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Your Learning Strategy Might Be Completely Wrong - Let's Fix It
Studying

Your Learning Strategy Might Be Completely Wrong - Let's Fix It

Research has found that everybody is unique in how they learn best. We all have different strengths, talents, challenges, and ways of doing things. And learning is no different. Some people thrive in structured environments, others do best when they can go with the flow. There are students who learn best from books, from listening, from watching, from doing, or from discovering. You might gain knowledge best when working independently or while working collaboratively in a group.It all depends on your learning style. In fact, there are learning styles that describe how different people typically learn best. One of these is the visual learning style. Visual learners acquire knowledge more effectively via visual instruction, as in what they can see and observe rather than through other methods, such as listening or doing.RELATED: TikTok Addiction Is Real – Here Are the SignsIn this comprehensive guide to the visual learning style, learn more about the visual learning style, common traits of visual learners, and strategies teachers and students can use to maximize the academic experience for visual learners.Teaching and learning work best when tailored to the specific needs—and learning style—of each student. This can be a challenging prospect, but once you understand the various ways different people process and understand information, it becomes much easier. Here, we take a deep dive into what visual learning is all about—and explore how to best support those learners.What Is a Learning Style?(Photo by Element5 Digital on Unsplash)Before we examine what being a visual learner means, let’s look at what learning styles are, to begin with.Learning styles are the ways different people learn best. There are a range of theories about how learning styles work and how to define them. Some researchers have developed theories using more or fewer categories. But typically, they are separated into anywhere from four to seven or even 12 different types of learners. RELATED: How to (Actually) Finish A Creative ProjectThe general idea is that instruction delivered in different ways (such as via a presentation, written material, or a hands-on activity) will be received differently by different students. Each person may be more or less receptive to various teaching techniques. Some examples of other learning styles are kinesthetic (movement), auditory, social, verbal, mathematical, logical, or solitary. Note that people don’t only learn from one teaching method, but one or more learning styles just may be more favorable than the others in terms of a student’s comprehension and information retention.What is a visual learner?Visual learners learn best instructed using visual methods of teaching. Essentially, this means when information is presented via reading, visual aids, or videos. They learn and remember best when they “see” the content they are studying. They may picture what they are learning about in their heads.Visual learners may also learn things well using other teaching methods but they enjoy or are more successful when information is offered visually.Traits of Visual Learners(Photo by Praveen Gupta on Unsplash)Visual learners share specific traits that make visual information more appealing to and effective for them. These characteristics include the following.Reading to learnThey remember what they read better than what they hear. Visual learners are readers, contemplative thinkers, and observers.RELATED: Open-Mindedness: 5 Practical Steps To Open Your MindVisualizing conceptsThey use diagrams, maps, pictures, and charts to understand ideas and concepts. Taking notesVisual learners tend to write down what they are learning, a practice that can help them retain the information they are hearing.Strengths of Visual Learners(Photo by Taylor Wilcox on Unsplash)Visual learners have many strengths. And typically, many classroom settings use many visual learning techniques, so they tend to do well in school and on tests. Some research says they will, on average, retain around 75% of what they read. So, reading (or other modes of seeing, such as via observing or watching) information is a highly effective way for these students to learn. They also tend to be good readers and enjoy books. They are good at reading and understanding maps, diagrams, charts, and other visual tools. They also tend to like order and to keep things tidy.Visual Learning Strategies for Students(Photo by Matese Fields on Unsplash)The good news for students who are visual learners is that schools, classrooms, and curricula tend to be organized in their favor. Often, schoolwork is delivered via written texts or pictures, or at the very least, related visual aids tend to be easily accessible. In other words, if the information is unclear, you can usually find something to read or look at that will help it make sense. If your class is primarily in lecture (or any other) form, taking notes, drawing pictures, creating summaries, and making to-do lists can help you turn the auditory information into something you can see—and make sense of. You will remember best via sight so give yourself lots of visuals to look at and remember. RELATED: 7 Habits of Successful People You Need to KnowSimply being aware that you are a visual learner can help you, too. This is because then you can know to ask your teacher for information in written form, as needed.Visual learners tend to have excellent memories and observation skills. Writing down your goals and organizing your thoughts and observations in written form will enhance these skills—and help make other teaching styles more effective for you.Study tips for visual learnersSome tips for effective studying for visual learners include the following:Take and review notesRead all handouts, books, and other class materialsAsk for written material to support lessons if not providedReview the table of contents and headings on all reading materials and/or the course syllabusUse highlighters to mark the most important items to rememberUse other visual sources, such as maps, diagrams, pictures, graphs, and chartsVisual Learning Strategies for Teachers(Photo by ThisisEngineering RAEng on Unsplash)Teachers can help support a visual learner by offering lots of visual aids to communicate ideas and information to these students. Aim to provide visual stimulation to keep visual learners engaged. Written texts, pictures, charts, graphs, maps, and other visual information helps these students learn, comprehend, and remember more effectively. Encourage note-taking, particularly during times when non-visual teaching methods are being used. Offer written material, such as an outline of a lecture, diagrams, or a handout that covers the essential points, in tandem with other forms of instruction to help support the learning of more visually-inclined students.RELATED: What Is Groupthink? How To Avoid This Common BiasFor complex topics delivered orally, break the subject down into smaller sections, a technique called microlearning. Provide written or visual companion handouts to reinforce the information for visual learners. Another helpful technique is called timeboxing, in which you dedicate a fixed amount of time for each activity. This method is helpful for visual learners who tend to do best when they know the parameters (as in length of time and other variables) of each lesson.What Type of Person Is a Visual Learner?(Photo by Kenny Eliason on Unsplash)Visual learners are smart, organized, and neat. They tend to love reading and have analytical minds. They like to watch and observe and may be relatively internal. They read the expressions and body language of others well and also communicate effectively with their own faces and bodies. RELATED: What Is the Google Effect, How Does It Hurt Your Mind – And What Can You Do About It?They tend to have vivid, creative imaginations. They also typically have good motivation and study habits for schoolwork, especially when it can be accessed through visual materials.What is a visual learner example?The most obvious example of a visual learner is someone who likes to read and absorb information by looking at it rather than by listening to it. These learners also prefer taking things in visually rather than through hands-on experiences.Another indicator that someone is a visual learner is if they are good at interpreting maps, diagrams, or charts. Visual learners can also learn well via movies or videos, particularly if the information is shown visually on screen rather than relying just on talking.Key Takeaways(Photo by Ivan Aleksic on Unsplash)Visual learners thrive when information is given to them visually. They can have difficulty with following directions, retaining information, and comprehension when information is presented orally or in a hands-on manner. However, using various strategies, such as note-taking and offering handouts and other visual materials to reinforce lessons, can help visual learners succeed.KEEP READING:Train Your Brain to Shed Distracting Habits and Concentrate Better

