This week read the chapter on taking notes,
writing and speaking and then make two
comments on any of these topics:
Challenge yourself to explain this quote by William James in 25 words or less: “The essence of genius is knowing what to overlook.”
Challenge yourself to explain this quote by William James in 25 words or less: “The essence of genius is knowing what to overlook.”
How can you take steps toward being a genius
by being selective at school, at work or in your personal life?
You are assigned a term paper and have
writer's block and just can't get started. I recommend that you begin by
doing some Internet research on the topic and then get started with free
writing. View this short cartoon, Freewriting, and answer this
question: "How can you deal with writer's block?"
Write some intention statements about what you will do to become a better writer or note taker.
Write some intention statements about what you will do to become a better writer or note taker.
View this 4 minute video and share the key
Ideas: The Science of Stage Fright and How to Overcome it.
Ask a question or discuss any aspect of
college success that is relevant to your college experience at this point.
Make a comment on another student's post.
Make a comment on another student's post.
In the video titled "The Science of Stage Fright and How to Overcome It", it is emphasized that stage fright is a normal, hormonal response and is often passed on genetically. The video stresses a shift in perspective to trick your mind, which is responding to a fear of damaging your reputation with a flight or fight response. As social animals, our reputation can be linked to our biological survival (in basic ways) so stage fright actually makes a lot of sense. The video stresses practicing beforehand, in that being prepared means you are less likely to be anxious. It also discusses some physical relaxation techniques to try in the minutes before you begin your speech.
ReplyDeleteThat is very interesting that the traits of having stage fright can be passed down genetically. It really shows that are DNA is capable of changing and adapting as our lives go on. That is true that stage fright is a flight or fight response. I remember backing out of some school preformances because I had to flight. The body really does go into a form of survival mode when you have to speak in front of people or perform in front of people. Some people are just better at coping with it than others.
DeleteThis is a great summary of the video. Hope you found the ideas helpful.
DeleteThis is my second attempt at college, so I can say definitively that having a clear and defined end goal is the key to my college success. The first time I went to school, I went because I believed that's what I was supposed to do. This time, after years of careful consideration and planning, I know what I'm hoping to accomplish on the other side of school. Having this firm goal in my mind helps me navigate school challenges that occur along the way. Each class is a means to my mind, so not amount of struggle in one class will derail me. This wasn't true my first time around. Struggling without purpose made it impossible for me to persevere.
ReplyDeleteI always find it interesting to see a different student's perspective and experience that they have gone through and how it has changed them. Whenever I come to a class, I always have a purpose as to why I am there and try to have a positive mental attitude about it. College is certainly a challenge and will become harder as we delve further into the studies that want to pursue. I think that having a goal is the first step to getting mentally prepared and the best way to be successful as we follow up with it.
DeleteHi, this is my second attempt at college as well and I agree that I didn't succeed the first time either because I was only going because I thought that was what I was supposed to do. College requires you to really feel the desire and determination to be there, to want to succeed, or it just won't work. I am back now for the same reason you are, because I have a goal and a career that I am chasing. I hope you find the strength to stay in school this time and to follow your dreams! You can do it!
DeleteYes, struggling without purpose does not work. I enjoyed your insightful comment.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteWrite some intention statements about what you will do to become a better writer or note taker.
ReplyDeleteTo become a better note taker is to not write down everything I see on the board, but write down what the main points are and use abbreviations. Also, by using the Project Plan Outline which is Brainstorm ideas. There are couple examples how to set up for a good writing. However, these are the examples: prepare, organize, write, edit, and revise. The first intention is prepare; for preparing you have to plan your time, chose a general topic, and write thesis statement. For organizing you have to have organizational structure, arrange in a logical order, and list relate topics. These are a few different ways I would help myself to become a better writer and note taker.
This comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteHey Swaleen,
DeleteAt first I always thought the more your write down the better but in fact its not, its only the important main ideas which now I know:) I wish you the best and hope your note taking and writing get better because after readying this chapter I leaned so much more to help my writing improve.
How can you take steps toward being a genius by being selective at school, at work or in your personal life?
