What If Im Not Talented 4 Reasons We Put Off Learning New Skills

What If Im Not Talented 4 Reasons We Put Off Learning New Skills Suzy S. Learning a new skill, exploring a new hobby, or working toward a big goal can be both exciting and nerve-wracking. The cycle is all-too-common. Maybe you buy a brand new guitar or a bunch of books in another language, and youre pumped up to start learning! You noodle away for a while or thumb through some pages and then the doubts start to creep in. What if I have no musical talent? What if after months of practicing  Spanish I still get nervous talking to a native speaker? Those self-doubts can get the best of you if you let them but youre stronger than that, right? We recently surveyed our readers to find out some of the  common worries when it comes to taking lessons. Is it nerves? Is it fear that you wont be any good? Do you feel clueless about what  instrument to buy, or which supplies to invest in? Heres what we found out, followed by  advice straight from current students for overcoming the most common concerns. 1) Im worried I wont be talented  at my instrument, target language, etc. This was one of the most popular  responses  in  our survey. And we totally get it. But heres the  brutal truth: you probably wont be any good at first. So heres what you need to keep in mind: If youre a total beginner, remember that teachers are used to this! As long as youre motivated and excited about  learning, thats what your teacher wants to see. Your teacher is also there to give you real-time feedback. If youre trying to learn from prerecorded videos or books, youll miss out on that one-on-one help. With the right guidance and practice, youre bound to improve your skills. Learning just for fun? Even better! Try to think positively, and remember that even if youre learning slowly, youre still making progress. Setting small and specific goals can help immensely. And dont forget to  celebrate when you reach them! 2) Im worried formal lessons will make learning boring. Did your parents force you to take piano lessons as a child? Did you take a language class in high school or college to fulfill a credit  requirement? Heres a little secret: even if you disliked these lessons or classes back then, making the decision to learn something on your own is a totally different experience. Now is your chance to set your own goals. Are you learning a language for an upcoming vacation? Do you want to learn an instrument  for fun, to keep your mind sharp? Take some time to think about your motivations. Next comes the fun part. The great thing about working with a private teacher is that your lessons will be customized exactly for you. If youre clear about your goals, your teacher will work with you to keep you motivated so if youre feeling bored, speak up! 3) Im worried I wont have enough time to commit to learning, practicing, etc. Ah, the common excuse: I dont have time for lessons! In reality, its just a matter of reorganizing your time to make room for your hobbies.  We like to compare it to budgeting your money and that starts with setting those specific (and realistic) goals, taking advantage of practice time you may be overlooking, and following the pay-yourself-first rule (learn more here). Moreover, taking private lessons can actually keep you on track. Instead of wasting time on confusing online programs or watching tutorial videos out of order, your teacher will have  a plan to ensure youre making progress at the right pace. 4) Im worried my teacher wont be a good match for me. Yup, we get this one too. Working with  the right teacher can play a big part in your learning experience. Maybe you need someone whos great with kids, if youre booking lessons for your  son or daughter. Maybe you want to work with a teacher who specializes in a certain genre, dialect, or style.  Thousands of private teachers have joined TakeLessons, so youre bound to find a great one. So take a look, browse around, and let us know if you need some help. And dont worry  youre always covered by our 100% Satisfaction Guarantee. More tips here: The 7 Types of Learners How to Find the Best Teacher For YOU OK, ready to take the next step? You might still feel nervous thats OK. Even our pro teachers were in your shoes once. Heck, even Kurt Cobain, Misty Copeland, Mark Zuckerberg, and  anyone else who inspires you was once a beginner. And look where they are now. For the aspiring musicians out there, well share one last piece of advice from Belinda M., one of our guitar students: Learning to become a great musician is like the lottery You cant win if you dont play! How can you argue with that? Photo By  U.S. Army Need Private Lessons? Search thousands of teachers for local and live, online lessons. Sign up for convenient, affordable private lessons today! Search for Your Teacher