4 Life-Changing Books That Inspired Madonna to be Fearlessly Different
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4 Life-Changing Books That Inspired Madonna to be Fearlessly Different

You hear her name — and you instantly hear her voice. Then her face. And then you sigh in admiration of this legend who has changed the way women are viewed in the music industry. Madonna has been the "Queen of Pop" since the 1980s, as she’s challenged gender norms and given women permission to be their most authentic selves, with no apologies. In her tenure, she’s sold more than 300 million records worldwide, earning her the title of "The Best-Selling Female Recording Artist Of All Time: by Guinness World Records. In addition, she was named the second highest-certified female artist in the United States, with 64.5 million album unit, and Billboard deems her the most successful solo artist in its hot 100 chart history. To date, she’s amassed a $1.4 billion fortune from concert tickets. This Rock and Roll Hall of Fame honoree has an estimated net worth of $590 million — and counting since she's still making music and touring.When she isn’t performing, wowing audiences, dedicating her time to charitable efforts she believes in, or serving as a mentor, the one-and-only Madonna is also a major fan of… reading! Though she hasn’t said much about what’s on her bookshelf, she did reveal her favorites to pal Gwyenth Platrow in a Goop newsletter. Here’s what you can expect from Madonna’s favorite books:The Bad Girl by Mario Vargas LlosaShe may be the Material Girl, but one of Madonna's beloved reads leans more toward the darker side. In this page-turner set in the 1950s and 60s, you’ll follow the tangled web of Ricard Somocurcio who is in love with — you guessed it — a bad girl. He met her in Lima, Peru in the 1950s, where he knew her as Lily before he she disappeared. They meet again in Paris, where she’s married to a wealthy Englishman. Their paths cross again in Tokyo, where she's the mistress of a Japanese businessman. Even though she doesn’t treat him well, he can’t get enough of her. Find out what happens with this lifelong romance that teeters on the side of obsession. Shantaram by Gregory David RobertsIt seems as if Madonna has a taste for mystery since this debut novel from Gregory David Roberts makes her list. Shantaram is set in the darker side of modern Bombay, where a man who was convicted with a fake passport manages to escape a maximum security prison. A faithful friend is by his side throughout the adventure, and they come across the underbelly of the destination, meeting prostitutes, soldiers, actors, gangsters, and more. As the police try to find him, he lives in the worst possible conditions as an apprentice for the mafia, taking him through war, torture, murder and lots of other gut-wrenching experiences. Along the way, two characters help him to freedom. Like Madonna, you won’t be able to put this down since, hey, it’s based on the life of the author himself.The Time Traveler’s Wife by Audrey NiffeneggerYou’ve probably cried in the movie portrayal of this untraditional love story but have you paged through the book? Madonna thinks you should, since it makes her must-reads. In The Time Traveler's Wife, you’ll follow Henry and Claire who fall in love throughout various stages in their lives, thanks to Henry’s ability to time travel. It’s an impossible relationship from day one but love doesn’t ask questions — it only demands you to feel the same. Just try not to cry as you obsess over every last page.The Quran In an interview with Harper’s Bazaar, Madonna shared: “I am building schools for girls in Islamic countries and studying the Holy Quran. I think it is important to study all the holy books.” Though she hasn’t outwardly said she’s read it herself, she finds to to be one of the most influential books in the history of literature. More inspiring book recommendations:4 Life-Changing Books That Inspire George Clooney to Challenge Himself5 Life-Changing Books That Inspired LeBron James to Keep Winning6 Life-Changing Books That Inspired J.K. Rowling to Write5 Life-Changing Books That Mark Zuckerberg Couldn’t Put Down

4 Life-Changing Books That Inspire George Clooney to Challenge Himself
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4 Life-Changing Books That Inspire George Clooney to Challenge Himself

