How did Obama do it?
February 22nd, 2010
Calm, confident, focused
On November 4, 2008, 66 million people elected Barack Obama the 44th president of the United States.
How did he, a young man with a brief resume, make this dream come true?
Posts Tagged ‘Test performance’
Obama & test prep: what’s in common?
February 12th, 2010
Barack Obama faces big tests daily: the economy, the war, international crises, opposition in Congress… the list goes on. Whatever you think of his politics, one thing we can all agree on is that he possesses the three traits necded for success in any stressful, test-type situation: He is calm, he is confident, and he is focused.
He never loses his cool, he never seems dejected or bitter at a loss, and it certainly doesn’t make him lose steam and he is never off-message.
He is a good role model for facing important tests: staying calm, keeping confident, and being focused is the key.
These are the skills that should be part of any leadership training. Leaders are constantly tested. They have to face moment-by-moment challenges, and we trust that they will do that. Have you ever considered that we are really trusting them to stay calm, confident and focused? Imagine a leader who is tense, doubtful and distracted. That doesn’t define “leader.” Calm, confident and focused do.
If you are in a leadership position, or you are training others to be leaders, consider that for the vitality of the organization and the well-being of its members, you want to cultivate the three qualities in The Workbook. We want, and value, leaders who stand on a sturdy three-legged stool. Leaders who are calm, confident and focused.
What are the qualities you value in a leader?
Let’s talk the ‘f’ word
February 7th, 2010
Is fear derailing you?
The more I work as a test prep performance coach the more I see how fear not only derails test takers, but immobilizes them. It is the single biggest cause of poor test performance.
What are they afraid of? (And if you’re a fearful test taker and are reading this: what are you afraid of?) Doing poorly? Failing? Not living up to standards? All kinds of consequences like not getting into the college of you choice, not qualifying for a scholarship, making someone (a teacher, parents, our yourself) disappointed?
The antidote to test stress: be present
January 31st, 2010
You know that phrase they use at raffles? “You have to be present to win.” The same is true of tests, as in life.
One thing I’ve noticed over and over again with people who have trouble with tests– they are flipping from the past (”Oh no, I didn’t study the right things”) to the future (”If I fail I’m going to lose my scholarship”). Though both statements may be true, going in either direction (past or future) is not helpful when you’re taking a test. At that moment, when you are reading and answering questions, you want and need to be one place and one place only: in the present.
Only by being present can we do the job we need to do, at that moment. Only by being present can we develop the awareness that we’re veering off track, and then get back on track.
Test preparation: one simple tip can make a difference
January 7th, 2010
The latest 5 star review of THE WORKBOOK FOR TEST SUCCESS came out today on Google Books and Amazon. Here’s what the reader says:
Excellent reading. This book helped me to focus not only on academic tests, but also in various situations of my life. It is amazing how a simple tip such as “don’t forget to breathe” could make all the difference in my performance. Dr. B hits the nail on the head when describing all the rollercoaster of emotions that a GMAT, GRE, LSAT and other standardized tests can cause in a student. I particularly enjoyed the exercises and recommend this book for anyone.
I’m particularly glad the reader picked up on how the book applies to a whole host of tests as well as life situations. Isn’t the “rollercoaster of emotions” she references something we all experience, at some point, every day?
Test stress and life purpose
November 30th, 2009
Have you ever wondered what the purpose of your life is?
Common answers are “success,” “happiness” or “satisfaction.”
While these are all worthwhile goals, here’s what I have come to believe: the purpose of your life is to face every challenge, every test, as a chance for you to become the person you are meant to be.
Life is a test for you to become your highest self.
Test stress tools for life
November 28th, 2009
While I was writing my book, there was a knock on my door. It was Joe Rizzo, an older man who came to fix our chimney.
He asked me what I do for a living, and I told him simply that I coach people who take tests. He shook his head. “Life is hard,” he said, pointing his finger and jabbing it into the air. “Hard. You have to work for everything. You know what the problem is today? Everyone wants his tummy rubbed. They want things done for them. Whatever you get in life, you have to work hard for. Life is a test.”
He’s right. Life is a test…
It’s not just about content: it’s about you!
November 24th, 2009
When people come to me for performance coaching, my first thought is: What does this person need to perform at his or her best?
Of course they have to learn the subject matter—I never make light of that—but through my experience working with a wide range of test takers for all kinds of tests, i can say with conviction that is only part of the picture.
