Musings of an Old Chemist

A Chemist's Perspective on the Habits and Skills STEM Students Need For Success

  • Self-Awareness: Your Internal GPS for Personal Growth

    So, we have this incredible building of personal growth, with its strong foundation and aspiring capstone. But how do we know we’re heading in the right direction? That’s where self-awareness, our internal “GPS” comes in.. It helps us pinpoint where we are right now and where we truly want to go. And once we have that clarity, we can then step into an even more powerful role: that of our architect, consciously designing and constructing the path to that very destination we desire.

    Think about your favorite video game or an elaborate set of LEGO™  building blocks. Before you can build something amazing or conquer a level, you need to know the rules, the tools you have, and where you want to go, right? Well, the same goes for growing as a person! Self-awareness is like having your internal map and knowing yourself really well – your strengths, your feelings, and what you truly care about. Understanding yourself is the first step to designing the kind of person you want to become and the life you want to build.

    Now imagine you’re the architect of your personal growth building. You get to design who you want to be and what you want to achieve. But just like any good architect, you need to know your materials and have a clear vision, a good set of blueprints. That is the role of self-awareness. Self-awareness is the process of getting to know your values, your skills, and what sparks your interest. It’s the foundation for making smart choices and building a future that’s uniquely yours.

    And just like a GPS helps you navigate physical terrain, self-awareness helps you navigate your personal landscape. Self-awareness is like your inner moral compass, helping you make choices that truly align with your gut feelings and what you value most. It’s about figuring out what truly matters to you, ensuring that your actions reflect who you genuinely are. This inner guide also helps you set goals based on your dreams and aspirations, turning them into clear “checkpoints” on your life’s journey. 

    Also, self-awareness, acting as your internal GPS, lets you see how far you’ve come, and how much further you have to go, giving you clarity on your journey and chances to celebrate all your wins, big or small. Life isn’t usually a straight line; it’s more like a complex roadmap with twists, turns, and unexpected detours. In this ever-changing landscape, self-awareness is beneficial. By regularly thinking about your experiences, changing values, and goals, it lets you adjust your “direction” when you need to. This ability to make important course corrections keeps you aligned with your evolving self, leading to a deeper understanding of who you’re becoming.

    Plus, this metaphorical GPS can show you different ways to reach your goals, giving you practical ideas about how long it might take and how much effort you’ll need. It encourages flexibility, helping you gracefully handle unexpected challenges and changes. When you inevitably feel “lost” or unsure, self-awareness shines a light on where you are in your journey. It not only shows you how far you’ve come but also reminds you of your inner strength and all the amazing progress you’ve made.  Recognizing where we are on our personal map, even when feeling disoriented, can be immensely reassuring. It helps us appreciate the progress we’ve made, recalibrate our direction when needed, and refuel our motivation to continue our journey.

    Ultimately, self-awareness is key to appreciating your ongoing progress, adjusting your course when things go off track, and boosting your motivation, pushing you forward with a fresh and clear sense of purpose. 

    How to Cultivate Your Self-awareness

    Self-awareness is a skill that, like a musical talent, such as playing the piano or the guitar, can be significantly improved through consistent effort, or practice, combined with specific techniques and activities. While you may already have a natural ability for playing an instrument or in the case of self-awareness, introspection or reflection, these are skills must still be developed. For self-awareness is an ongoing journey of discovery, where your investment of your time in mastering the following techniques along with a willingness to explore your inner self can lead to your significant growth as a person.

    This growth goes beyond understanding your strengths and weaknesses; it involves a deeper understanding of your emotions, thoughts, values, and motivations. It requires observing how these shape our behaviors and how we react to the world around us. Consider it like possessing an internal GPS system that continuously calibrates and refines its accuracy. Our constantly evolving and improving inner compass helps us navigate life’s obstacles, make well-informed choices, and encourage more honest relationships.

    To develop your self-awareness, consider these three components: an honest self-assessment, journaling, and seeking feedback from trusted peers (parents, mentors, teachers, and close friends). Each offers a distinct perspective on your inner workings, revealing valuable insights into your patterns and tendencies. The consistent commitment to these practices sharpens your awareness of your inner self, helping you to understand and control your emotions, improve your decision-making, and provide a clearer sense of purpose. Ultimately, self-awareness is a continuous journey of growth, changing as we mature and experience new things.

    The best place to start to grow your self-awareness is with a comprehensive self-assessment that encourages you to think about your:

    • Dreams and Aspirations: What is your long-term vision? What impact do you want to make in the world? What kind of future do you imagine for yourself?
    • Goals: What specific goals are you working towards in your academic and personal lives?
    • Strengths: What are you naturally good at? What skills and talents come easily to you? What do others praise you for?
    • Weaknesses (or Areas for Growth): Where do you struggle? What skills need development? What habits might be holding you back?

    This initial self-assessment provides a valuable foundation for building self-awareness. It helps you understand your internal compass and identify areas where you want to focus your energy.

    Next, I encourage you to keep a personal journal or even a private blog where you reflect on what you are learning in your courses, interactions with others, and daily activities, plus the challenges you are facing and how you are overcoming them. Journaling provides you an opportunity to:

    • Map  Your Progress: Regularly writing down your experiences, thoughts, and feelings related to your goals allows you to track how far you’ve come and identify patterns in your progress.
    • Reflect on Your Struggles: Journaling provides a safe space to explore challenges, frustrations, and setbacks. By writing about these difficulties, you can gain clarity, identify potential solutions, and learn from your experiences. 
    • Deepen Your Understanding of Who You Are: The act of writing forces you to express your thoughts and emotions, leading to a deeper understanding of your motivations, expectation and how you react in different situations.
    • Identify Patterns: Over time, journaling can reveal recurring patterns in your thoughts, behaviors, and emotional responses, offering valuable insights into your personality and habits. Journaling encourages you to explore and define your core values through self-reflection. 

