People have told us they're using our sisterly banter to start conversations with others (family, friends, and even in classrooms), so Black created "Conversation Starters".
|
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 (I’m not going to get into the fact I avoid conflict at all costs) means that my emotions drive my reaction and approach, which (as Black likes to point out) makes the problem even more, well, problematic. |
|
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 just 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 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. |
red head
assets.rebelmouse.io
Black
assets.rebelmouse.io
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?
People have told us they're using our sisterly banter to start conversations with others (family, friends, and even in classrooms), so Black created "Conversation Starters".
No one likes to feel out of control, unprepared, and scared. But as Red will tell you, life can change in an instant (whether it’s a crisis impacting many or one that seems very personal). She’ll also tell you that when everything seems so negative, it’s difficult to have a positive mindset (or even a non-emotional perspective) …
|
In some ways, it seems like decades ago that my husband got
fired, in other ways it seems like yesterday. I felt then so many of the same emotions that people are going through today
due to the coronavirus. I was so
scared. And unprepared. At the time, I thought he'd work for the company
where he had been for years until he retired, and by then we'd have a second
home and would live happily ever after. I never thought anything would change that plan. Everything was perfect, until my life,
literally overnight, became a living nightmare.
|
|
Yes, and as I told you at the time … you needed to calm
down. I said that a lot. Still do.
Anyway, I remember telling you to take a deep breath … and that you
would get through it. And, you did. Although
you constantly questioned whether you had the ability to do so.
|
- Your life can change in an instant. Can you be prepared? How can you plan for the unknown?
- What are other unplanned life events?
People have told us they're using our sisterly banter to start conversations with others (family, friends, and even in classrooms), so Black created "Conversation Starters".
|
I’ll admit that I hate technology
and prefer to keep my ostrich head in the sand. But although I’ve slowly gotten better and try not to immediately
default into freakout mode, all this talk about Artificial Intelligence (AI) not
only confuses me but scares me. It
reminds me of the 1968 movie “2001 A Space Odyssey,” the
computer named HAL,
and the potential of machines to harm vs. help us. (Yes, I’m being a bit dramatic, but then again,
maybe not …)
Black and I have talked about how it can be used to help solve some of the world’s most challenging problems, like cancer, but wherever there’s opportunity for good, there can also be bad actors. And it’s all happening so incredibly fast as it seems like there’s some new development almost daily, and I don’t want to have to understand it, let alone learn how to use it. |
|
It is already impacting society, and although many people play
with it like a toy, early adopters see its value as a powerful tool – for good
and evil. It does not help that the “Godfather
of AI”, as well as one of the creators
of ChatGPT (a leading AI
system where users can pose questions), are warning us of the
potential dangers of the technology and the need to slow things down and have
guardrails in place. It is critical to remember that denial does not change reality. AI will become increasingly important for businesses that want to stay competitive and will dramatically impact the labor market by automating some tasks. But, it will mean critical thinking skills will be more important than ever. And, as AI becomes more integrated into our personal lives, it will be essential for us to understand the basics – both what it can and cannot do. |
THE CONVERSATION STARTERS
- What is Artificial Intelligence (AI)? How does AI “learn” (get its information)?
- Does AI scare or excite you? Why?
- What are the benefits of AI? What are the challenges or risks associated with AI?
- Do you think AI will impact you personally and/or professionally? If so, how do you plan to be prepared?