GCU Approaching Self Improvement Discussion

I just need the responses to the following classmates for two discussion questions.

6.1

People who knew Alfred Adler personally often recalled his saying, “things can be different”. Adler, an optimist, believed and relayed to others a belief that life can be different, can improve, and that we can improve and become different.

In Adlerian psychology, there is only one improvement that counts – and that is an individual improvement in a context of and by improving the lives of others. Based on this week’s reading, please be prepared to discuss:

• If you were to present a self-improvement workshop for extremely discouraged, burned out, and underpaid staff of a homeless shelter, what would be your ten points of practical, uplifting, rich, and convincing advice to them?

Your post will be approximately 350 words but can be written in a format of a workshop presentation script. You need to use references. In your peer responses, think of yourself as a participant in a workshop. What was the most convincing in your classmate’s “talk”? What could make a difference? What will stay with you?

Response 1

If you were to present a self-improvement workshop for extremely discouraged, burned out, and underpaid staff of a homeless shelter, what would be your ten points of practical, uplifting, rich, and convincing advice to them?

Introduction

Good morning, everyone. My name is Al Williams, and I’m here to encourage you to talk about the energetic power of self-improvement. I know that many of you are feeling discouraged, burned out, and underpaid. But I want to assure you that things can be different. You can improve your situation and make a difference in the lives of the people you serve.

I’ve volunteered in the homeless services field for many years and have seen firsthand your challenges. But I’ve also seen the incredible work that you do. You provide food, shelter, and hope to people who have lost everything. Most importantly, You offer a community of love and understanding for a group of people who, many times, have been forgotten by society. You give them a second chance and help them rebuild their lives.

I know your work can be challenging. You work long hours, deal with difficult people, and often feel like you’re not making a difference. But I want to encourage you to keep going. You are making a difference. You are changing lives.

In today’s talk, I will share tips on improving self-care, finding meaning in your work, and connecting with others. I will also discuss the importance of setting boundaries and asking for help. At the conclusion of my talk, I hope that each of you will realize the incredible community of like-minded mission-oriented colleagues around you that you can turn to for motivation and encouragement.

These tips will help you to feel more motivated and fulfilled in your work. Please take them to heart and continue to do your incredible work.

1. Remember your purpose

Remember your Why? Why did you choose to work at a homeless shelter in the first place? What are your hopes and dreams for the people you serve? Remind yourself of these things when you’re feeling tired and discouraged. Remember why you’re doing this work; it will give you the strength to keep going. Set realistic goals. Try to do only a little at a time. Start with small goals you can achieve, then build on your success. Celebrate your successes. When you reach a goal, take some time to celebrate your accomplishment. This will help you stay motivated and focused.

1. Take care of yourself. (Self Care)

“The first step to helping others is to help yourself.” Dr. Alfred Adler

Self-care improves your health and ability to help others. Sleeping, eating well, and exercising are essential. It also involves unwinding. You’re more alert when you’re rested, fed, and active. You’re also more resilient and optimistic. This helps you better care for others.

Specific self-care tips:

• Sleep plenty. Adults should sleep 7-8 hours.
• Eat well. Eat lots of fruits, veggies, and whole grains.
• Exercise often. Most days, exercise moderately for 30 minutes.
• Relax and decompress. This might include reading, listening to music, being outdoors, or doing something you enjoy.
• Self-care reduces illness—more energy and stamina. Self-care reduces stress, anxiety, and sadness. You’ll also be more resilient. Self-care improves relationships. You’ll be more empathetic.
• Take care of yourself. You’re deserving!

Self-care benefits you and those you serve. You’ll be glad you prioritized it.

1. Connect with others

“The feeling of community is the most powerful instrument for the promotion of health and progress.” Dr. Alfred Adler

Talk to your colleagues, friends, or family about your feelings. They can offer support and encouragement. You’re not alone in this; some people care about you and want to help.

1. Seek professional help

If you’re feeling overwhelmed or depressed, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. A therapist can provide the necessary tools to cope with stress and burnout.

1. Set boundaries

It’s important to set boundaries between work and personal life. This means not taking work home with you or letting your work problems consume you. When you’re not at work, focus on your personal life. This will help you stay sane and refreshed.

1. Find meaning in your work

Look for ways to connect with the people you serve and to make a difference in their lives. This will help you feel more fulfilled in your work. Seeing the positive impact you’re having on others will give you a sense of purpose and satisfaction.

1. Celebrate your successes

When you do something good, take a moment to celebrate your success. This will help you stay motivated and focused. When you recognize your accomplishments, it will help you feel good about yourself and your work.

1. Don’t be afraid to ask for help

If you’re struggling, feel free to ask for help from your colleagues, supervisors, or other resources. People want to help you, so don’t hesitate to reach out.

1. Remember that you’re not alone

Many people who work in the helping professions experience burnout. You’re not alone in this. Others understand what you’re going through, and resources are available to help you.