    With practice, you will learn to spend time in deliberate  reflection, asking yourself questions such as: How did I feel today and why?, Why did I react that way in that situation and what can I learn from it?, What can I do differently given the same situation?, What are my core values and are they changing?, What are my current goals and why are they important to me?

    Finally, learn to ask others for their feedback on your progress, your actions and behavior, keeping an open mind and without getting defensive. I suggest asking trusted friends, family, or mentors for constructive feedback on how you come across to others. And while this can be challenging, it provides valuable perspective. More importantly, your willingness to reflect on this feedback objectively and identify patterns or areas where you can grow is a beneficial component of your personal growth.

    As a STEM student, this combination of activities can be particularly effective. You should appreciate the logical and scientific approach, a self-assessment followed by consistent journaling provides the framework for self-awareness. And, journaling can be seen as a way to collect “data” about yourself, which you can then analyze for insights and trends. This aligns with the analytical mindset you’ll need for success in the STEM fields. And finally, this process has its focus on growth and Improvement. It naturally encourages a growth mindset by prompting you to identify areas for improvement and track your development over time.

    In conclusion, do not forget that self-awareness is a continuous process, not a one-time activity. Practice it daily. Connect it to your goals. Remember self-awareness is a great tool to help you succeed in your studies, your future careers, and all areas of your life. Ultimately, self-awareness is the key to appreciating your ongoing progress, adjusting your course when things go off track, and boosting your motivation, pushing you forward with a fresh and clear sense of purpose. 

  • My passion: a hybrid aster growing in my Shepherdsville, Kentucky perennial bed

    The Key Components Of Personal Growth

    Personal growth is a journey. It’s about learning who you are, understanding what’s important to you, and how you change/evolve as a person over time. It’s about striving to become the best version of yourself. While personal growth is a very complex topic, for the sake of this discussion, we will break it down into two major categories: inner growth (dreams, aspirations, goals) and outer growth (acquiring knowledge, learning skills, developing personal relationships). 

    The best way that I can describe it, is to imagine personal growth as a house (see figure above). Inner growth consists of the foundation of the house and the supporting walls, while outer growth represents what’s called the capstone, the roof of the building. The stability of this metaphorical building, what we can achieve (outer growth), depends on the strength our inner growth providing with its foundation and support.

    What is Inner Growth?

    Inner growth is strictly about you, and everyone’s journey looks different. Don’t get caught up comparing yourself to others, since everyone’s got their own way of doing things. Inner growth is not simply about grades, awards, or recognition. Instead, put your focus on learning about yourself and developing your own, individual strength of character, seeking inner peace and feeling good about who you are as a person.

    Inner growth is getting better at understanding your emotions, handling tough times, and knowing yourself really well. You’ve got to take the time to figure out your thoughts, feelings, what you’re good at, where you’re not so good, and what drives you. By taking the time recognizing these things, you can pinpoint what’s really important to you, learning to deal with times when you’re stressed, and getting better at shaking off disappointments. At the end of the day, this inner work builds your confidence and gives you a real sense of direction, which sets you up for personal success.

    The 3 Layers of the Inner Growth Foundation

    Dreams

    Dreams, the base layer of our personal growth “foundation”, are fueled by our imagination,  constantly pushing us toward a future that that we believe is better than our current situation. They encompass our hopes and desires, motivating us to strive for ambitious goals. Our dreams focus on emotional fulfillment, what will make us feel “good” or an ideal outcome rather than how practical it is to achieve it. Our dreams evolve as we age, shaped by our experiences and perspectives. As children, we might dream of material possessions like toys; as we grow older, our dreams may shift towards education, career, and personal achievements – we may desire a dream job for example. In our later years, our dreams may center around retirement plans and leisure activities. Regardless of our age, dreams remain a driving force, moving us forward and inspiring us to reach our full potential.

    Aspirations

    Aspirations serve as a bridge between our dreams and real life. They are more practical than dreams because they are grounded in reality, taking into account our talents and abilities, our available resources, and the limits of our situation. While your dreams may often feel distant and unattainable, aspirations are achievable within a specific, realistic timeframe.

    Aspirations involve breaking down our grand visions and dreams into smaller, more manageable tasks and goals, providing a clear, more manageable path toward our desired outcomes.

    Similar to dreams, aspirations are not set in stone; they are flexible and adaptable. As we age, our abilities and skills progress and circumstances change, our aspirations can be adjusted and redirected to achieve our evolving goals and priorities. However, unlike dreams, which can sometimes be vague and undefined, aspirations focus on specific objectives, providing us with a sense of direction and purpose.

    The process of setting and pursuing aspirations involves self-reflection and self-awareness. It requires us to assess our strengths and weaknesses, identify our values and passions, and understand our limitations. By setting realistic and achievable aspirations, we can create a sense of motivation and momentum, propelling us forward on our journey toward personal and professional success.

    Goals

    Essentially, goals act like a guide to achieving what you want. They turn big dreams and aspirations into things you can actually work on. By creating specific goals, you get clear steps and ways to see how you’re doing. This not only helps you reach your targets but also keeps you excited and on track.

    “How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time.”

    African Proverb

    Once you have established a particular goal, the next step is to break down the process of achieving that goal into actionable steps or tasks. This is how we actually get things done. They’re the plan we use to turn our goals into reality.

    These steps tell us what to do and help us see how far we’ve come. Each completed step feels like a win and keeps us going. Plus, we can change things up as we go, adapting to whatever happens.

    Adding these steps to our goals means we’re not just dreaming, we’re doing. We feel more in control and less overwhelmed. Basically, actionable steps are what pushes us to succeed, turning ideas into real results.

