this, but I am at the end of my tether and would greatly appreciate the benefits of your insights.
I am a 26-year old Nigerian chap who has been unable to secure a job four years since leaving colege here in Nigeria. Hard as I try, I never seem to make it past the interview panel of several organisations I've applied to. In my desperation, I've resorted to writing my applications on coloured paper and even attaching a passport photograph.
Lately, I've come to the conclusion that I'm perhaps not doing a good enough job of 'selling' my potential to these potential employers. However beyond knowing this, I am at a loss as to how to actually go about 'selling' my potential.
Sir given your vast expertise and experience in these matters I wish to from the depth of my heart appeal to you for tips - the missing link in my past failed attempts -you think I can employ to bring about a positive change in my situation. I do not ask for bread; only the tool and techniques of baking mine.
Please can you help sir?
Yours sincerely,
Jide Olugbon.
Jide - Nigeria
7906
Answer
Start off by writing out an extensive summary of your education, job experience and skills. This is something you will keep for yourself as a reference and reminder of what you have to offer. It is also good to list possible character, academic and employment references for when you will need them later.
Note that you need to examine what you have done in the past four years and list worthwhile activities in which you have been engaged to advance your knowledge and skill. You may have to think hard on this. Companies do not want to hear that you just were looking for work. This is a major obstacle for you to overcome.
One of the first things to do in applying for a job is to research the company so that you know what they do and what their needs are. Write a one- to two-page resume' that is customized to the needs of the company and the job description (never more than 2-pages). Every resume' you send out should be customized to the job you are seeking. You can have a template to use and modify. Most of your resume' information will be your educational background.
Do NOT use coloured paper for a resume'. Use high quality white paper. Do NOT send your picture or listing of references. Include a short cover letter with your resume, explaining you are seeking an interview.
Before you go on any more interviews, practice being interviewed. Have some friends give the interview, asking some tough questions. (One question is, "What have you done the past years since graduating?") You need to be able to answer questions with confidence and respect. You don't want to be caught by surprise.
An interview is a difficult task. You want to get the people to like you. You want to seem intelligent and skilled but not arrogant or conceited. If you have done research on the company and have practiced your interview, you should do much better at convincing them you are the person to hire.
The same day, after the interview, send a letter to the hiring person, politely thanking him for the interview and indicating you are sure you can help the company.
I hope these ideas help. Best wishes on getting a good job and having a great career. Let me know how things turn out.
Lost confidence after poor presentation
Question
June 6, 2005
Sir,
I am a student of BS in computer Science. I am in 6th semester ans I have also selected my final year project. I am among in the top three students of the class. I have very little confidence and mostly if my work goes wrong that is some how sue to lack of confidence. Sir I have given my project presentation yesterday and I was very much disappointed from that. After that I am not able to study any thing also. Plz if u have some suggestions plz tell me what to do. i think I can not do work, I think i am not an able person. What do u think....
Waiting for reply. Plz reply as quickly as possible.
Regards
Imran Hassan
Imran - Pakistan
7191
Answer
Many people are their worst critics. They hope for perfection and see faults that others don't. They analyze and criticize themselves. That results in lowering the esteem and confidence, worse than if the teacher had criticized.
Being one of the top students means you have the drive to excel. But it also may mean that you try too hard to be perfect. It is better to prepare thoroughly, and then evaluate your mistakes as places to improve. But also congratulate yourself for areas in which you excelled.
In giving a presentation to a group, you need to practice it in front of friends to make sure you know your material and are well-prepared. Often a poor presentation comes from not giving to a friendly audience beforehand.
Don't be hard on yourself for a disappointing presentation. Instead learn from your mistakes.
It is your inner conversations that will control your confidence. When you are working on your homework and solve a problem say to yourself, "Good job." If you make mistakes, say to yourself, "I should do a better job on that." It is always positive. This will help keep up your confidence.
I hope these ideas help. I am sure you will excel and become a champion in your final year project. Let me know how things turn out.
Wants advice every day
Question
December 29, 2004
can you sent me your advice about how to become a good student daily at my email.pleasa .thank you
assila - malaysia
5436
Answer
I'm sorry but we don't have that service. You can access the lessons on being a champion student and getting good grades at any time.
Best wishes in getting good grades.
Summary
Hopefully, this reader feedback has helped provide information about Excellence issues.
Always do your best
Resources
Books
What do you think?
Do you have any questions, comments, or opinions on this subject? If so, send an email with your feedback. We will try to get back to you as soon as possible.
Feel free to establish a link from your website to pages in this site.
Where can you go from here?
Answers to Readers' Questions