Mindset: Victim or Creator
Literally, we all have played the role of a victim or a creator some time in our life; however, if we chose to change our mindset by using tactics of our potential, motivation, and determination we are able to overcome the status of being a Victim to that of becoming a Creator. According to longtime college professor and textbook author, Skip Downing’s definitions, Creators are people who consistently make the choices that lead to the desires in life. They understand that they create their own outcomes. He says, on the other hand, that Victims are people who don’t feel that they affect the outcomes they get in life, that other people or situations which come up rather than create their desired outcomes (Downing 42).
In reference to Professor Mirman’s Blog, “You are the Prime Mover.” I can relate to the Second Student’s dilemma in not being able to find the book she needed for class. It can be very frustrating when you need a book for class and you find yourself not being able to find the book needed. I recently, experienced the same issue, I had ordered the book, “Living in the World: Cultural Themes for Writers”, on-line through E-Follett at the TNCC bookstore. After arriving, to pick up my books for the fall semester, to my surprise, there were no copies of the one I wanted on the shelves. I decided to go to Barnes and Noble to price the book only to find that it was more than what I could afford. While inquiring about renting the book, I found out it would have to be returned before the end of the semester. I immediately e-mailed Mr. Dollieslager, my English Professor, with my problem, and told him that I would not have the book for Monday’s class. Thanks to a quick response from him, I was able to rent the book from Chegg, an on-line book source with a return date that covered the book I wanted for the whole semester. Professor David Mirman says:
”In your life there is a prime mover, choosing what to focus on, integrating what you observe and learn (or choosing not to), making decisions, developing plans, and taking actions toward those plans (or not). This prime mover is responsible for putting your life in motion. You are the prime
mover of your life” (Mirman).
A few years ago, I applied for employment with the AARP Senior Employment Program. They assigned (these assignments are temporary with the possibility to hire) me to a library with another AARP employee. She had worked there for many years; even though our contract through the Department of Labor is 48 months. I had been assigned there for only 18 months when a new director was appointed and she implemented a new program called the “Job Club.” This Job Club was to allow each employee only six months on an assigned position. My co-worker’s contract came to an end with AARP. My arrangement with the library was only part-time and shortly after the branch manager expressed her desire to hire me with as an employee the City of Hampton. Due to conflicts with her and the library director, I was denied employment. I then decided to pursue a career at TNCC as an Administrative Support Technician. I received a phone call one day and was told that I was to participate in the “mandatory” Job Club. I informed the director that I had enrolled at TNCC and the schedule was in conflict with my class schedule. The director stated that my ex-coworker had stayed on her assignment too long and that it was my problem if I had started attending school. It became very stressful trying to go to work, attending the Job Club, and trying to go to school. Extremely demanding when using public transportation in weather that showed up in the form of dangerous heat, wind, rain, sleet, or snow. Finally, after months of working with this schedule, I called the director of AARP and ask to be transferred somewhere that would consider me for permanent employment. Eventually, I was transferred to the Urban League of Hampton Roads, where I’m currently employed.
I met Renee when she applied for employment opportunities through our Workforce Development Program at the Urban League of Hampton Roads. During the orientation, I noticed that she was withdrawn and was unwilling to cooperate during the session. Our protocol is to schedule clients a one-on-one appointment with Gary Armstrong, who was the workforce manager. After her meeting with Mr. Armstrong, we were informed that he didn’t think she would be a good candidate for the program. You see, because of her negative attitude and disposition, she was allowing those characteristics to have a profound effect on the goals she was pursuing. We partner with Tidewater Building Associates and other organizations to help promote employment opportunities. She was interested in Tidewater Builders and they were especially looking for women to enroll for free training while earning an HVAC certification. We, the staff, had a meeting about what to do as far as Renee was concerned. Mr. Armstrong eventually came up with the idea to have her to write an essay on why she wanted to work for Tidewater Builders. Renee wrote that essay while sitting in the office and boy were we in for a big surprise. She was articulate and not only that, her use of grammar and proper punctuation was on point. Renee was accepted to Tidewater Builders where she graduated at the top of her class. After graduating, she returned our office asking for help to fill an application for a security clearance to become a contractor for the Department of the Navy. She is now employed as a contractor with the United States Navy.
In summary, a Creator’s Mindset is essential when pursuing goals that are necessary for your success. To be successful; one must be committed to one self, must maintain a positive attitude, stay motivated, and always take responsibility for one’s own life. The bottom line is that you are the prime mover of your life.
Works Cited
Downing, Skip. On Course: Strategies for Creating Success in College and in Life, 7th ed. Boston: Cengage, 2014.
Mirman, David. “Do You Think Like a Victim or a Creator?” You are the Prime Mover. 2 Jan. 2012. 8 Dec.2014.
<http://youaretheprimemover.com/2012/do-you-think-like-a-victim-or-a-creator>.