    The Columns: Motivations and Expectations

    Motivations

    The reasons we take on any task are our motivations. They represent the underlying “why” that propels us towards our desired outcomes. Our motivations can be broken down into two categories: intrinsic, coming from from internal factors like a need to feel good about ourselves or our natural curiosity, or extrinsic, arising from external factors like our financial needs, a search for personal recognition or rewards, or social pressure. In many cases, our motivations are a blend of both. For instance, your decision to attend graduate school and pursue a master degree could be motivated by your desire for personal growth or a passion for learning (intrinsic), or the requirements of your career path, better job options, and higher earnings (extrinsic). Or perhaps a combination of both.

    Understanding our motivations requires us to recognize the importance and the need to practice self-awareness. Self-awareness involves honestly asking ourselves what is it that truly drives us, what rewards we seek, and whether our motivations coincide with what type of person we want to be known as. It is an ongoing process, as our motivations can evolve and shift depending on our circumstances. It is crucial for us to regularly evaluate our motivations in light of our aspirations and goals, ensuring that they remain aligned and supportive of our chosen path and overall personal well-being.

    By cultivating self-awareness and understanding our motivations, we can make more informed decisions, set meaningful goals, and live a more purposeful and fulfilling life. Remember, true motivation comes from within us, and it is our internal drive that ultimately propels us towards our greatest potential.

    Expectations

    Expectations also play a pivotal role in shaping our lives, influencing our decisions, actions, and overall well-being. Like our motivations, our expectations can be broadly classified into two main categories: external and internal.

    Both internal and external expectations play a significant role in shaping our self-worth and self-esteem. When we meet or exceed these expectations, we experience a sense of accomplishment and pride. However, when we fall short, we may feel disappointed, ashamed, or inadequate. It is essential to remember that our worth is not dependent on meeting all expectations, whether they are extrinsic, someone else’s expectations for us (such as those from parents, teachers, or friends) or intrinsic, expectations we impose on ourselves. We are all works in progress, and setbacks and failures are an inevitable part of our journey of personal growth. By practicing self-acceptance – understanding we are not perfect, being patient and compassionate with ourselves, and focusing on our internal motivations, we can develop a sense of self-worth that is not easily swayed by trying to please others or non-realistic expectations we may hold for ourselves.

    Personal Commentary

    Let’s be honest, most of us, myself included, have at some point in our lives created unrealistic expectations about how quickly we should be able to accomplish something – studying for an exam, getting a promotion, completing a training course. Perhaps it’s “I expect to be paid ‘x’ number of dollars for working as a (fill in the blank) because they’re lucky to have me.” Or, “I shouldn’t have to start at the bottom and work my way up, because they’re lucky to have me.”

    Growing up I put all my effort into meeting the expectation of others, especially my parents, while neglecting the other supporting components of the personal growth building . My dream to attend medical school and become a doctor was totally based on my parents expectations. I never had anyone talk with me about aspirations or how to set and act on goals. My motivations were entirely external, again meeting my parents expectations. Everything I accomplished – science fair awards, winning speech contest entries, and my Eagle Scout award was to please my parents.And it all came crashing down for me when I left home for college.

    The first semester of my freshman year at college I had two science courses, PS 11, Introduction to Physics with a Lab and Organic 1. Due to my sheer arrogance, being extremely overconfident in my knowledge of the subjects, my lack of study skills and having never written a research paper in my life, I received a “D” in both classes. My accumulative grade point average for the semester was a 2.0. All my dreams of attending medical school, meeting my parent’s expectations were flushed down the proverbial toilet. My sense of self worth, again based on pleasing my parents, was severely shaken. I lost all my self-confidence and considered not going back to college for the winter semester.

    Now I’m not saying that trying to meet your parent’s expectations is a bad thing, but it should only be part of your makeup, everything needs to be in balance, I should have developed internal motivations, understanding what truly made me happy, recognizing where my passions truly were and acting on them. Building on those passions a sense of self-worth that could not be shaken even when faced with adversity.

    The Roof: Outer Growth

    Think of the roof of your personal growth building,outer growth, like the tip of an iceberg, with all your hard work hidden beneath the surface. It’s the payoff for all the time you’ve spent learning, practicing self-awareness, sharpening your skills, and solidifying your beliefs. Every win, whether it’s success in the classroom, your college or graduate degree, a job promotion, your contributions to a community project, or taking care of yourself by forming a healthy habits, is clear proof of the significant inner growth happening.

    Plus, the positive impact you make goes beyond your personal wins, creating a ripple effect on those around you, your classmates, your coworkers, and the broader community. This could be through mentoring fellow classmates, your leadership in the classroom, in athletics, or your workplace, by giving back to others less fortunate than you, or just inspiring others with how you live. The consistent behaviors you adopt, like discipline, resilience, empathy, compassion, and integrity, become deep-seated habits that naturally lead to better outcomes. These aren’t temporary, transient, efforts your part; you’re building lasting qualities that fuel your ongoing growth.

    Ultimately, outward growth is a dynamic and continuous journey, changing as your inner self grows and deepens. It proves the power of aligning your self-awareness and personal beliefs with your actions, showing that true satisfaction, lifetime achievements, and meaningful impact on those around you naturally follow from a strong inner growth foundation.

  • View from our VRBO condo in St. Petersburg, Florida

    Journey of Personal Growth – Introduction

    “Strive not to be a success, but rather to be of value.” 

    Albert Einstein

    When we are young, and even throughout high school and college, we are frequently asked some form of the following question: “What do you want to be when you grow up?” Our answer would usually consist of career choices, such as a doctor, a lawyer, a fireman, a teacher, etc.

    My answer, at least until my disastrous freshman year at Centre College, was I wanted to be a doctor. Not because that was my first choice, but because that was my Mom’s desire for me. I have to admit I had no idea what I wanted to be.