ReplyDeleteBy understanding the important facts in your life it makes things easier and faster. We can take steps towards being a genius be realizing what is important and what facts are not as important. When you realize these facts you do not have to waste time on the unimportant facts which gives you more time. At work you should know what the most important tasks are so you can prioritize. This way the most important things get done first. When you prioritize life becomes a lot less stressful. There were a lot of things I learned from this chapter that I am going to apply to my everyday life.
Glad you found the material in this chapter helpful.
Delete1)Challenge yourself to explain this quote by William James in 25 words or less: “The essence of genius is knowing what to overlook.
ReplyDeleteI think this quotes means only you know whats important and whatevers not you just turn the other way and overlook it. (22 words)
I think it is good for me to actually stop and ask myself what is important, and what is the point anyway? Sometimes I find myself doing things or writing things or focusing on things that really shouldn't be a priority! I can get so caught up in things that don't really matter. Knowing what to overlook is certainly a talent. Maybe it starts with noticing what we are looking at and deciding what we want to be looking at.
Delete4) Write some intention statements about what you will do to become a better writer or note taker.
ReplyDeleteWhat I have learned is writing everything down is not the answer because some of the stuff is just not useful and its a waste of time sitting there writing everything down when there is no reason. The best thing to do is to write down the main ideas and what is the most important of whatever the lecture is that day. Also by becoming better writer and note taker is to be prepared and organized, and when down always go back and edit it and then have someone revise it just for any errors because its always good to go over it and correct any mistakes I didn't catch myself the first time.
Hello Cinthya,
DeleteI agree I feel it is good to write down the main ideas instead of the things that are less important. I think it is good to be prepared and organized before you go to class and read the chapter or skim over the chapter before class so you have a idea what the lecture will consist of then you can easily participate and ask the questions you are unsure of. It is always a great idea to have someone go over your paper before you turn it in so you have another persons input on it and you can fix any mistakes you have then you will end up having a great paper.
Hi Cinthya,
DeleteI agree with you, i don't sit there and take notes on things that are not important. I only take notes on things i don't know or like the important key words.
To become a better writer, it is best to practice as much as you can, when it comes to note taking in class it is important to focus on listening as well as writing. Also reviewing topic before going to class will make you a better note taker, I usually try to review the chapter before I go to class just so that I don’t spend a lot of my time taking notes and not listening and also it makes it easy to take notes, and last I don’t like wasting time writing everything, it is best to write main points and review them later.
ReplyDeleteThis is really great advice - reviewing the chapter before class. Then you can be prepared for what the instructor is emphasizing and can highlight those points. Thanks for the tip!
DeleteHow can you take steps toward being a genius by being selective at school, at work or in your personal life?
ReplyDeleteIt is best to think positive and focus on what's important. at school I try to stay focused and work hard, attend class and study as much as I can. To stay good at school it is best not to relate personal life and school even though sometimes it gets hard but setting a goal will keep me going.
Thinking positively and focusing on what is important will surely lead to success.
DeleteThe Science of Stage Fright and How to Overcome it.
ReplyDeleteHumans are social animals, and wired to be concerned with our reputation. Public speaking can pose a threat to our reputation - fear of being perceived as less-than or weak invokes a fight or flight response in our bodies.
Our reaction is instinctual - regardless of our rationalization.
Our body releases hormones and physical reactions occur in the body such as butterflies, dilation of the eyes, and other autonomic reactions.
Stage Fright is natural, and uncontrollable, however if we focus on what we CAN control (practice, practice, practice). Stretch and breathe deeply.
Overcoming stage fright is not the goal, but adapting to it can make all the difference.
Good description of the stage fright video. Hope you found the ideas useful.
Delete“The essence of genius is knowing what to overlook.”
ReplyDeleteIgnoring details which don't pertain to your specific goal (whether your goal is mastering a skill, taking a test, completing a project, etc.) can help you prioritize and focus on what matters, thereby giving yourself the space to fully understand and utilize the pertinent information. Being drawn in several different directions, trying to absorb ALL of the available information never allows you fully absorb the depth of the material - identify extraneous information, and ignore it. Focus on what matters.
Yes, the key to being selective is learning to prioritize what is most important. Good job!
