"Are You Fully Charged?" Blog

 Chapter 11     By: Ella Richards     Chapter 11 of, Are You Fully Charged,  is about starting off small and being clear. Meaning that if you want to make friends with someone in the workplace or anywhere, start off with small conversations, and eventually that friendship will develop! On page 88 of the book, Rath says, "But I have learned that making fun of myself is often the safest to do, given the risk of offending others in unfamiliar situations" (Rath). I personally find this quote to be true! I am that friend that is always trying to make others laugh and brighten their day. That usually ends up with myself or others making fun of me but in a friendly way. That is just how it has always been like! Especially when I am around others that I do not really know, I want to make a meaningful connection with them. If I can make a lasting impression on someone and then that develops into a friendship, that is good with me. If I am being honest, it took me a ...

 Chapter 10     By: Ella Richards     So far, I feel as though reading,  Are You Fully Charged, has changed some of the little things I do and see in my daily life. In chapter 10 specifically, Tom Rath wants people to focus on making each interaction or conversation you have to be 80% positive. I think that this concept is quite beneficial. This is because, when talking to someone you do not want to be overly positive, but you also do not want to be super negative! It is better you be more positive than negative though because your positiveness can help change someone's day for the better.  For example, I remember one time one of my best friends was having one of her bad days, and I wanted to help her feel better, for even just a little. I decided to take her out and treat her to lunch. I know this small action of mine may not have been a mood changer all together, but it at least took her mind off of the things she was worried about.    ...

 Chapter 9     By: Ella Richards     Chapter 9 of Are You Fully Charged?  by Tom Rath talks about how every single interaction you have, no matter how big or small it is, can change someone's life. He talks about a doctor who was treating a woman's mother. And then later he got a call from a guy, who was the woman's husband's best friend who needed help because he was sick. That interaction he made with that woman, made him realize just how much of an impact people have on each other. Rath says, "The actions you take throughout every single day accumulate to shape your years, decades, and overall life" (Rath). I love this statement! Whatever I do today or tomorrow, can affect the rest of my future. It all depends if it is a positive or negative outlook on life.      You never know what is going on in somebody else's life. If I see someone on the street just walking and I just give them a small compliment, that could change their whole day. Th...

 Chapter 8     By: Ella Richards     In chapter 8 of, Are You Fully Charged  by Tom Rath, it talks about focusing on work for 45 minutes and then taking a break for 15 minutes. I think that this concept, taken from the Finland Education system, is a very good method of doing almost anything. He says that children were no longer dragging their feet after this break, rather they had found some energy.           I know from my high school education, my teachers tried to do nonstop work for 35 minutes, and then the last five to ten minutes of class we could either relax or start our work. When we had this break, it gave us the chance to reenergize and get my focus back and ready for the next class. When I have breaks from my work, rather than a lecture for 45 minutes to an hour, I am more attentive. These breaks give students and even adults time to process new information and relax their brains.      This chapter, I...

 Chapter 7     By: Ella Richards     In chapter 7 of  Are You Fully Charged? by Tom Rath, he talks about staying focused and not letting distractions get to you. I think throughout the whole book so far, this chapter is going to help me the most. He says, "By one estimate, the average worker loses 28% of each day to distraction" (Rath). I am someone who gets distracted very easily, and I probably lose more than 28% of my days because of how much I get distracted. Especially now, since I am attending college online and at home. I am much more susceptible to distractions. I try my hardest to put my phone down during class, and for the most part, I do not look at it. It is after classes when I should be doing my "homework", that I am checking my phone so much. As I reflect back on it, it is not healthy at all. Now in the Digital Age, everyone is on their phones more often and it is causing a strain on our mental health, by how much time we are using by being d...

 Chapter 6 By: Ella Richards     In chapter 6 of,  Are You Fully Charged? by Tom Rath he talks about how you should stay true to yourself and follow your own footsteps. He says, "Even in the worst situations, you can find opportunities for growth" (Rath). This statement really sticks out to me, because I can relate to it on a personal level. For example, when I do poorly on a test or exam I am upset about it for the first few hours. But with this I also find myself hoping for growth. I know for next time I need to study just a little bit longer and try and really focus on doing good.            This chapter made me really look at how I can create meaning in my life, by just following my dreams. I need to focus on what I want to do in life and what makes me  happy. Although making my parents happy is always a plus, I need to do what I think is the right choice for me. I should be following in my own footsteps. The same thing sho...