Should, Must, Have to

Tree Looking UpTrying to catch my breath between work and teaching and my research project, I realized I have not posted my New Year’s Resolution for this year to once again share what I am thinking about (in the hopes that it may trigger some reflection, keep me honest, and perhaps give me some support). I think I did somewhat well with the one I worked on (as personal improvement) in 2009.

Now, for 2010, I am trying to be more present to the uses of the terms should, must, and have to. Perhaps more than being a little present and aware of them, I am trying to limit their use in my verbiage, as they seem to get me into nothing but trouble.

Should implies some obligation, whether externally driven or internally focused. Either way, the issue of power is involved, with me at the receiving end of it. Whether I am told I should do this or that (usually to support somebody else’s agenda) or I believe I should do something (usually related to childhood control issues to see the world in a certain way), I often find that guilt and follow-the-leader (who somehow always knows better and more) drive me in ways I often do not want to go. It is so easy to do things because other people conveniently do the thinking (i.e., power issue alert!) for me (you?).

Must is the same, though it often comes from a higher moral, patriotic, academic, or organizational place. I would never be blogging for years or engaging in interesting research if I only listened to ways how I must think, believe, do, or say. Is Have to much different?

took one Ambien No Prescription pill for the night. In the morning I came to, in some bewilderment.

Now, I am not that much of an activist (ok, I am alas not one at all), and am not advocating any behavior beyond my own change in perspective. However, this may be where activism does start . . .

Jeffrey’s Twitter Updates for 2010-01-03

  • The 6th International Congress of Qualitative Inquiry (QI2010) is still taking abstracts http://www.icqi.org/participation.html #
  • Trying to install EndNote X3. #
  • RT @cnnbrk: Terminal C at Newark Airport shut down after man walked through the wrong side of a checkpoint exit. http://bit.ly/7KvWX8 #
  • Grading tends to go more smoothly when I am listening to Beyonce. #
  • Ate Thai food for dinner at this new Thai place in Chelsea (what a surprise). Now, back to prepping for tomorrow's class. #
  • Getting Starbucks while running errands. Have been working all day in the apt. #

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Jeffrey’s Twitter Updates for 2010-01-02

  • 9 new comments on "Silence and Voice" and more http://bt.io/CSTj #
  • Long day of business communication. I find teaching this valuable as it always keeps it fresh in my mind. #
  • Lunch time. Hope my students take the time to clear their minds, and not just work on their presentations. #
  • The classroom door is locked. "Classes start today?" I am asked? Certainly hope so, since I broke out my cufflinks. #
  • Early morning to teach, but to NYU Stern I go. #
  • Avatar was absolutely amazing. #

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The Benefit of Generous Research Participants

I have the fortunate problem to have more potential research participants than I can use. This is in many ways a great problem to have, as some colleagues face just the opposite. I credit this to a somewhat untapped area of study, one that invites personal reflection and growth, where I supposed that people may have a passion and an interest that may lead to some interesting directions.

All this remains to be seen as I hope to begin the interviews next week (as this research paper is due in only five more weeks). My challenge now is to try to figure out what criteria to use to determine how to narrow down such a generous bunch.

I think I want an international representative sample (and being a New Yorker studying in the UK, this does make some sense), with people from different countries and academic affiliations). I hope to have some men and women. I do want the participants to be engaged (current or previously) in formal academic study, using social media (a blog, Twitter, Facebook, etc.) to express (or process) their learning along the way.

I really hope that some of the learning that is shared via social media is of the sort of paradigmatic shifts, significant critical examination, or of a transformational nature — though all of this will be explored in the interview.

It may be a little ironic that I am writing this while sitting in a theatre awaiting Avatar, a tale about identity and personal learning, to begin. I hope to reach out to some people, who already contacted me, directly beginning tomorrow.

I feel good about the direction this is headed, and think there may be some interesting findings ahead.

Jeffrey’s Twitter Updates for 2010-01-01

  • Planning to see Avatar, though on a regular screen and not in Imax 3D (which is sold out in all the NYC theatres through Monday. 🙁 ). #
  • Smooth drive into the city. Wonder if I am the only one awake yet? #
  • Beautiful snow overnight. #
  • I have my resolution in mind, and will write about it tomorrow at some point. Will be nice to reflect on my progress on this year's. #
  • We rang in the New Year ringing our neighbor's church's bell 10x each. #
  • Just finished playing Ticket to Ride Europe. Fun game with friends. Now to clean and watch the ball. #

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