Deletebeing selective helps me to be a better note taker, writer or speaker in many ways I am a kind of person who writes down all notes that are important by pick out the main points I decide everything before moving to next step and then I can focus on the details , I always try to be selective in all my decisions so I do not regret anything in the future and to become a better note taker is to not write down everything . but write down what is the important idea or the points and use it abbreviations and right.
ReplyDeleteHi Nadia,
DeleteI agree that these are good steps to be a better note taker
“The essence of genius is knowing what to overlook.” by William James.
ReplyDeleteThe quote means that understanding what to leave out and focusing on the important things first shows signs of a genius intellect.
Good statement to explain the meaning of being selective.
DeleteWrite some intention statements about what you will do to become a better writer or note taker.
ReplyDeleteI intend to read the chapter before viewing the lecture to ensure that I am prepared to see the key points that the professor would be emphasizing.
I intend to work on the idea of being selective, to understand that not all of the information given to me is always important and being skillful in pulling out the information that is important.
I intend to take fast but accurate notes during a lecture.
I intend to use abbreviations and short cuts in my notes, as well as utilizing a highlighter and underlining key points.
I intend to practice my writing often so that I will get better at it.
Hey Marley,
DeleteI believe you did a great job by stating these intention to make your writing skills better. However, these examples are very helpful for a note taker.
Challenge yourself to explain this quote by William James in 25 words or less: “The essence of genius is knowing what to overlook.”
ReplyDeleteThis quote means having the ability to pull the important information out of a mess of tons of information, focus only on key points. (24 words)
Good short statement on the meaning of being selective. Good job!
DeleteChallenge yourself to explain this quote by William James in 25 words or less: “The essence of genius is knowing what to overlook.”
ReplyDeleteI think this can best be described as choosing your own battles.
How can you take steps toward being a genius by being selective at school, at work or in your personal life?
I believe I can become a genius in school by prioritizing tasks in order of importance. I need to focus on what matters the most and complete my taasks. I need to be able to manage my time wisely and choose my battles right. At work I can work as a team with people to finish important tasks in order of importance.
Very much agree with choosing your own battles but sometimes you need to fight the ones that might get in the way of your success.
DeleteMy first statement is to prepare all the ideas in my mind before I start to write them down as an outline Second , I organize an outline that includes all my ideas in order to decide which one works better , Third , I write the paragraph in Microsoft Word and look for my grammar and spelling mistakes .Fourth, I edit my mistakes and make sure that Word fixed them for me correctly . Finally , I revise my whole papers and read it couple times to make sure that everything is done correctly and right and to be sure I will read it to myself to make sure everything is good.
ReplyDeleteGood summary of the steps in good writing.
DeleteI will become a better note taker by coming to class prepared and read the chapter before class. I will pick a good seat where I can see and hear the lecture. I will write down the key points and then review them right after class. I will become a better writer by first brainstorming and start to free write some ideas before I start the actual paper. I know it doesn't have to be perfect the first time I write it. Then once my paper is finished I will check the grammar and spelling. After that I will read it out loud to see if it sounds ok. After that I will have someone else read my paper to make sure it sounds good.
ReplyDeleteI like your ideas on becoming a better note taker. I have similar things such as where to sit in a class when taking notes. I found it interesting when you said to check fir grammar and spelling because I usually try and complete the notes as quickly as possible but now that I think about it reviewing what I write can help me better understand the topic. It can be beneficial to read it aloud to help you catch your mistakes and memorize your note. I do not see how it is beneficial to have someone else read my notes, but it is something I can try out.
DeleteHey Melanie Perot, I agree with you no doubt. Being prepared for class is the best way to achieve and become great. This will bring happiness and make you feel better about yourself gaining confidence. Also reading the chapter before class will help to understand the lecture. You can read the book and see if there is key point in the reading. Also by reading the book you can point out key points in the lecture much easier and help you in exams. Picking a good seat is also important because you will be able to see everything and hear. This will also help if you need to ask the teacher a question because your upfront instead of being in the back far away. I fully agree with your thinking.