How Should You Act After Getting A Rejection Letter - Introvert Whisperer

Introvert Whisperer / How Should You Act After Getting A Rejection Letter - Introvert Whisperer How Should You Act After Getting A Rejection Letter? We all hate rejection.  It makes us feel bad that someone doesn’t really like or want us.  When you see you’ve been rejected in black and white it’s can take the wind out of our sail as a job seeker.  After we get a rejection letter and recover our balance the tendency is to shy away from that company, those people and maybe even that type of job.  It can and often does, change our behavior and often not in a way that serves us well.  Don’t let that be you. Let’s look at a rejection letter first and then what your actions and behavior should be following a rejection letter. What does a rejection letter really mean? If you made it through all of the screening processes as a candidate, you are obviously well qualified for the position you pursued.  It also means you’re doing a lot of things right in your job search to get this far.  Keep doing the right things. A rejection doesn’t mean you were a poor candidate, it means they felt more aligned with someone else.  You never know how difficult the decision may have been between you and someone else.  They had to make a decision and it could have come to something like a coin toss simply so they could move forward.  They had to pick someone. It means they thought well of you and despite any negative thoughts you might have about them, they’re feeling just fine about you.  The door on future opportunities is not closed.  In fact, now that they know you so well, you could be considered for other openings.  It’s more productive to utilize the applicant flow you have rather than dumping all the resumes and interview information than to start over again the next time. The fact that the company went so far as to send you a rejection letter is a sign of a well-run company.  So often these days, the job search is a black hole of communications.  If they thought enough of their candidates to do this level of follow up, you want to keep them on your radar. What should your behavior be? If you loved the position, hiring manager and company then keep working at getting hired for a position.  Just because they rejected you for this position doesn’t mean you wouldn’t be perfect for the next one.  It’s not a door closer. You now have a list of “insider” contacts that you can use to your advantage.  After you let the dust settle for a while, circle back around with your contacts and let them know you want to be considered for other positions now or in the future.  Showing some spunk and confidence is alluring and memorable. Keep your perspective about what this means.  A rejection letter shouldn’t cause you to change what you are doing unless this letter makes it a cool dozen you’ve received.  If you have repeatedly got to the final round of interviews and not chosen, then rethink how you might be presenting yourself. Sure, you’re going to feel rejected for a while after you get a rejection letter.  Go indulge and yourself today then get over it and keep doing all the right things that got you this far. Go to top Do you know what your next career step is?   Many people don’t. I want to help you accelerate your career by connecting you with your Free Instant Access to my eBook on how to construct your Career SMART Goals â€" that will help you put together your actions and keep you accountable.   Get your copy now and start your action plan today: CLICK HERE Brought to you by Dorothy Tannahill-Moran â€" dedicated to unleash your professional potential.

5 Brilliant A Cappella Covers to Brighten Your Day

5 Brilliant A Cappella Covers to Brighten Your Day Suzy S. In the past decade, with the popularity of shows like The Sing-Off and hit movies like Pitch Perfect, a cappella groups have found their heyday.  Once relegated to college campuses, many a cappella groups have also gained momentum with the help of the YouTube era. Musicians are going viral for creative covers, and fans are devouring these videos! If a cappella interests you or if you simply want to check out some creative tunes here are five covers to brighten your day (and maybe inspire you to sing your own). Nick  Pitera   This is Halloween A cappella groups don’t need to be groups at all anymore, with this Nightmare Before Christmas cover by Nick  Pitera  being a perfect example of the “solo group” concept. Heather  Traska   One Woman A Cappella Disney Medley Aside from obvious talent and thoughtful arrangements of beloved songs, one way a cappella groups (or solo artists) stand out online is through visual creativity. Heather  Traska  takes this to the next level in her Mariah Carey-inspired Disney medley, which she filmed over the course of 86 days.  Arranging 13 main songs and another 13 “quoted” songs entirely by ear, she recorded herself performing in several different hair and makeup looks, and spent an entire month on editing alone. The result is a visual and aural trip down memory lane for any Disney fan and a worldwide showcase for her talent and creativity. Best of all, if you like this medley,  Part Two  is only a click away! Peter  Hollens  feat. Jackie  Evancho   Hallelujah   Of course, if you want to sing a cappella, you don’t have to do it all yourself. You can actually form your a cappella groups with people  you’ve never even met! That’s exactly what Peter  Hollens  did for his cover of Hallelujah, adding the face and voice of Jackie  Evancho. While it would be easy to be intimidated by a song written by  Leonard Cohen  and famously covered by  Jeff Buckley, Peter and Jackie find new meaning in the legendary tune. Pentatonix   Evolution of Music This medley charts a course from  11th  century Gregorian chants to “Call Me Maybe” with notable stops in each decade of pop music along the way proving that a cappella groups can be just as comfortable covering Beethoven as they are Freddie Mercury, all within the same four-minute song. The members of  Pentatonix  won the third season of The Sing-Off, but were dropped by their label shortly afterwards. Undeterred, they started a YouTube channel that is currently the  42nd  most-subscribed in all of YouTube. UMass Amherst Doo  Wop  Shop Disney Medley Not all a cappella groups need to have carefully edited and recorded video presentations! This group gets by on nothing but coordinated outfits, charm, and endearing vocal talent as each member takes a solo in front of a hand-drawn logo on a blackboard. Uniquely personal with no instruments other than the singers own voices, a cappella groups are so much fun to be part of. If you can sing (or want to learn), there are no expensive instruments to buy or rehearsal space to rent. So why not give it a shot? Pick a song and get to singing! Want more ideas? Check out our roundup of  400+ songs to sing here! Interested in Private Lessons? Search thousands of teachers for local and live, online lessons. Sign up for convenient, affordable private lessons today! Search for Your Teacher