He’s America’s sweetheart — and the dream guy for plenty of people. Sadly, he’s taken. George Clooney is one of those legends who will forever be known for his acting abilities and his charm. The winner of two Oscars, three Golden Globes, and the AFI Lifetime Achievement Award, Clooney has come along way since his breakthrough performance in ER. He’s been listed on the Time 100 as one of the most influential people in the world, and he uses his fame to make a difference, as a United Nations Messenger of Peace and a member of the Council on Foreign Relations. As if that’s not swoon-worthy enough, we have a reason to admire him even more: he’s a serious reader. Here, a glimpse at Clooney’s impressive bookshelf:Tangerine by Christine ManganThough he hasn’t released a quote or a reason on why he loved this book, Clooney's film company, Smokehouse Pictures produced a movie based on Tangerine By Christine Mangan. The film, starring Scarlett Johansson has yet to be released, but will describe the relationship between two friends. The idea is that while one is moving forward with her life, the other is stagnant, and they haven’t spoken in a year. It leads to — you guessed it — plenty of drama and a major lesson in female friendships.Considering Clooney's a recent father to a 2-year-old daughter, perhaps this subject has been on his mind!The American Century by Harold EvansThough it isn’t clear what attracted Clooney to this best-seller, he was spotted lugging it around beside his wife Amal, a celebrated human rights lawyer.The American Century is a time-commitment of a book, considering it entails hundreds of years of surveys all meant to better understand the concept of the American Dream. Given that Clooney is living proof that upward mobility and success is a possibility, it could be his interest in helping others that propelled him to learn more about the state of society.The Monuments Men by Robert M. Edsel with Bret Witter The Monuments Men is yet another book that Clooney made into a movie. He spoke with Collider about what motivated him to bring the pages to the big screen: “We wanted to make an entertaining film. We liked the story. We were not all that familiar with the actual story which is rare for a World War II film. Usually you think you know all the stories. And we wanted it to be accessible. We liked all those John Sturges films. We thought it was sort of a mix between Kelly’s Heroes and The Train,and we wanted to talk about a very serious subject that’s ongoing still. We also wanted to make it entertaining. That was the goal.”If you’re a history buff, you may like this read, since it details Adolf Hitler’s armies that were seeking and stealing the finest art treasures in Europe in the midst of a human rights catastrophe. It’s a captivating read — and one that will introduce you to part of World War II you likely didn’t know about.Catch-22 by Joseph Heller According to The Hollywood Reporter, when former President of Paramount Television Amy Powell took over in 2013, she stumbled upon some books that she wanted to adapt into TV series. Buried in the box was this best-seller and cult classic that happens to be George Clooney’s favorite book. Clooney co-directed the Catch-22 miniseries for Hulu, which he described as something he’s extremely proud of. He also requested the role of the buffoonish Col, which he naturally got.In case you haven’t read this Joseph Heller classic, the satirical novel is set during World War II in Italy, and follows the struggles of a young soldier named Yossarian in an absurd world.More reading inspiration:6 Life-Changing Books That Inspired J.K. Rowling to Write5 Life-Changing Books That Continue to Inspire Matt Damon on a Daily Basis5 Life-Changing Books That Mark Zuckerberg Couldn’t Put Down5 Life-Changing Books That Inspired LeBron James to Keep Winning

5 Life-Changing Books That Inspired LeBron James to Keep Winning
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5 Life-Changing Books That Inspired LeBron James to Keep Winning

You know him from his master moves on the court among the top successful basketball players of all time. LeBron James not only landed several MVP awards but his plethora of endorsements have accumulated a net worth of $440 million. Athlete, philanthropist and business mogul, James doesn’t just study up the best plays or practice diligently to perfect his craft — he’s also quite the bookworm. He’s been pictured time and time again reading right before he dives (or dribbles?) into a game, since he finds it as a source of calm and clarity. From classic, inspiring reads that challenge upward mobility and confidence to best-selling trilogies that spark imagination... Here are a few secrets from James’ bookshelfThe Alchemist by Paulo CoelhoMaybe when you graduated from high school or college, one of your treasured friends or family members gifted you this easy-peasy read to get you excited for the unknown future ahead. Though The Alchemist is a quick-read, it’s also one of those classics that everyone should read within their lifetime. For James (who was pictured here paging through it) -- it’s a source of happiness and self-fulfilment, wrapped up in a book. He was gifted this iconic creation by Coelho from his athletic trainer and close friend, and it ended up changing his perspective. As he shared in a podcast: “The whole thing about empowerment of yourself and having your visions become a reality and the more and more that you dream and actually talk about something that you want to do, it can become true. That was one of the one things I got out of it. As complex as that book is and as deep as that book is — it is so, so deep — I was able to figure out a way to translate it to my life…’Oh I can remember when I was the 11-year-old kid and I was telling myself 'Why me?' some days and I was always telling myself, 'OK, let's change the narrative of why me, why us, why are we put in this position? Let's change the narrative.’”The Hunger Games series by Suzanne CollinsThough it’s been a few years since this three-part gem from author Suzanne Collins was dominating conversations and movie theaters, James is a long-time fan. During a press interview, he referenced how The Hunger Games and the playoffs share similarities, sharing, “It’s like the Hunger Games. We have to see if we can keep going” and “We've got to figure out how we can stay alive. I'll take some rest. Send me down some rest.” Though James hasn’t outwardly spoken about reading these dystopian fiction books, his knowledge of the plot lines and his thirst for great page-turners makes us think he’s a fan. The Godfather by Mario PuzoPerhaps we are noticing a trend with James: finding ways to relate his athletic career to some of the most important literature pieces ever published. When he was entering TD Garden, he lugged along a copy of The Godfather, and then later described his connection to the book (and movies) to an ESPN reporter who shared the insight: “What he did do was, last night, to settle himself down, he watched The Godfather: Part II. He has taken to watching The Godfather now throughout this postseason. No social media, no SportsCenter, none of that stuff. He’s watching movies. He’s watched The Godfather six times this postseason. He said, ‘Last night it just settled me down.’ It’s about family and so many other things, so that got him into the mood to go bust 41 tonight.” Decoded by Jay-ZBefore the NBA finals, James was photographed reading through Jay-Z’s autobiography, Decoded. Perhaps it was in pursuit of the thoughtful advice from a fellow all-star, but in music, or because he was searching for his name. As he revealed on an episode of Carpool Karaoke with James Corden, Jay-Z is sort of like his mentor. “Any time Jay says my name, it’s just very humbling. He’s like my big brother, so he takes care of me.” The Pact: Three Young Men Make a Promise and Fulfill a Dream by Sampson Davis, George Jenkins, and Rameck HuntThough he doesn’t exactly shed any light on why he likes this book, James did list it as one of the tomes on his reading list in an interview with Oprah. The Pact: Three Young Men Make a Promise and Fulfill a Dream chronicles the life of three doctors who grew up in Newark, New Jersey — one of the most dangerous areas surrounding the Big Apple. Not only is it based on a true story, but the critical reviews give major kudos to how it illustrates and depicts the power of friendship.