DeleteListening and acknowledging "key" words rather than the entire dialogue will help make you a better note taker. I see no point in writing down words like and, but, the, is, was, then, can, to, for, etcetera.I dont this this will make you a better speaker. Know your subject, then practice, drill, rehearse yhour speech until you no longer need notes. Watch other succesful speakers and observe their habits - body language, gestures, inflection of certain words at particular times in their speech.
ReplyDeleteGood summary of some useful tips for public speaking.
DeleteChallenge yourself to explain this quote by William James in 25 words or less: “The essence of genius is knowing what to overlook.”
ReplyDeleteI believe that this quote explains what important aspects to look after and not to get distracted, overall focus on the essence not the fallbacks.
Yes, the quote means to focus on what is important. Good job!
DeleteChallenge yourself to explain this quote by William James in 25 words or less: “The essence of genius is knowing what to overlook.”
ReplyDeleteI believe that this quote means not to overthink any situation and focus on your goals.
Good summary of the quote. Part of not overthinking is focusing on what is most important?
DeleteWrite some intention statements about what you will do to become a better writer or note taker.
ReplyDeleteI can become a better note take by using writing techniques. I can use the Cornell Notes style. Besides that I can sit up front and away from distracting friends. I could sit near people who ask questions because that can benefit me if I do not understand anything. While I am taking notes I could write what the professor says because it can help connect my notes. When writing what my professor says I could use it for explanations and examples for certain topics in my notes. For my notes I could write it clearly so it could help me when it comes time to study.
Challenge yourself to explain this quote by William James in 25 words or less: “The essence of genius is knowing what to overlook.” i think it means choose your own path and own your own way of doing it
ReplyDeletePart of the meaning includes focusing on what is most important in order to achieve your goals.
DeleteWrite some intention statements about what you will do to become a better writer or note taker.
ReplyDeleteI will try to become a better writer by writing a lot because it will help improve my speed on writing. Also, by reading good writers will help because I get to have an idea on what to write. I will plan before I write because having a plan will lead me to have good organisation. The tips for taking good notes are attend every class, and copy down everything displayed by the instructor as notes. Also, copy the main points from a PowerPoint or other visual presentation. Some ideas that don't work are rewriting the notes in class while the instructor is talking, and writing the notes while the instructor is talking really fast.
Hello Hend,
DeleteI totally agree with you, you can become a good writer when your writing and reading a lot of story to take different idea. In addition, when you go to the class and take all notes, and review when you go back at home. Also, study with group is a good thing to share your idea with other people.
Challenge yourself to explain this quote by William James in 25 words or less: "The essence of genius is knowing what to overlook." In my opinion this means that knowing what needs to be disregarded is knowing how to think smart!
ReplyDeleteGood summary of the quote on being selective.
DeleteChallenge yourself to explain this quote by William James in 25 words or less: "The essence of genius is knowing what to overlook."
ReplyDeletewhat i think this quote means is to focus on the big picture and understand the main idea.
I agree with you. A genius knows what he's looking for the rest he doesn't see.
DeleteI intend on enhancing my note taking skills by first skimming through the book prior to class in order to familiarize my self with the material giving me an idea of what will be covered. I also intend on going to class, specifically math with a better attitude, it is my weakness so I am never enthusiastic about being there and by adjusting my attitude I am sure it would help me actively listen instead of actively focusing on the clock because I am eager to get out of there. I also intend to study my notes shortly after I write them, I usually look at them right before a test and honestly it is not that helpful so I hope to change that by utilizing my time to actually study my notes more frequently!
ReplyDeleteGood summary of note taking skills. Glad you found them useful.
DeleteI will be more selective with my time by making time to log and do work
ReplyDeleteI will study the material learned within twenty four hours.
I will sit in the center or front of classroom
I will write whatever the teacher writes on in the board in my notes.
I will be selective when note taking to ensure I'm only copying needed material
hey sade!
Deletei totally agree with what you said, everything that you stated, is what i need to do as well, so thanks for the tips!
“The essence of genius is knowing what to overlook.”
