Well it is time again for starting up my American Government & Politics classes for the fall semester.  Am I ready… yes… but I wish I had another month of summer!  However, instead of whining about the fast passing of the Michigan seasons, I am moving forward with my plans for challenging the students.  As you hopefully recall each semester I give them a single word or concept to focus on as individuals and how it might impact the class as a whole.  So as you may have already guessed… this semester’s assigned concept will be:  Defining Success.

Typically people think about money, fame, power, status “about town” and promotional achievements when they consider measuring their success.  But what about Defining Success in a more personal, satisfying way?  An author and public speaker Alain de Botton in a special talk on creativity… I think said it best:

“We should focus in on our ideas, and make sure that we own them; that we are truly the authors of our own ambitions.  It’s bad enough not getting what you want.  But it’s even worse to [find out] it isn’t, in fact, what you wanted all along.”

Interestingly, I start every class by asking each student to indicate: “What do you want out of this American  Government & Politics class?”  Some answers are just standard…get college credit…get an A…not have to take the high school government class.  But many also offer a personal gain of knowledge answer which gives me even more professional enthusiasm to do a great teaching job!

I guess my principle TRIPLE III TIME Defining Successmessage is to encourage everyone to apply a personally satisfying “measuring-stick” to your ambitions and goals.  Do yourself a favor and make sure you consider:  What do I really want?  The deep down answers will come as no surprise and may offer a more satisfying personal and professional life-style!