    But from my perspective, after being on this planet for 67 years, a more important question that should be asked, and I wish someone had asked me, is: “How do you want to be known, as a person, when you grow up?” Not what my job title will be, not how successful I will be, or how much money I’ll make. But who, what kind of person am I? How will I be remembered? What value do I bring to the world around me?

    Knowing, identifying, who we are as a person is a necessary step in finding the answer to that question. This involves understanding what is important to us, what are our dreams, aspirations, goals, motivations, and expectations. Additionally, we must recognize that growth is a process; there is a method we must follow to become the person we want to be. In essence, there is a journey of personal growth we must experience. Your journey, and mine, applies beyond our “academic” learning experiences and encompasses every area of our lives. This broader “spectrum” of learning includes life experiences, emotional intelligence, social interactions, and spiritual growth. EVERY experience, big or small, contributes to our overall growth.

    This journey is a lifelong endeavor that is different for every individual, Yours will be totally different from mine, or your parents. There are no step-by-step instructions or a road map that we all can follow.

    I may have a certain perspective on the topic, but my views are uniquely mine alone, and do not necessarily apply to situation. The biggest mistake I made in the classroom was assuming that my students shared the same passions for problem-solving and for learning that I did. I expected them to be more like me and did not recognize where they were in their own individual journeys.

    There is no starting point or ending point; it is non-linear and cyclical, not a straight line between points A and B. It involves the support and influence of others, your parents, your family members, teachers, and friends. Influences that may cause you to lose sight of your own goals and expectations in favor of meeting other people’s expectations, becoming an obstacle to your own well-being. Social media pressures and your family dynamics may obscure your own internal compass.

    Your journey requires constant observation, reflection, and analysis, allowing you to perceive the world around you in greater clarity, appreciating the complexity and the connectivity. You will gain new insights, encounter new situations, and overcome limitations – shifting your perspectives on life (if you allow it). The satisfaction of overcoming challenges, learning new skills, and being aware of your progress will motivate you to continue learning and growing. Your expectations of yourself will change. You will set more ambitious goals, face challenges with more confidence, and appreciate the value of lifelong learning.

    Creating Your Own Map

    In our minds, we create a map, so to speak, of where we’re headed in our lives, what steps we need to follow, and how long we expect it to take. As you follow your map, you’ll be exposed to new experiences, perspectives, and challenges, forcing you to reevaluate your goals and expectations and your course. Follow your internal compass – your intuition, your moral compass, or your core values that guide you even when your map and where you are headed seem unclear. Think of the people who have supported you in your journey, like family, friends, and mentors, as fellow travelers or guides along your journey.

    Role of Family

    Everyone’s journey begins with family, shaping our values, ideals, and our early understanding of the world around us. Your family background serves, to use a chemistry term, as the catalyst for your journey. It helps to shape your values, beliefs, and early understanding of the world around you. And while your family situation has a significant influence on your journey, it is important to recognize that your family situation and your genetic predisposition does not define you – you can overcome any family dysfunction, becoming your own person with your own values and beliefs through self-awareness and hard work. It may take some time for you to find your way but it will happen.

    High School Years

    High school is a critical period in our lives. It is a time when you start to figure out who you are and become more independent, developing your own values that may differ from your family’s. Relationships with friends can be complicated, and you might face the challenge of choosing between fitting in with a group and staying true to yourself.

    Learning how to think critically and solve problems are important academic skills that are developed during high school. Thinking critically means to

    High school is where it is important to boost your critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Critical thinking basically means thinking clearly and logically, and being able to connect ideas. It’s all about looking at facts, evidence, things you observe, and arguments to come up with good conclusions and make smart choices. Your opportunities to improve these skill sets may not exist as much in the classroom, especially with the teach-to-the-test philosophy that permeates our secondary schools, but can be nurtured elsewhere, for example, playing video games.

    I can’t emphasize enough that it’s the process of learning is what is valuable throughout your life, even though the class material itself is only important in the short term to pass the next exam. 

    During these formative years you learn the importance of taking responsibility for your actions, both at home and in the classroom. Additionally, you will learn to recognize that you may not have all the answers and that you will need help and guidance from others, including your parents, teachers, and other people in your life. 

    Life can be challenging, and we often find ourselves merely surviving, going through the motions. Struggles can arise anytime, whether in school, work, or personal life.  Times when it’s difficult to know what the right thing to do is, the right decision to make, it’s all we can do to get up in the morning and go through the motions of daily life. School becomes a struggle – keeping up in the classroom, finishing homework on time, and maintaining good grades. It’s even more important during these difficult times to develop a support network, whether it is through your faith, a trusted friend, or mentor.

    These struggles are not just limited to your high school years; they may occur at any time along your career path. Life can throw you a lot of curve balls, unexpected events like illnesses, losing close friends or loved ones, or sudden opportunities that throw you off balance and make you reroute your path. But remember, all these things are valuable learning opportunities, events that help you discover new strengths, become more resilient and self-reliant.

    And finally, in high school, you begin to make decisions about your future education and career. You might decide that college isn’t for you, and that’s okay. Your long-term goals may not require a college degree, and you can always change your mind later. The important thing is to identify your passion and develop a vision for your future.

    College and Career

    This segment of our lives is where we truly embark on our personal journey, where we step into uncharted territory, so to speak. We establish our independence, for some, living away from home for the first time. We form intimate relationships, develop skills needed for our career choice, and build a network of friends, colleagues, and mentors that may last a lifetime.