ReplyDeleteI believe that this quote warns us about failure and how we can avoid it. This quote can also be interpreted into knowing what the big picture is and seeing through the unnecessary details. Though I do not believe that avoiding failure is the essence of genius (I believe the exact opposite, you can't learn without failing) but I do believe in being selective and understanding the topic at hand to help you criticize and analyze it.
Part of the meaning of the quote on being selective includes focusing on what is most important to achieve your goals.
Delete
ReplyDeleteChallenge yourself to explain this quote by William James in 25 words or less: “The essence of genius is knowing what to overlook."
While details are important, it is more important to understand the key ideas of a topic before the supporting details.
Write some intention statements about what you will do to become a better writer or note taker.
I intend on developing a note taking system to better organize my notes(for example, Cornell style), Focus on the main points of the lecture, sit in a spot in the class that makes it easier to see/ hear my teacher, and have people proofread/ critique my writing in addition to myself.
Good comments on being selective and intention statements for taking notes.
DeleteThe quote “The essence of genius is knowing what to overlook” means to overlook the unimportant things and pay attention to the important things. If you focus on the important things this will help you become an all star note taker. This will better your skills on improving in class or life. In life bills are more important than new shoes because you won't have a house if you pay attention to the unimportant things in life. For school the professor can say many things but you got to listen carefully for the “keywords”. The keywords will get you that A and help you achieve greatness. All you got to do is listen.
ReplyDeleteHi Michael, I agree completely what you said. I too think he is talking about being able to filter out the critical information from the rudimentary facts. Kind of like when you highlight important phrases when annotating articles, textbooks, journals, etc.
DeleteChallenge yourself to explain this quote by William James in 25 words or less: “The essence of genius is knowing what to overlook.”
ReplyDeleteI believe this quote means to become smart and not fail to notice on something that you do or say. (20 words)
Part of the meaning of the quote on being selective is to focus on what is most important so that you can achieve your goals.
DeleteHow can you take steps toward being a genius by being selective at school, at work or in your personal life?
ReplyDeleteThe way I can start taking steps toward being a genius are, being more selective in the way i take notes, as well as being more selective at work. My work life can become more fun with my attitude, and also being more selective in what i let get to me stress wise, etc. I want to be a happier person in school and work as well, since I have a full time job sometimes it is not so easy to keep your cool, but I know that I can do it, another thing I can do for school is study my notes more, and make the effort to become a better student.
I like your ideas about being selective as a way to reduce stress. Good job!
DeleteHow can you take steps toward being a genius by being selective at school, at work or in your personal life?
ReplyDeleteBeing selective in my personal life can help me in becoming very successful. For example, most people cannot balance their work and social life as great as they want to. I notice that if I can make better decisions by being selective in my personal life then I can be more successful in my work and college life. I will make better choices, like who I hang out with, when is an appropriate time to hang out with them, and how can I use my personal time to help make me a good person in the other part of my life.
Good comments on being selective to make good choices that lead to success.
DeleteWrite some intention statements about what you will do to become a better writer or note taker.
ReplyDeleteIf I want to become a better writer and note taker, First, I have to be familiar with the topic I am writing or taking notes about. For example, I will try to do research as possible in order to collect the most information about a certain topic. Also, I must read the writing requirements and the instruction very accurately in order to do all the requirements without missing anything. In addition, try to attend all the classes in order to not miss anything the professor speaks or writes about so you can put it down on your notebook. Finally, discuss the topic with other friends before writing or taking notes about it so you can take different points of view and have multiple of idea when writing your topic.
Nice tips for becoming a better note taker/writer. I agree that it helps if you have a general understanding of the topic you are working on and to research. I like that you said to discuss the topic with other students to compare notes and figure out what is important. It is nice to have different points of views in your writer.
DeleteIn order for myself to deal with writer's block, I shouldn't write one whole essay in one sitting. I should allow myself to take breaks and free write just to relieve any stress. I almost always get writer's block when I have a paper due and when I'm unable to write something down I give up. One way to relieve this is to free write anything and slowly allow myself to write about the topic.
ReplyDeleteYou described on of the keys to avoiding writer's block which is to start early, write a little at a time, and use free writing to get started. Good job!
Delete“The essence of genius is knowing what to overlook.”
