Dummy List & Tools 5

Over the years (and much to our surprise), we’ve found that many of the ideas and approaches Black shared with Red to help her deal with an assortment of topics are resonating with people of all ages. (Red will be the first to tell you that Black sees things differently than most people … while Black just sees herself as extremely pragmatic.) It may be because many are what Red describes as "instantly actionable" items or “duh” moments. Others may simply get you to stop and think. But that, too, is a good thing. So, we created this LEARNING FOR LIFE section.

LOTS OF LISTS

Red will be the first to admit that she’s learned that lists for the sake of having lists is not productive. But over the years, we’ve been told our lists are often valuable checklists. Some were ones Black created for Red when she was going through her “crisis” (Red’s word, not Black’s), while others were created when we were teaching at KIPP Houston High School. But over the years, we’ve developed ones in response to conversations we’ve had with people, although Black may come up with lists just to get you thinking.

CONVERSATION STARTERS

People told us they’re using our sisterly banter to start conversations with others — family, friends, at work, and even in classrooms — so Black created CONVERSATION STARTERS. Each provides our perspectives but then lists some “leading questions” to get the conversation started.

We all have those days when we feel life is out of control, so we’ll continue to provide you with information and tools that we hope you’ll not only enjoy and find useful, but also want to share.

Technically, they’re weekly newsletters, but readers have told us they get them thinking — get them talking — get them taking action, so sign up on the "sticky bar" at the bottom of the page.

overview of learning for life
Learning For Life

One Person’s Problem … Is Another’s Challenge?!

Design by Sawyer Pennington

Our banter may start with two sisters, but it’s getting families, friends, and even classrooms talking.


red head red head assets.rebelmouse.io

I suspect I’m not alone when I say I have a problem with problems. I know I can’t make them go away, but they often seem overwhelming, especially if they’re going to take a lot of time and effort to resolve. And if they’re a “serious” problem, my natural tendency is to “freak out”, which makes matters even worse because then I don’t even know where to start. Or even if I’m capable of dealing with it.

Being a warm and fuzzy person (not to mention I avoid conflict at all costs) means my emotions drive my reactions and approach, which (as Black likes to point out) makes the problem even more, well, problematic.


Black's Head Black assets.rebelmouse.io

When we talk about problems, it is usually about something that is difficult to deal with or understand. It is something that stands in our way, hinders us from achieving a particular goal, or adds to an already overburdened to-do list. And, problems cause stress. No wonder problems create a negative attitude or outlook.

But, what if you took that same situation and looked at it as something that needs to be overcome? Recognizing that it may take a significant amount of time and effort, but in the end, you will feel a sense of accomplishment. Would that change your approach? And, what if you break it into smaller pieces and create interim milestones?

Being pragmatic (and competitive), challenges are an opportunity to accomplish or prove something.

THE CONVERSATION STARTERS

  • Why do you think Red and Black have such different attitudes toward problems/challenges?
  • Think of a problem. Can you turn it into a challenge? Will that help you tackle/resolve it?
  • Define “mindset” and “perspective.” How important are they to this conversation? Why?
mindset & perspective
Words & Banter

It Was A Rainy Friday

Photo by Nathan DeFiesta on Unsplash

So, curious how Red & Black started? Well, on the surface, it would seem our journey started with the launch of the book I co-authored with my sister, "What I Learned About Life When My Husband Got Fired!" But we all know that what leads up to the "start" of a journey can be just as important, and sometimes even more important. It's like a vacation, the actual vacation falls somewhere in the middle — after the planning and packing and before the post-vacation "recovery" phases that always seem to include lots of laundry.

But I digress (warning, I do that a lot). The real beginning of the journey started on a rainy Friday in January 2004.

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red's crisis
LIBRARY

You’ve Got To Hand It … To Minnie Mouse

Photo courtesy of Black


red headred headassets.rebelmouse.io

You've mentioned going to Make-A-Wish events where Wish kids learn they're about to go to Disney World in Orlando. So, I'm curious, do you wear your Minnie Mouse ears or oversized Mickey Mouse hands?


Black's HeadBlackassets.rebelmouse.io

They are called “Wish Reveals.” And, yes, to the ears. But, the hands are a bit much since they’re always distracting.


red headred headassets.rebelmouse.io

No kidding! I’ll never forget you wearing them for “Dress as your favorite character day” when we were teaching at KIPP Houston High School. It was one of the funniest Red & Black classes. Ever.


Black's HeadBlackassets.rebelmouse.io

The funny thing is that other than wearing the ears and oversized hands, everything else was impromptu.
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business