Power Process: I Create It All

Power Process: I Create It All

• "I create it all" is a powerful tool for times of trouble, leading to solutions in crisis situations.
• This process involves treating experiences, events, and circumstances as if you created them.
• It's not a belief, but a mindset to use when it works, and not when it doesn't.

Victim vs. Responsible Mindset

• There are two distinct positions in life: being a victim or being responsible.
• A victim of circumstances is controlled by outside forces, feeling helpless and powerless.
• Taking responsibility means having the ability to choose a response to any event, even when the event itself is beyond control.

Applying the Power Process

• Students who approach grades from a victim mentality react negatively, looking for excuses, and giving up power over their grades.
• Taking responsibility for grades means recognizing that you choose your grades by choosing your actions.
• By asking "How did I contribute to this outcome?", you take ownership and are no longer a victim.
• By acknowledging your role in the outcome, you can identify areas for improvement and make changes.

example of taking responsibility

• After getting an F, instead of blaming the teacher or textbook, ask "What did I do to create this outcome?".
• Identify specific actions or lack thereof that contributed to the outcome (e.g. not reviewing notes, going out with friends the night before the test).
• By taking responsibility, you regain control and can choose a different outcome next time.

The Importance of Note Taking

• The note-taking process consists of three essential phases: setting the stage, recording observations, and reviewing notes for added value.

Setting the Stage

• This phase involves showing up for class both physically and mentally, being awake and alert, and observing the event (lecture, lab experiment, or slide show).

Recording Observations

• This phase involves listening for main points and capturing them in the form of key words and images.
• Effective note takers experiment with different formats to deepen their understanding of course material.

Reviewing Notes

• This phase involves reviewing notes at a later time to memorize, reflect, and apply what's been learned.
• It also involves predicting test questions, rehearsing possible answers, and turning ideas into a working part of one's mind.

Effective Note Taking

• Good note taking requires effort and active thinking to distinguish between main points and supporting details.
• The goal is not to capture everything, but to focus on big ideas and key concepts.
• Effective notes are a direct investment in success, and can be seen as a personalized textbook that's tailored to one's learning preferences.

Technology and Note Taking

• Technology, such as laptops, tablets, and smartphones, can enhance traditional note taking with features like word-processing, outlining, and database software, as well as mobile apps.
• Digital notes can be accessed from various devices, searched, bookmarked, tagged, and archived like other digital files.