ReplyDeleteTrue intelligence is knowing what's important to your and putting in as much time as you can in it, and ignoring what's irrelevant.
I agree with what you said. Knowing what is important is major in life especially in college. There are many distractions so staying on track is hard but also very important.
DeleteThe steps I take to achieve my goals is to simply prioritize. I personally take initiative when it comes to narrowing down what is most important to least important. This itself helps me finish big tasks where I need to make time to accomplish things whereas with small tasks I simply need half an hour to an hour to do. Being selective is key to being successful because there is so much one person can do in a given day. For example, having a midterm and lecture the upcoming Thursday I have class, obviously I will prioritize and study for a test that will most likely determine my grade and read lecture notes an hour before I get to class or after I finish my midterm.
ReplyDeleteI take the same steps to try to achieve my goals. I prioritize, which helps me cut out what I don't need and focus on what is important. I agree that it helps finish big tasks and gives you time to be able to finish small projects in half the time. I feel like being selective with homework is a great way to stay on top of your stuff. Like you said when you have a big test to take and a small homework assignment. You obviously know what you will have to complete first and manage your time better.
DeleteChallenge yourself to explain this quote by William James in 25 words or less: “The essence of genius is knowing what to overlook.”
ReplyDeleteThis quote means that being smart is being able to strip the main idea from a book or the like without wasting time.
Write some intention statements about what you will do to become a better writer or note taker.
ReplyDeleteI intend to write legible so I can understand my notes when I decide to look at them later on
I intend to not procrastinate when writing a essay.
I intend to get other people outside my circle to read my essay.
I intend to improve my not taking skill by only writing down what is important.
I intend to ask question about the lecture in my mind and see if I can answer them.
Great intention statements for improving note taking and writing.
DeleteView this 4 minute video and share the key Ideas: The Science of Stage Fright and How to Overcome it.
ReplyDeleteThe main idea throughout this video is to let people know that stage fright is a natural reaction due to the hypothalamus reacting to a fight or flight response. However, the degree to which this affects you is varied and can be influenced by genetics. It gives you advice to help keep you calm and collected throughout your time in the spotlight. Some of the advice given is to take deep breathes and stretch when you feel yourself getting anxious. Additional advice that was given was to prepare for speeches extensively beforehand so that you know exactly what you're talking about and can react to any situation given to you.
Good summary of the video on stage fright. Hope you found the ideas useful.
Delete"The essence of genius is knowing what to overlook", meaning acknowledging what is important from what is not, is what makes you intelligent. We can apply this quote to our school life because when we are taking notes for instance, we mentally write down things that are most important and jot down key words in our notes, rather than writing everything down. Having the ability to recognize what is important to write down sets you up for success because you have less information to learn and it is easier to remember phrases or things that you have already been taught.
ReplyDeleteYes, one of the keys to success is being able to focus on what is most important and not get lost in the details. Focusing on what is most important will help you to remember the details too.
DeleteChallenge yourself to explain this quote by William James in 25 words or less: “The essence of genius is knowing what to overlook.”
ReplyDeleteThis quotes means that a genius is able to distinguish the difference between what is important and what is minor.
Yes, if you focus on what is important, it is easier to take the steps to accomplish your goals.
DeleteChallenge yourself to explain this quote by William James in 25 words or less: “The essence of genius is knowing what to overlook.”
ReplyDeleteThis statement means that knowing what is important will help you to get things done and what is of more value.
Good statement of the being selective quote. I like your comment on doing what has the most value.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteGood summary of the stage fright video. Hope you find the ideas useful.
DeleteWrite some intention statements about what you will do to become a better writer or note taker.
ReplyDeleteI will sit in the front of the class so I am less distracted and so I can really pay attention.
I will eat a light meal before class so I am not focused on getting something to eat instead of class.
I will start any assignments ahead of time so I do not procrastinate and worry about not finishing.
I respect the intent to eat a light meal before class so hunger will not distract from the lesson or lecture in class. I have personally faced both sides of the spectrum. I tried eating a big meal before class and ended up feeling full and sleepy, distracting me from the lecture. Though, if I do not eat anything, I get the whale sounds beckoning from my stomach, asking to be fed. Light meals should definitely do the trick.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteGreat intention statements. Reading over the materials before the lecture is especially powerful.