5 Life-Changing Books That Mark Zuckerberg Couldn't Put Down
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5 Life-Changing Books That Mark Zuckerberg Couldn't Put Down

There are very few entrepreneurs who fundamentally shift culture and society. Mark Zuckerberg will go down in history as one of them. As the founder and CEO of the world’s most popular social networking site, Facebook — which he founded while still in college — Zuckerberg has created a dynamic place for conversation and connection. Though his career hasn’t been without controversy, he continues to be a sought-after thought leader, and stands as one of the richest people in the world. This father of two and philanthropist is an active reader and often shares his must-reads widely. Though your chances of mimicking his success may be small, you can dive into some of his genius by giving these favorites a flip-through. Here, the books that Facebook’s leader can’t put down:The Structure of Scientific Revolutions by Thomas S. KuhnZuckerberg’s perspective on science is that it’s a constant force for good in the world — often investing in research and causes that advance this forward-thinking.According to his Facebook post, this best-seller from Thomas S. Kuhn is an important digest for everyone: “It's a history of science book that explores the question of whether science and technology make consistent forward progress or whether progress comes in bursts related to other social forces... I think we'd all be better off if we invested more in science and acted on the results of research. I'm excited to explore this theme further.” World Order by Henry Kissenger If you’re a parent, you know first-hand how much life changes once you welcome your first child into the world. Zuckerberg experienced this shift and with it, came a new perspective and approach to life. That’s why this book is one he recommends for everyone to read — regardless if they’re a mom or dad, or not: “It's about foreign relations and how we can build peaceful relationships throughout the world. This is important for creating the world we all want for our children, and that's what I'm thinking about these days."Creativity Inc. by Ed Catmull No matter what profession or industry you’ve decided to pursue, there are a few requirements for all workers. These include reliability, flexibility, and -- believe it or not -- creativity. Even jobs that may be less art or content-focused challenge professionals to bend their mind to problem-solve, or create solutions. To foster this dedication to innovation, Zuckerberg recommends this read, written by the founder of Pixar, discussing just that. “His theory is that people are fundamentally creative, but many forces stand in the way of people being able to do their best work,” Zuckerberg shared. “I love reading first-hand accounts about how people build great companies like Pixar and nurture innovation and creativity. This should be inspiring to anyone looking to do the same, and hopefully there will be lessons we can apply to connecting the world!”The Better Angels of Our Nature by Steven Pinker Though there are more news reports discussing crimes these days, some people conclude that violence has actually declined throughout history. Zuckerberg was fascinated by this book from Steven Pinker — even if it took him awhile to digest. As he shared, “Recent events might make it seem like violence and terrorism are more common than ever, so it's worth understanding that all violence -- even terrorism -- is actually decreasing over time. If we understand how we are achieving this, we can continue our path towards peace.”The Idea Factory by Jon GertnerAnother book that zeroes-in on creativity is this best-seller from Jon Gertner. On a quest to create a dynamic workforce, company and planet, Zuckerberg turns to this page-turner to answer questions — and seek inspiration. “I'm very interested in what causes innovation -- what kinds of people, questions and environments. This book explores that question by looking at Bell Labs, which was one of the most innovative labs in history,” he shared.

5 Life-Changing Books That Continue to Inspire Matt Damon on a Daily Basis
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5 Life-Changing Books That Continue to Inspire Matt Damon on a Daily Basis