    Commentary

    You will not always know which path you should follow or what role you are meant to play. It is only natural for you to make some wrong turns in your journey and at times feel lost. But it is so very important to realize these missteps, whether they are small or large, are valuable learning experiences. They teach us to be resilient and the importance of adaptability and self-correction – all benefits of practicing the art of self-awareness. And sometimes, regardless of the path we follow, we end up exactly where we are meant to be. Meaning we can’t always control the circumstances and situations we face in our lifetime; the best we can hope for is to be the best version of ourselves at the end of our journey. Knowing your own limitations is valuable; it requires an understanding of both your strengths and weaknesses. Regardless of what point you’re at in life, frequent self-assessments can be beneficial. To get you started, you’ll find one on the Self-assessment page of this blog.

  • My passion: Hemerocallis 'Eye-yi-yi' Daylily in my Shepherdsville, Kentucky perennial beds.

    The Essential Traits for Personal Growth

    “You can’t build a skyscraper on an outhouse foundation.”

    Dr. John Walkup

    Three integral, interrelated traits: curiosity, a passion for learning, and a passion for solving problems, when combined with self-awareness, are the foundation or prerequisites for personal growth and eventual success, regardless of which career path you may choose.

    By definition, prerequisite is something that has to happen first, something that must occur, or in this case, a personality trait that must be developed, before you can get to the next step or goal.

    For example, in education, a prerequisite is a course or subject that a student must complete before enrolling in a more advanced course. This ensures that a student has the foundational knowledge or skills needed to succeed in the more complex material.

    For the sake of our discussion, these three prerequisites, curiosity, a passion for learning, and the passion for solving problems, ensure that we have the necessary foundation, the skills necessary to succeed on our journey of personal growth.

    Curiosity

    “We keep moving forward, opening new doors, and doing new things, because we’re curious and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths”.

    Walt Disney

    It all begins with curiosity – always asking “why?” and “how?”. Curiosity is a fundamental human trait, our longing to understand the world around us. Curiosity is the spark for our desire to learn and explore, to ask questions, and to seek knowledge beyond the obvious. It opens the door for new experiences and perspectives. And enriches our understanding of the world around us.

    When you’re curious, learning isn’t just memorizing facts. It’s actively exploring ideas, solving problems, and discovering what truly interests you. This makes learning more engaging, turns you into a better thinker, and fuels your creativity. It’s also key to understanding yourself and what you’re passionate about, setting you up for a lifetime of exciting discoveries and personal growth.

    And when combined with open-mindedness, seeking answers to questions in areas that interest us stimulates our passion for learning and our desire to solve problems, to investigate, experiment, and discover.

    While some people may be more naturally curious than others, the good news is that curiosity can be cultivated and nurtured.

    • The most effective way to build your curiosity, ask questions, lots of them. No question is too simple or too complex as long as the purpose is to gain more knowledge. Strive for deeper understanding in your learning, asking “why” and “how,” refusing to accept surface-level explanations. 
    • Listen and be open to different points of view, and actively seek out knowledge and understanding. Take time to research, participate in conversations, and explore diverse perspectives different than your own, which can broaden your horizons and deepen your understanding. Maintaining an open mind, willing to consider new ideas and perspectives, is essential to staying curious.
    • Embracing your passions is another powerful way to develop your curiosity. When we immerse ourselves in subjects that truly fascinate us, the desire to learn becomes naturally motivated.
    • Finally, persistence is the key. When faced with challenges or setbacks, a curious person will persevere, viewing obstacles as opportunities for learning and growth.

    Passion for Solving Problems

    Problems are a natural part of life, and the ability to solve them effectively is essential for success in both your personal and professional life. The passion for solving problems is the strong desire to identify and overcome challenges. It is the driving force that keeps you focused, motivated, and driven to find creative solutions to the complex and some not-so-complex problems you face in your lifetime. Without a passion for problem-solving, you may be less likely to take risks and try new things, and more importantly, less likely to persevere in the face of failure. This will greatly impact your career success regardless of what field you choose.

    Problem-solving skills are more important now than ever and are in demand by employers who want employees who can rapidly adapt to new situations and find innovative solutions to challenges they encounter in the workplace. People passionate about solving problems are looking for new challenges and ways to improve things. They are not afraid to think outside the box and create innovative solutions. This is a valuable skill in any field, as it allows people to overcome obstacles and achieve their goals.

    Here are some of the benefits of having a passion for solving problems:

    • It makes you more versatile. The ability to solve problems is essential for adapting to change. When things don’t go according to plan, people passionate about solving problems quickly come up with a new solution. This is a valuable skill in today’s rapidly changing world.
    • It makes you more creative and innovative. Problem solving requires creativity and innovation. People who are passionate about solving problems are always looking for new and better ways to do things. This is an important skill for success in any field, as it allows people to develop new products, services, and processes.
    • It makes you more competitive. In today’s competitive job market, it is important to stand out from the crowd. A passion for problem-solving is a great way to do this. Employers are always looking for people who can solve problems and improve things.
    • It makes you more successful in your career. Studies have shown that people who are passionate about their work are more likely to be successful in their careers. They are also more likely to be happy and fulfilled in their work.

    How can you develop or enhance your passion for solving problems?

    • The first step to developing a passion for problem solving is to find a problem that you are passionate about. This could be anything from a personal problem to a global issue.
    • Then, do your research. Once you have found a problem that you are passionate about, learn as much as you can about it. This will help you to better understand the problem and to develop potential solutions.
    • Be creative and think outside the box. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box and come up with innovative solutions. The best solutions are often the ones that no one else has thought of.
    • Don’t be afraid to fail. Failure is a natural part of the problem-solving process. It is an opportunity to learn and grow.
    • Finally, take time to celebrate your success. This will help you to stay motivated and to keep solving problems.

    Developing a passion for problem-solving takes time and effort, but it is worth it. A passion for problem-solving will help you to succeed in any career path you choose, making you a more valuable asset to your employer and to society as a whole.