DeleteI feel like the quote “The essence of genius is knowing what to overlook” means to that you should try to overlook the things that aren’t important and try to focus on the important things. If you look passed what isn’t important , like things in school and what you should focus on first to try to maximize you time and help you prioritize. If focus on the important things this will help you become a better student and help you achieve more. It could help with bettering your skills on how to figure out what is more important. If you try to be selective in school. You would be studying for a test rather then watching netflix even though you would rather watch netflix.
ReplyDeleteYou can always use watching netflix as a reward for finishing your studying.
DeleteHow to deal with writers block?
ReplyDeleteIf someone is dealing with writers block and do not know where to start. I would advise them to free write for about 10 minutes. It does not have to make sense or be perfect. Just keep your hand moving and mind thinking. Freewriting can help organize your thinking and after a few sessions of writing you will have a few ideas to start your essay. Instead of thinking to write, just write to think.
I think you are absolutely right! And I know this is what our text is and so you absolutely are haha but even from personal experience, I feel the hardest part about writing a paper can just be the first sentence. Free writing can chase away the writer's block and make me feel so refreshed and encouraged to have a start on something! I thought it was so interesting that our text emphasized breaks from writing. It makes so much sense to step away for a bit. For me, free writing may help me get started early and nip this procrastination habit of mine in the bud.
Delete"The essence of genius is knowing when to overlook" can have many different meanings. I can see it as not dwelling on the less important things and just focus on the main idea. If you are distracted with the smaller things, the foundation of the larger thing will never come into fruition. I also think that this quote can mean seeing passed the fact that something exists so that you can discover more beyond it. If you overlook the main idea, you may stumble upon something not discovered before.
ReplyDeleteThe key to this quote is focusing on what is most important so that you can accomplish your goals. Good job!
DeleteI believe the quote means that it is smart to know what is important so one can be as productive as possible.
ReplyDeleteAnd one step I can take to become that "genius" in school are knowing how to take proper notes that are effective in helping me remember main ideas without bombarding myself with unnecessary information.
Yes, part of being a genius is to be able to focus on what is most important.
DeleteThere are many ways to become a better writer. Writing is unique because there are so many different styles of writing, and there are also so many different people who can create a sentence a different way then the next person. To help a writer reach their full, personalized potential, mentally preparing for what is to be learned will help more than it seems. You will have some idea of what the topic will cover and your brain will not be overwhelmed with too much information. While hearing the information added to your foundation of the topic, taking notes of the main ideas will help stick the importance of the topic into your brain. This is usually why there is a synopsis before a story, so you can be aware of what you are about to read and not be completely lost in the beginning setting.
ReplyDeleteGood tips for becoming a better writer.
DeleteThe meaning of the quote, "The essence of genius is knowing what to overlook," by William James, simply puts forth the idea that those who are deemed smart, maybe book-smart or street-smart, are those who have taught themselves to focus on their own big picture. By doing so, they overlook and do not dwell on what could hold them back, emotionally, physically, or mentally. They focus on the important things, not the frivolous everyday shenanigans that are irrelevant later on. In life, they know what they want and know what to put aside or overlook to get where they want to be.
ReplyDeleteYes, you do have to learn to put aside all the distractions to get where you want to go. Good job!
DeleteThis chapter was very helpful to me. I think it pinpointed where my strengths were and also my weaknesses.
ReplyDeleteAfter reading this chapter, I am going to be more intentional to do my school work in a timely manner. It is so stressful to shove everything to the last minute. This chapter inspired me to not be such a procrastinator, but to start early and set myself deadlines and make a plan to get started *and finished* ahead of schedule. I am excited.
The second area I feel I need to change is organization. Because writing notes helps me focus and listen better, I normally write really sloppy notes (and I often throw them away after a lecture since they are illegible). This chapter has made me realize how foolish that is! I am determined to become more organized in my note taking approach. I think it will be incredibly helpful to have neat notes to return to after a lecture!
Glad you found the ideas in this chapter helpful.
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