Actor, film producer and screenwriter, Matt Damon, is not only one of the highest-grossing entertainers of all time, but he’s an outspoken family man. Originally from the Boston area — alongside best bud Ben Affleck — Damon’s long-lasting career has awarded him with many gold stars from the industry, including an Academy Award, two Golden Globes and more.His rise to fame began in Mystic Pizza but really began to soar once he wrote and starred in Good Will Hunting. Since then, he’s performed in countless blockbusters, including Saving Private Ryan, The Departed, Manchester By the Sea and the Bourne trilogy, as well as the Oceans trilogy.In addition to his stage acts, he also like to read between the lines, often sharing his latest page-turner. Because they inspire his writing and his directing, he turns to many books as his source of inspiration and creativity. Here, a few on his bookshelf that you could add to yours, too:A People's History of the United States by Howard ZinnHe’s not just a fan of this book — but of the author, since Zinn is an old friend. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Damon explained why it’s a must-read not only for those hoping to learn more about the United States, but for Americans, most of all. “It gets people — particularly young people — excited about history because it’s your duty to be excited about it. You have a responsibility, as a citizen, to make history.”>> SEE IT ON AMAZON.COMThe B.A.A. at 125: The Official History of the Boston Athletic Association, 1887-2012 by John HacIf you’ve ever watched any interview with Damon (or his buddy, Affleck) — you’ll notice how they find a way to weave their hometown of Boston into a conversation. They’re proud — and not afraid to sing the praises. That’s partly why he loves this book. In fact, he wrote the forward for it! Here’s his handy wordsmithing work: “Running connoisseurs who sample marathons around the world will tell you exactly what my family has known for decades: ‘There’s only one Boston Marathon.’ And I think what you’ll learn from this book is that there’s only one Boston Athletic Association.Their history and the characters behind them make up another fascinating part of the history of sports in my hometown — and another reason I’m proud to be a Boston sports fan.”>> SEE IT ON AMAZON.COMThe Martian by Andy WeirOne of Damon’s most memorable acting performances was based off this book, so of course, as the lead actor, he had to read it. In a conversation with Space.com (go figure), he discussed how the book spoke to him and informed his role. “The book does a very good job — he doesn’t go too deep into the weeds. At least, he doesn’t lose someone like me and I’m really a layman and that’s what we wanted to retain in the movie. We wanted it to feel like the science wasn’t beyond our capacity to understand,” he shared.>> SEE IT ON AMAZON.COMSaving Private Ryan by Max Allan Collins Another one of his breakthrough roles that audiences everywhere love to watch time and time again, Damon spoke about his experience paging through this legendary tale of conflict. “Nobody has ever seen this war examined in this way. I know when I saw it I had this visceral reaction to the combat because it doesn’t pull any punches. When people see it [the movie], they’ll walk away with a new appreciation for the people that were there and fought,” he told ScreenSlam.com.>> SEE IT ON AMAZON.COMTrue Grit by Charles Portis Do you notice a trend here? When Damon sets to star in a film, he takes the time to read the book. Because it gives insight into the inspiration that provoked the author, he’s able to adapt his character more effectively. Even if hey, sometimes, it takes a little push to get him to focus. “They [the Coen brothers] we’re gonna do True Grit and I hadn’t seen the original movie. I said, ‘should I go watch the movie?’ And they said, ‘no, what you should really do is read the book because it’s an American classic and everything’s going to be clear to you when you read the book. I got the book and read it, and I was surprised that I missed this book. I was an english major in college and I pride myself in being pretty well read, and it’s a terrific, terrific book,” he told Fox.>> SEE IT ON AMAZON.COM

5 Enlightening Reasons Why the College You Attend Shouldn't Define You
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5 Enlightening Reasons Why the College You Attend Shouldn't Define You

It seems like it’s the most important choice in an 18-year-old's life thus far -- where they choose to attend college. Most parents wish the best for their son or daughter when they are born: it’s almost every parent’s aspiration for their child to be happy, healthy and attend an Ivy League school.The reality: it’s a small pool of young adults who do attend elite schools. Recent news of the pay-for-play college scandal has brought to light the extreme competition and pop-culture fascination that only children who attend top-tier colleges and the Ivy League will be successful. That’s simply not true. Where your child attends college is just a part of who they will become and what they can achieve. Here are some reasons that a college choice shouldn't define you.Understand the true cost of an undergraduate educationNot everyone can afford the hefty price tag of elite colleges, and more and more parents -- and their teens -- are realizing that the cost of attending can impact their lives long after four years.“One thing that is commonly overlooked by students and their parents is the cost of student debt,” says Brian Morris, communication coordinator with DirectTextbook.com, a free service that helps students save textbooks. “The more expensive the college, the more likely students will have debt and the further behind students will be upon graduation.” He says saving money on college costs may help graduates avoid financial traps that make it difficult or impossible to own a home, buy a car or invest in a business after graduation. Successful people come from all walks of lifeWe’ve all heard about billionaires who aren’t even college graduates. So, here’s proof your success isn’t reliant on what college you attend. “Many times it’s your own drive to success which fuels it,” says Elaine Rubin who has more than a decade of experience working in higher education finance and policy. “Yes, of course, sometimes it can be pure luck, or your life circumstances. But here’s the thing, not every successful person has graduated from an elite college, some may have even opted to not attend college.” Keep college hype in checkAs a college career strategist, Elizabeth Venturini, helps parents and students focus on the result of receiving a college education: a job after graduation. Vital tips for college-bound students are to pick a college major that will provide the most marketable skills and jobs after graduation at a cost they can afford, and to choose programs at a college not just the college name. Stick to the education value, not the fluff or hype, she says. “Steer clear of ‘The College Perks War.’ Instead of emphasizing education to attract students to enroll in college, colleges are engaged in a ‘perks war,’ outspending each other with fancy dorms, student services, and sports facilities. Focus on the quality of the education your teen will receive,” she says.True success is what you do to help others Success in the truest sense depends on what value can you add to this world and how many lives you touch. “Both of these markers never require you to present to them the evidence of what degree you hold, let alone which college you attended,” says Sudiksha Joshi, Ph.D,, learning advocate and founder of WeAreAlwaysLearning.com. Joshi’s advice is to keep looking at opportunities to add value to your fellow students, faculty members, and administrative staff while in college. “You'll get a much richer experience and when you graduate: you'll have that degree, and in addition, you'll probably have a clearer sense of direction and people who can help you get there add and how many lives you touch.”A college degree doesn’t determine your value “If you allow where you earn your college degree to determine your value, you will always be asking for permission and not realize your true potential,” Joshi affirms. Think about it. What do you want from your life? “Most people want the freedom to make their own choices and live their lives on their own terms,” says Joshi. “If that describes you then instead of focusing on how a college degree from a certain college provides an elevated value, think of how you can elevate your own value.”