    Passion for learning

    A passion for learning is important for success, in school and whichever career path you choose. This is because the world is constantly changing, and new technologies and ways of doing things are emerging all the time. In order to stay ahead of the curve and be successful in any field, it is important to be willing to learn new things and adapt to change.

    A need to be “the expert” about something rarely impresses others and can actually hinder your own growth. Always be in the process of learning. Seek the counsel of others. Listen to their experiences. Feel free to say, “I don’t know—instruct me.” And let them fuel your growth.

    Here are some of the ways a passion for learning can contribute to your success:

    • It makes you more adaptable. The ability to adapt to change is essential for success in today’s rapidly changing world. A passion for learning will help you to be more adaptable and to learn new things quickly.
    • It makes you more creative and innovative. A passion for learning will help you to think more creatively and come up with innovative solutions to problems. This is an important skill for success in any field.
    • It makes you more competitive. In today’s competitive job market, it is important to stand out from the crowd. A passion for learning will help you to develop the skills and knowledge you need to be more competitive and to land your dream job.
    • It makes you more successful in your career. Studies have shown that people who are passionate about their work are more likely to be successful in their careers. They are also more likely to be happy and fulfilled in their work.

    If you are passionate about learning, you will be more likely to succeed in any career path you choose. You will be more adaptable, more creative, more innovative, and more competitive. You will also be more likely to be happy and fulfilled in your work.

    Here are some tips to develop or enhance your passion for learning:

    • Find something you are interested in. The first step to developing a passion for learning is to find something that you are interested in. This could be anything from a hobby to a subject in school.
    • Set goals for yourself. Once you have found something you are interested in, set some goals for yourself. What do you want to learn about it? How can you learn it?
    • Find a mentor. If you are serious about learning about something, find a mentor, a friend, a teacher, or a boss who can help you. And be willing to listen and open to their instruction. A mentor can provide you with guidance and support and help you to stay on track.
    • Join a group of people with similar interests and goals. There are many cohorts of people who are passionate about learning. Joining a group can help you stay motivated and connect with other people who share your interests.
    • And finally, make an investment to make learning a part of your daily routine. Set aside some time each day to learn something new. This could be reading a book, watching a documentary, or taking a class.

    Commentary

    I would like to think that my foundational skills were sufficient for me to succeed. I was, and still am, extremely curious about the subjects I am passionate about. I still keep up on discoveries in chemistry, physics, and education, and have acquired new interests such as gardening and writing, with this blog being an example.

    I had the passion for solving problems throughout my childhood, then, nurtured in college under the mentorship of Dr. Walkup and then the technical training I received in my years with Hewlett-Packard’s Analytical Products Division, it has become a major strength.

    Looking back, I can clearly see my past and present weaknesses. While my passion for learning is a strength, I’ve always been an independent learner, often to a fault. This reluctance to seek direction or advice from others is a significant weakness. I cannot stress enough the importance of developing and nurturing the skill of asking for guidance and humbly accepting instruction without defensiveness. My pride and arrogance led me to believe I knew more than those around me, and I deeply regret the missed opportunities to learn from them.

  • Learning from Mistakes

    “The greatest teacher failure is..”

    Yoda

    If I could identify one lesson from college that was the most valuable, it would be my professors’ requirement that we must identify the sources of error in every lab experiment. To recognize, through observation of the individual steps in an analysis, where there was the potential for an error that affected the eventual outcome of the experiment. Whether you obtained the correct answer or not. In every analysis we performed, there was always the potential for making a mistake in our preparation, observations, and calculations, each of which could give us the wrong answer.

    Fast forward to today, how does this concept apply in your world? If you apply an analytical approach to identifying sources of error when you get a wrong answer or make a mistake, it helps take the emotion out of the picture, allowing you to see it as a learning opportunity, encouraging you to identify and benefit from your mistakes in the future.

    I encourage you to consider the benefits of getting the wrong answer. Here are a few:

    Mistakes help us to identify what we don’t know. This can be a good thing because it allows us to redirect our learning and to focus on the areas where we need the most improvement.

    Mistakes can encourage us to think about how much effort we invested in learning the material. When we are trying to understand why we got the wrong answer, we are forced to think more deeply, develop a greater understanding of the concepts, versus simply rote memorization.

    Mistakes can help us become more resilient. When we make mistakes, it is important to learn from them and keep moving forward, which is an important skill for success in all areas of life.

    And, mistakes can help us to be more creative. When we are not afraid to make mistakes, we are more likely to try new things and to come up with new ideas. A valuable skill that is beneficial throughout our lives.

    How to we begin to learn from our mistakes? 

    To begin with, don’t beat yourself up. Everyone makes mistakes. It is important to forgive yourself and to move on.

    Then try to identify and acknowledge the mistake you made. What was the root cause of the mistake? Once you understand the root cause, you can take steps to avoid making the same mistake in the future.

    Finally, learn from your mistake. What can you do differently next time? Think about how you can apply what you have learned to improve your performance. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. If you are struggling to understand a concept or to solve a problem, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Take my advice, if you ask someone for help, be prepared to listen with and open mind and not get defensive. There is always someone wiser than you or me whose instruction is valuable.

    By following these three tips, you can turn your mistakes into learning opportunities and become the best version of yourself.

    Commentary

    As I have gotten older, my perspective has changed, and I’ve come to recognize and admit to myself the mistakes I have made over the years. I have always been able to apply the concepts of error analysis throughout my career. When it pertained to recognizing the weaknesses or failures in an analysis, it was one of my most recognized capabilities. I prided myself on my ability to apply the Scientific Method to almost any situation. However, very seldom did I apply the same skillset to my personal life.

    When we fail, especially in our careers or our personal lives, it is very easy to blame someone else, our boss, a coworker, our parents, spouse, or significant other. We may blame the situation we were in as if it were out of our own control. We blame anyone and everything in order to deflect the responsibility for our mistakes and failures from the person responsible, ourselves. I readily admit I am an example of these same habits. 