1. Take a break.

If you’re feeling burned out, taking a break from work may be helpful. This could mean taking a vacation, a sabbatical, or even a few days off. Taking time for yourself will help you recharge and return to work feeling refreshed.

Conclusion

I know things can be tough sometimes, but I believe in you. You can improve your situation and make a difference in the lives of the people you serve. So please, don’t give up. Remember your purpose, take care of yourself, and connect with others. And if you need help, don’t be afraid to ask for it. God Bless you!

References:

Adler, A. (1998). What Life Could Mean to You. Hazelden, Information & Educational Services.

Bluvshtein, M. (2019). Striving for belongingness – A furthering of Adler’s theoryLinks to an external site. [Video]. AdlerPedia. https://www.adlerpedia.org/people/308#resource-558

Ferguson, E.D. (2003). Social processes, personal goals, and their intertwining: Their Importance in Adlerian theory and practice Links to an external site.. Journal of Individual Psychology, 59(2), 136-144.

Response 2

1. Create achievable goals that vary in effort and difficulty that help to guide your life in the direction you want. Little steps add up and there is a snowball effect that can make a significant impact on motivation to continue (Ferguson, 2003).

2. Make connections with others through acts of service. This will improve your sense of belonging, as humans are social creatures and will increase your intrinsic value in society, improving your life and others in your community (Ferguson, 2003).

3. Think deeply about your occupation and the impact on those you serve. In times of doubt, burnout, or sadness, think about the positive impact you bring to those around you by showing up every day.

4. Encourage your peers and they’ll encourage you to continue moving forward on tough days. Encouragement increases optimism which will increase your happiness, health and productivity (Ferguson, 2003). It also increases positive expectations and willingness to exert effort towards overcoming obstacles (Ferguson, 2003).

5. Consider how you are appraising the situations you are faced with. Changing how you appraise challenges in a more positive way will allow for a more controllable emotional response to the challenge (Ferguson, 2003).

6. When faced with a negative emotional response, try to be mindful of why it’s happening. What missed goal is driving the emotion (Ferguson, 2003)? Is this a long-term goal or short-term goal? Don’t let the feelings fester, find out why and how you can continue to strive to meet the goal, even with the setback.

7. Goals serve to provide consistency by preserving internal stability; set both long-term and short-term goals that can help you adapt to the lifestyle you seek (Ferguson, 2003).

8. When you feel distressed, find a person who you feel safe and comfortable with to express your feelings, this can reduce your discomfort and provide insight into why you are feeling this way (Ferguson, 2003).

9. Try to cultivate belongingness in all aspects of your life, in all relationships, in all communities you are involved in. It will provide you with a compass that directs you in the right direction in your life (Bluvshtein, 2019).

10. “Life presents only such problems as require ability to cooperate for their solution” (Adler, n.d., as cited in Bluvshtein, 2019) – lean on your peers to overcome the challenges you face at work together, work together and combine your resources.

References:

Bluvshtein, M. (2019). Striving for belongingness – A furthering of Adler’s theory. [Video]. AdlerPedia. https://www.adlerpedia.org/people/308#resource-558

Ferguson, E.D. (2003). Social processes, personal goals, and their intertwining: Their Importance in Adlerian theory and practice. Journal of Individual Psychology, 59(2), 136-144.

6.2

When all original posts for [6.1] are posted, please view your week’s reading, your classmates’ discussions, and your own post with the cultural lens – your culture, others’ culture. Please discuss the following:

• What do you now see that you have not noticed before?
• How might a cultural framework change the conversation?
• What did speak to you as a cultural being in your classwork this week?

Your post will be approximately 200 words. You may use references, but this is not a requirement. In your peer responses, please challenge yourself to see the issue “with the eyes of another, hear with the ears of another, and feel with a heart of another” (A.Adler).

Response 1

Understanding and appreciating the many backgrounds, experiences, and values that the personnel of the homeless shelter may bring to the table is essential when approaching the self-improvement program through a cultural lens. It involves creating a safe space for cultural expression and advocating for a more inclusive and equitable work environment within the homeless shelter. It also entails taking into account how cultural aspects may affect their viewpoints on well-being and self-improvement.

From a cultural lens, it will be essential to acknowledge and respect the diversity of the staff and the people they serve to boost the morale and connectedness of the staff. This can look like encouraging open discussions about cultural differences and the impact they may have on their experiences and perceptions of burnout and discouragement. It is also important yo recognize that various cultures may have distinctive coping strategies and methods for handling stress and burnout. Encourage employees to look into culturally relevant approaches that speak to their personal experiences.

As a cultural being, I identify with the scenario for this week’s discussion. A lot of the time, work regarding human services can be taxing on one’s mental health and general well-being. I have been in the situation where my team and I were worn out after helping our clients get ahead. We all handled the burn-out differently, but we did manage to keep communication and a safe space for each other to express ourselves in ways that made sense for who they were as cultural beings. We would take these moments to also learn about each other when it was appropriate and it ultimately helped our relationships with each other. Looking back, I now can associate this with fostering mutual respect.