5 Life-Changing Books That Bill Gates Says He Can't Put Down
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5 Life-Changing Books That Bill Gates Says He Can't Put Down

As the founder of Microsoft Corporation, Bill Gates is a legendary pioneer in science, math and computers, revolutionizing the world with his research and expertise. These days he works part-time while running the Bills & Melinda Gates Foundation, an expansive charitable initiative he runs alongside his wife of 24 years.Though he is known for many feats -- including being the second richest person in the world with a networth of $89.9 billion --there is one great love is he outwardly vocal about: reading. Every year, he release the books that changed his perspective, taught him something new or impacted him greatly. These have included everything from fiction and non-fiction to biographies and beyond.RELATED: According to Bill Gates, This Book Will Teach You to Stop Worrying and Start Living Anxiety-FreeIf you want a glimpse into the type of reads Bill Gates couldn’t put down, here are a few to add to your reading list. Enlightenment Now by Steven PinkerIf you want to unique perspective on the world we’re living in now and how we are positioned for the future, this might be the type of investigative, riveting read you’re looking for. Especially since it’s at the top of the list for Microsoft’s founder. Gates doesn’t simply like this book, but says it is the best book he’s read in a decade and if he could recommend just one book for someone to read, it would be this one. “I’m all for more reason, science, and humanism, but what I found most interesting were the 15 chapters exploring each measure of progress,” he raved. “Pinker is at his best when he analyzes historic trends and uses data to put the past into context. I was already familiar with a lot of the information he shares—especially about health and energy—but he understands each subject so deeply that he’s able to articulate his case in a way that feels fresh and new.”For Gates, the beauty of this deep-dive is just that: how willing the author is to use data sources to pull out ‘unexpected signs of progress.’ “I tend to point to things like dramatic reductions in poverty and childhood deaths, because I think they’re such a good measure of how we’re doing as a society. Pinker covers those areas, but he also looks at more obscure topics,” he wrote on his blog.>> SEE IT ON AMAZON.COMMeasure What Matters by John DoerrIf you work at a start-u -- or any forward-thinking type of company -- you’ve probably heard the term ‘OKR’ as a way to measure goals and progress. This concept was developed by the author of this book, and is something Gates is a fan of. On his blog, he detailed a personal experience when he put himself in a tricky situation that taught him a valuable lessons. In the early days of Microsoft, he was confident in his coding skills but was still getting a grasp on project management, which he shares became ‘abundantly clear’ when he promised Intel that he’d deliver a form of their basic software in four weeks. “They thought I was crazy to promise it that fast, and it turned out that they were right. We were two weeks late,” he shared.To his rescue -- and serving as one of his mentor -- was what Gates called a ‘precise, hard-driving guy’, Andy Grove. “...Andy oversaw their strategy and operations, and he championed the idea of management by objective. Andy and I became friendly over the years, I studied several of the business books he wrote early on, and Microsoft adopted some of the methods that Intel used. I consider Andy one of the great business leaders of the 20th century,” he explained. And the way Andy ran the show? It’s based on Doerr’s OKR -- Objectives and Key Results -- management system. This book describe why this is an effective way of measuring employees, company metrics and beyond. “I’d recommend John’s book for anyone interested in becoming a better manager—and I’d say that even if I hadn’t been interviewed for a super-nice chapter about the Gates Foundation,.” he shared in his blog.>> SEE IT ON AMAZON.COMBad Blood by John CarreyouLittle known fact about Gates that might not be all that surprising: while he usually feels as if he can’t put a book down, he doesn’t subscribe to the genre of ‘page turners.’ Except for this one read that he said was so compelling, he couldn’t tear himself away from each and every last paragraph. So what’s it about? A gripping glimpse into the reality of the Silicon Valley, based on a true story. “Bad Blood tackles some serious ethical questions, but it is ultimately a thriller with a tragic ending. It’s a fun read full of bizarre details that will make you gasp out loud. The story almost feels too ridiculous to be real at points—no wonder Hollywood is already planning to turn it into a movie). I think it’s the perfect book to read by the fire this winter,” he shared in his blog.>> SEE IT ON AMAZON.COMWhen Breath Becomes Air by Paul KalanithiPrepare to cry, since this one will definitely get right to your soul. Even for Gates, who didn’t love ‘The Last Lecture’ or ‘Tuesdays With Morrie’, two of the most infamous tear-jerkers about death. Though he’s a fan of this best-selling book as a hole, he called out the epilogue specifically as a time when he chokes up, where the wife of the author writes: “I visit his grave often, taking a small bottle of Madeira, the wine of our honeymoon destination. Each time, I pour some out on the grass for Paul … and rub the grass as if it were Paul’s hair. Cady [their daughter[ visits his grave before her nap, lying on a blanket … grabbing at the flowers we’ve laid down.’ It’s one of those books that Gates knows he’ll read again, just to take more away from the pages. “This short book has so many layers of meaning and so many interesting juxtapositions—life and death, patient and doctor, son and father, work and family, faith and reason…,” he continued. “I don’t know how Kalanithi found the physical strength to write this book while he was so debilitated by the disease and then potent chemotherapy. But I’m so glad he did. He spent his whole brief life searching for meaning in one way or another—through books, writing, medicine, surgery, and science. I’m grateful that, by reading this book, I got to witness a small part of that journey.”>> SEE IN ON AMAZON.COMEducated by Tara WestoverGates calls this recent best-seller an amazing story—and one that reminded him of the Netflix documentary, ‘Wild, Wild Country.’ “Both explore people who remove themselves from society because they have these beliefs and knowledge that they think make them more enlightened. Their belief systems benefit from their separateness, and you’re forced to be either in or out,” he explains. He appreciates Westover’s approach to detailing her upbringing, never being what Gates considers cruel, but being honest. “It’s clear that her whole family, including her mom and dad, is energetic and talented. Whatever their ideas are, they pursue them,” he continued. “I was especially interested to hear her take on polarization in America. Although it’s not a political book, Educated touches on a number of the divides in our country: red states versus blue states, rural versus urban, college-educated versus not.”A tantalizing look into the education system, family dynamics and self-imposed expectations, Gates says Westbrook captures all of these growing pains beautifully. “It’s the kind of book that I think everyone will enjoy, no matter what genre you usually pick up. She’s a talented writer, and I suspect this book isn’t the last we’ll hear from her. I can’t wait to see what she does next,” he raved in his blog.>> SEE IT ON AMAZON.COMRELATED READING:7 Life-Changing Books That Inspired Emma Watson to Be a Leader9 Life-Changing Books That Inspired Tom Hanks to Live His Most Purposeful Life5 Life-Changing Books That Inspired Meryl Streep to Live Her Most Colorful Life