    The personal trait of self-awareness, which I will discuss in detail in a later post, allows us to recognize and acknowledge our weaknesses as well as our strengths. It acts as our internal GPS so to speak, showing us where we make a wrong turn in our lives and directing us back on track. Learning from each misadventure, becoming more humble, less arrogant and prideful, accepting blame where it is needed, and leading us on the path to wisdom. 

    I am nowhere close on my journey of personal growth, but I do believe I am getting better at admitting my mistakes and attempting to learn from them each day. And, hopefully, by doing so, I am a better person today than I was yesterday and will be an even better person tomorrow.

  • The Power of Mindset: Growth and Fixed Perspectives

    What is a “Mindset”?

    The term “Mindset” refers to the attitudes, beliefs, and thoughts we hold about ourselves and our capabilities. It shapes how we perceive ourselves, face challenges, and interact with the world. This internal outlook significantly influences our approach to learning, work, relationships, and life in general.

    The Origin of Mindset Concepts

    Dr. Carol S. Dweck, a Stanford University psychologist, developed the concepts of fixed and growth mindsets. Her research began in the late 1980s, focusing on how children respond to academic challenges. She observed two distinct mindsets: a fixed mindset, children faced with challenges gave up easily, and a growth mindset where children saw the challenges as opportunities to learn.

    Dr. Dweck’s research demonstrated the powerful influence on our motivation for learning, and how resilient we are across various aspects of our lives. Her book, “Mindset: The New Psychology of Success” (2006), popularized these concepts.Dr. Dweck’s work has significantly affected psychology, education, and business, emphasizing the importance of our beliefs and perceptions in shaping our potential. 

    Comparison and : Growth Mindset vs. Fixed Mindset

    Someone who embraces a growth mindset sees every hurdle, every mistake, and every piece of constructive criticism as invaluable feedback, a chance to sharpen their skills, broaden their understanding, and expand their horizons. They thrive on challenges, relishing the process of overcoming them, understanding that it is in the struggle, in the effort, that true growth resides. They are resilient, persistent, and view setbacks not as failures, but as learning curves, temporary detours on their journey toward mastery. They ask themselves, “What can I learn from this?” and “How can I improve?”

    Someone with a fixed mindset might view identical challenges as intimidating, even overwhelming barriers. They operate under the assumption that their inherited skills and intelligence are unchanging; whatever natural gifts they possess should ensure life success, requiring no additional effort. Consequently, they readily surrender when confronted with difficulties, driven by a fear of failure that could expose their shortcomings, frequently choosing only tasks they are confident of completing easily. They dismiss what they perceive as negative feedback, even when intended as constructive criticism, and they often feel threatened by the accomplishments of others. This need to project an image of competence compels those with a fixed mindset to avoid any risk whatsoever, thereby stifling their creativity and, ultimately, hindering their potential.

    This fundamental difference in perspective profoundly impacts one’s approach to learning, work, relationships, and life in general. 

    In the area of academics: 

    Students with a growth mindset believe their intelligence and abilities can be improved through hard work and dedication. They see mistakes as learning opportunities, and they persist through difficult subjects. They think, “I didn’t do well on this test yet, but I can study harder and improve next time.”

    However, students with a fixed mindset believe their intelligence and abilities are fixed. They avoid challenges for fear of failure and give up easily. They might think, “I’m just not good at math,” after a bad grade. Or, more commonly, they perceive their teacher to be mean, having unfair expectations.

    In extracurricular activities:

    Students with a growth mindset understand the importance of and focus on practice and learning, even if they don’t succeed initially. They see setbacks as opportunities to improve. They believe that effort creates talent.

    However, students with a fixed mindset avoid trying if they don’t feel naturally talented or quit easily if they face difficulties.

    In relationships and social settings:

    Students with growth mindset are open to meeting new people, understanding different perspectives, and working through disagreements.

    Students with a fixed mindset are less likely to step out of their comfort zone or struggle with criticism and conflict.

    Commentary

    When there’s a setback, someone with a fixed mindset will start thinking, ‘Maybe I don’t have what it takes?’ They may get defensive and give up. A hallmark of a successful person is that they persist in the face of obstacles, and often, these obstacles are blessings in disguise.

    Carol S. Dweck

    I encourage you not to give up, and not to get defensive, because you do have what it takes. The key is changing your mindset, your perspective. The question now becomes: “How do we change our perspective from a fixed to a growth mindset?” It is not an easy process, especially if you are older, like me, and have had a fixed mindset for a long time. It begins with the understanding of the fundamental difference between the two. Once we have identified and understand the characteristics, we must take action, invest in the process of changing how we perceive ourselves and the world around us. It is important to prioritize effort, it’s hard work, and understand that your effort leads to expertise.

    A great place to start is changing the way you address challenges, replacing “I can’t” with “I can” or I can’t yet.” This small change reflects a belief in yourself and your potential to improve. I urge you to be patient with yourself and persistent; mindset growth is a journey with ups and downs. True growth takes time. 

    The next step is difficult and requires a significant change in our perspective, recognizing that we are not perfect, admitting that we have our weaknesses, and that we make mistakes. Then put in the effort to analyze your mistakes as lessons, not failures. Value the process of learning from mistakes and setbacks as essential components of progress.

    I believe it is important to focus on “deep”  learning, not quick results. In college, I coined the phrase: “memorization then regurgitation” for those students who would memorize whatever was required for a test but never retain the knowledge past the end of the semester. I’ll admit my brain does not work that way. I needed to truly understand the material, much of which I still remember to this day, 45 years later. So the lesson in this is, instead of fixating on achieving a specific result, a certain test score, direct your energy towards acquiring knowledge, honing your abilities, and refining your strategies along the way. 