5 Life-Changing Books That Inspired Meryl Streep to Live Her Most Colorful Life
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5 Life-Changing Books That Inspired Meryl Streep to Live Her Most Colorful Life

As one of the most renowned and respected American actresses, Meryl Streep’s long-lasting career is an inspiring and impressive one at least. Because of her captivating ability to take on a vast variety of roles and adopt accents effectively, it’s no wonder she holds the record nomination for Academy Awards, with 21 under her belt, three of which, she took home. She’s also been nominated for 31 Golden Globes and won eight of them, more than any actor. All of these accolades have awarded her prestigious recognition—from the National Medal of Arts and the Presidential Medal of Freedom to the Golden Globe Cecil B. DeMille Award.RELATED: 5 Daily Habits to Steal from Meryl Streep Including Her Powerful Mantra for Self-ConfidenceIn general, Streep tends to keep her personal life just that, but has sometimes shared tidbits about those things that bring her joy. One of those is literature -- especially since many written works inspire the films she acts so beautifully in. Though she hasn’t been quite as outspoken as other actors about what’s on her bookshelf, we were able to dig up some information to inspire your book-buying habits. After all, who doesn’t want to embody the wisdom of Streep?The Bridges of Madison County by Robert James WallerStreep is honest about how much she read of this timeless classic, sharing she didn’t quite finish the book since it’s not the type of thing she thought she’d be interested in. However, she was proven wrong when two legendary influences in the entertainment industry convinced her otherwise. While chatting about the experience of making this iconic novel into a movie in the documentary, ‘An Old Fashioned Love Story: Making ‘The Bridges of Madison County,’ she shared: “...Then my friend Carrie Fisher gave Clint Eastwood my home phone number and he made me an offer I couldn’t refuse. It’s a book about their dreams — and they’re dreams not really meshing.”>> SEE IT ON AMAZON.COMOne True Thing by Anna Quindlen Infamous—and beloved—author and journalist Anna Quindlen has written many masterpieces, one of which Streep can’t get enough of. This story details the life of a successful magazine writer in New York City who finds out her mother is dying of cancer. To care for her, she leaves her high-paying gig and her fancy life to spend the last days with her family. For the first time, this writer feels connected to her mom who was more traditional than ambitious. The story takes twists and turns, and it’s one that Streep had to be part of. As she shared in the documentary ‘Making Of: One True Thing’: “When you have a favorite book, you feel like you own it in some way. When there was news that they were gonna make a film of it, I called my agent and said ‘find out about that.’”>> SEE IT ON AMAZON.COMYou Don't Look Your Age by Sheila NevinsIf humor is your prefered genre of books, then you can steal this one from Streep’s collection that definitely gives a refreshing look at aging and the pressures females face from society. Streep thanked Nevins for writing an ‘honest story about women’: “Thank you to Sheila Nevins for putting all this down for posterity. Women need this kind of honest excavation of the process of living.” So what’s it about? As a famed documentary producer and president of HBO Documentary Films for more than 30 years, she—hilariously—goes through the types of issues every female professional faces. This includes dealing with men at the top level, what it feels like to be a working mother, how to stay relevant in a world that focuses on youth, and of course, marriage, feminism and children. >> SEE IT ON AMAZON.COMThe Sign on Rosie's Door by Maurice Sendak On this author’s 80th birthday tribute, Streep proudly read an excerpt from this iconic book, detailing how powerful she found the pages. “There was a sign on Rosie's door that said, ‘If you want to know a secret, knock three times.’ One day, Kathy, Rosie's good friend, knocks three times and learns the secret—that Rosie is no longer Rosie, but Alinda, the lovely lady singer. What follows is the story of real children, playing as only children know how,” she raved. For a look into the world of children and how they experience life, Sendak says no one can quite capture their magic like Sendak, who masterfully weaves together sentences.>> SEE IT ON AMAZON.COMPostcards from the Edge by Carrie FisherIn this book, readers follow along the story of a young actress who goes through the difficult process of drug rehabilitation from a ‘drug hospital.’ Written by late actress Carrie Fisher, best known for her role in Star Wars, the story weaves through the world of Hollywood effortlessly. It’s one that Streep related to greatly, sharing with 92Y: “The book was so well written. Then the screenplay came and it was really sharp, amazing, and interesting, and filled with so many interesting illusions. I also that this [story] sounded like me.”>> SEE IT ON AMAZON.COMMorning Song by Sylvia PlathThough she didn’t share her own perspective on this poem, she did choose it to read out loud at the Academy of American Poets annual Poetry & the Creative Mind. Perhaps something about this brilliant words of Plath touched Streep: “Love set you going like a fat gold watch. The midwife slapped your footsoles, and your bald cry. Took its place among the elements. Our voices echo, magnifying your arrival. New statue. In a drafty museum, your nakedness Shadows our safety. We stand round blankly as walls. I’m no more your mother. Than the cloud that distills a mirror to reflect its own slow. Effacement at the wind’s hand. All night your moth-breath. Flickers among the flat pink roses. I wake to listen: A far sea moves in my ear. One cry, and I stumble from bed, cow-heavy and floral In my Victorian nightgown. Your mouth opens clean as a cat’s. The window square. Whitens and swallows its dull stars. And now you try. Your handful of notes; The clear vowels rise like balloons.” You can find the entire poem within the "Ariel" collection.>> SEE IT ON AMAZON.COMRELATED READING:3 Life-Changing Books That Inspired Will Smith to Succeed7 Life-Changing Books That Inspired Emma Watson to Be a Leader9 Life-Changing Books That Inspired Tom Hanks to Live His Most Purposeful Life

3 Lessons from Legendary The Lord of the Rings author, J. R. R. Tolkien
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3 Lessons from Legendary The Lord of the Rings author, J. R. R. Tolkien

With March 25th being Tolkien Reading Day, it’s as good a time as any to reflect on the legend of The Lord of the Rings author, J. R. R. Tolkien. Originally intended as one volume but published in three parts between 1954 and 1955, The Lord of the Rings (or simply LotR for short) is considered by many to be one of the greatest novels ever written.But the life of author and scholar J. R. R. Tolkien is arguably just as interesting, having been obsessed from a young age with language and eventually going on to develop and invent several of his own languages, serving in both WWI and WWII, and being a part of legendary writer group the Inklings, which included another famous author, C. S. Lewis. Much of Tolkien’s life can serve as inspiration, especially for those who are working now towards the pursuit of some passion to which they can not dedicate their full time to, Tolkien himself not writing fulltime throughout most of his life; even, surprisingly, while completing The Lord of the Rings. Faithless is he that says farewell when the road darkens.– J. R. R. TolkienHere are three lessons from legendary Lord of the Rings author, J. R. R. Tolkien. *Note: For a great biography on Tolkien, check out Humphrey Carpenter’s J.R.R. Tolkien: A Biography. 1. Pursue lifelong passions, not short-term goalsIn 1914, then 22-year-old John Ronald Reuel Tolkien read a phrase in an old English manuscript which would inspire him to eventually create one of the world’s most beloved fantasy novels. The word was “Middle Earth”, and from it came a short poem in which he wrote about “hobbits” and a world very different from our own. But the road for Tolkien to realize his sprawling story wasn’t a short one. In fact, just the timeline itself is mind-blowing:1917: Tolkien writes the first short-story based on his new world and mythos titled, “The Fall of Gondolin”.1930: Tolkien begins to tell his children bedtime stories of hobbits. 1937: The Hobbit, Tolkien’s first book set in Middle Earth, is published.1949: After Tolkien’s publisher asks for a sequel to The Hobbit, he begins work on The Lord of the Rings. Twelve years later, he completes it. 1954-55: All three installments of The Lord of the Rings are published.How’s that for patience? From the moment Tolkien read the old English manuscript and was inspired to the moment The Lord of the Rings was published was nearly an incredible four decades. The thing is, the only thing in the world that can keep a person going for that long is passion. Nowadays, much of the focus is on achieving results in as little time as possible and very little value is placed on patience and the importance of allowing things to develop. Most of the time, you have no control when something happens. You simply need to be patient enough to allow it to happen while you continue to work and let your passion guide you and keep you moving forward. Without a true passion for something, patience isn’t possible. And without patience, your chance of realizing any grand goal is low. Find your passion, latch on with everything you’ve got, and don’t ever let go. 2. You can create something amazing (even with your day job)Throughout the time that Tolkien was writing and developing his Middle Earth mythos and the stories that would come from it, he was enlisted to serve in WWI, assisted in WWII, and later worked mostly as a professor at Pembroke College. It was never his day job to write until he was later retired and, by the time The Hobbit was published, Tolkien was already well into his forties. To me, learning this was extraordinary. So many of us convince ourselves that we need to drop everything and “venture out” to make our dream come true. Because of this, we let financial and family responsibilities stop us. But the truth is if you’re smart and disciplined enough with your time, you can create something amazing with any amount of time.The only true measure is consistency. Can you set up a time each day where you work toward whatever the effort is, however little? Can you track your progress and do you make adjustments over time based on that information? If you can do that, you can do virtually anything over time with even one hour a day. 3. Know what is most important to you and believe in it no matter whatAs a professor and expert philologist (the study of language in oral and written historical sources), Tolkien could have spent more of his time contributing to his field as a scholar.However, Tolkien knew what his passion was and what was most important to him. And that is what he devoted his time to, even when his colleagues criticized him for writing children’s stories, poetry, and creating his own languages. Many of us allow our actions to be dictated based on the believes, values, and perceptions of others. It’s hard believing in yourself when we’re programmed to look around us to others to see what we should be doing.When we see that we’re different, we feel apart from the group and that makes us uncomfortable. In the past, physical separateness from the tribe meant literal death, so we’re still trying to shake off this old programming. Tolkien fell in love with his self-created mythology and all of us have the fruits of his labor to enjoy for it. What could you create if you had the same belief in yourself and your own passion?