    Lastly, embrace personal accountability, take full responsibility for your actions, decisions, and their subsequent consequences. Shift your perspective from viewing yourself as a victim of circumstance to empowering yourself as a creator of your reality. Once again, this is not an easy task, especially if you’ve had this perception of yourself and your circumstances for an extended period of time, in some cases years. But, you can do it.

  • Introducing Essential Skills: Hard Skills vs. Soft Skills

    The terms “hard skills” and “soft skills” were first used by the U.S. Army in the early 1970’s to distinguish between technical and interpersonal abilities (Britannica Money, 2025). The term “soft skills” is specifically attributed to researcher Paul G. Whitmore, who used it in a 1972 U.S. Army training conference (MDPI, 2023; PMC, 2023).

    You’re presented with and expected to learn and master a great deal of technical information (hard skills) in your STEM coursework and on-the-job training. These “hard skills” are the specific, teachable abilities related to your particular field of interest. And while that know-how is important, it’s not the only thing that matters. Instructors tend to focus so heavily on teaching the technical aspects (computer programming, data analysis, math, and scientific principles) that they tend to neglect or overlook equally important soft skills such as communication, critical thinking, leadership, perseverance, resilience, problem-solving, and time management. 

    Soft skills, like hard skills, may be developed through practice, self-awareness, training, and experience. These four are essential for your success: practice (you must make an investment in time and effort), self-awareness (recognize your strengths and weaknesses, your goals and aspirations), training (throughout your career there is a need for continuing education), and experience (success does not happen overnight, it accrues over your lifetime.)

    Commentary

    Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to learn many skills, from operating and maintaining advanced analytical instrumentation to chemical applications development to curriculum design. Yet, I did not develop the foundational “soft skills” I needed to be successful. Yes, I had the communication skills; I could sell ice cubes to an Eskimo, as one of my administrators used to say, I was passionate about solving problems, and I excelled at critical thinking. But no one had discussed with me, so I never truly developed or practiced the skills of perseverance and resilience. Nor did I recognize the dangers of my pride and the importance of humility. The lack of these traits caused me to struggle, to alienate the people I worked for and with, and when things got tough, to give up and switch directions, never accomplishing what I intended to do. Additionally, I was not introduced to the concept of self-awareness until late in life, a skill that would have assisted me greatly throughout my career.


  • A Lifetime of Learning

     

    Definition: Student

    A student is someone who is actively engaged in learning. This learning can take place in a formal educational setting, like a school or university, or in informal settings. In essence, a student is someone who is actively seeking knowledge and understanding.

    (“Gemini 2.0” 2024)

    No matter how old you are, whether you’re in middle school, high school or college, you may even have graduated and started working in your chosen field, the information and techniques discussed in this blog are universally applicable. You are always a student.

    For example:

    Perhaps you embrace lifelong learning – actively seeking knowledge and understanding, driven by curiosity and a desire for growth. You enjoy and thrive on the continuous nature of learning. You seek new experiences, ask questions, and are always looking for opportunities to learn and develop.

    Perhaps you are on a journey of self-discovery – learning is not just about acquiring information; it’s also about self-awareness, understanding yourself and your place in the world. Exploring your interests, values, and potential. Being open to new perspectives and willing to challenge your assumptions.

    Perhaps you embrace challenges and setbacks, actively confronting life’s difficulties and placing value on the lessons learned from making mistakes. You see these challenges as opportunities for growth, requiring you to be resilient, adaptable, and willing to learn from your experiences.

    Perhaps you are a problem-solver – life is full of challenges, and learning is often about finding solutions. You’re someone who approaches challenges with a growth mindset and a willingness to learn. You see problems as opportunities to develop new skills and knowledge, and they persist until you find solutions.

    These are just a few ways to think about “student” beyond the traditional classroom setting. Remember, the most important thing is to have a curious mind and a willingness to learn, no matter where life takes you!

     

  • The Essential Question

    How do we prepare ourselves to address life’s challenges?

    Throughout my posts I will attempt to identify and describe in detail the answers to the following questions:

    What are the attitudes and personality traits crucial for your personal growth and success, regardless of what your definition of success may be? While everyone describes success differently, whether it is how much you make, what your job title is, or how much your name is recognized, it is your attitude and personality traits that provide the foundation for your achievements.

    What are the rewards of being resilient and persevering through all the trials you will face in life?

    And, how do all these pieces fit together?

  • Why Do I Have to Learn This? I’ll Never Use It.

    By our very nature, we are inquisitive – always asking “why?”; usually in response to being asked or told to do something. Have you ever asked the question:“Why do I have to learn this? Or, “Why do I have to do this?” I’ll never use it.” I know I did, more than once. Rarely are you given a reason why it is essential to understand the information presented in your high school or college courses and how it relates to what you want to accomplish in life. Sometimes, the answer is simple: you need to know it for the next test. But other times, there are deeper reasons. For example, learning about history can help us understand the present. Learning about science helps us make informed decisions about the world around us and how systems work together. And learning math teaches us to think logically and solve problems in our everyday lives.

    Speaking from experience, there is a great deal of information taught in your math and science classrooms, the facts, figures, formulas, dates, and names, you will never use again – whether you intend to go to college or not. And don’t think you will stop asking this question once you decide on your career path – there will always be a training session you don’t want to attend, with more information you don’t see as being vital to you doing your job. It’s a never-ending cycle. What if I told you that the challenges and struggles you face in your classes, more than content knowledge, are vital to your overall growth as a student and will positively impact your success in any career you choose? Content knowledge measured by test scores and grades may or may not be your ultimate objective; that depends on your priorities. I believe what’s truly important and what we sometimes fail to realize is that the “process of learning” equips us with the “tools” for our success.