Linear Equations And Inequalities

Linear Equations And Inequalities An algebraic equation is a statement that the two expressions are equal. It can have one or more than one variable. An equation of the type ax + b = 0 where a not equal to 0 is called a linear equation in the variable x. A linear equation can be used to solve real world problems. Firstly we need to translate the verbal statement into mathematical statement and then solving the resulting equation. The statement which says that one quantity is not equal to another is called an Inequation. Generally linear inequation in the variable x may be expressed as ax + b is greater than or equal to 0 ax + b is less than or equal to 0 An Inequality is solved using the same rules as that of solving any linear equation except for multiplying or dividing by a negative number we always need to reverse the symbol of the inequality. Example 1: The perimeter of an equilateral triangle is 48 cm. What is the measurement of each of the sides? Solution: Let the length of each side be x. Equilateral triangle has all three sides equal. So, 3x = 48 Therefore, x = 48 / 3 = 16 Each side measures 16 cm. Example 2: Solve 2x + 1 5, x belongs to N. Solution: 2x + 1 - 1 5 1 [Subtracting 1 from both sides] 2x 4 x 2 [Dividing both sides by 2] The solution set = {1}.

3 Ways to Enhance Your Graduate School Application

3 Ways to Enhance Your Graduate School Application When you apply to graduate school, think of your application as your first encounter with someone whom you admire. You want to make a positive first impression. While the application may seem two-dimensional, its different parts provide ample opportunities through which you can highlight your strengths. You may find thiscollege student's guide to applying to grad schooluseful as well.As you compile your essays, recommendations, transcripts, and resume, check out these three ways to creatively enhance your graduate school application. 1. Draw on your unique background and experiences When you write your essays and resume, reflect on what makes you unique. Think about the clubs in which you have participated and the leadership roles you have taken on, especially those that relate to your intended field of study. By showing you exceeded what was required of you, especially in an academic setting, you are sure to stand out. In addition, consider mentioning any jobs and internships you have held in the past. Do not discount part-time or volunteer experiences; they can also help demonstrate to admissions officers your seriousness about pursuing graduate school. These are some great tips on how to write a resume for grad school applications. Assess your experiences outside of school and work as well. To where have you traveled, either in your free time or through a program? What about your personal background? Did you move around much as a child, which forced you to adapt quickly to new situations? Or did you stay in one place and get to know your community well? Are you passionate about a certain cause? How would you diversify your prospective schools student body? Pinpointing your unique characteristics will help your graduate school application to stand out. 2. Research and connect with the school Get familiar with the schools to which you are applying. Adjust your applications for each school. Browse the university website, and take note of what the university values in prospective and current students. Do they emphasize certain values over others, such as leadership, teamwork, or diversity? Next, think about how your own interests and experiences relate to those values. If you relate your priorities to those of the institution, admissions officers will be impressed. If you can, schedule formal or informal interviews. Begin casual correspondence with the admissions department, the department of your intended major, or alumni. This interaction will aid you in getting to know the school better. The simple act of reaching out could even add points to your application you never know! 3. Include a relevant anecdote The main goal of the application essay is to show that you are a thoughtful, articulate individual. Admissions board members will notice how hard you have worked through your transcripts and resume; it is the essay where your voice and personality shine. At the beginning of your essay, include a personal experience that strongly relates to your intended field of study. Consider turning points in your life for example, when you were first inspired to pursue your line of study or when you gained greater traction in the field. Did you have an experience during your childhood, adolescence, or young adult years when you were challenged and learned something monumental? Seek out ways to relate these experiences to your goals and your desire to study at that specific school. There is nothing more humanizing and balancing to the application than a relevant and well thought-out personal story. This is a great list of the best classes for grad school admissions. You will spend much time self-reflecting throughout the graduate school application process. Remember that you have a lifetime of experiences you can include; relate them to the university you wish to enter. The admissions department will be able to read the confidence in your application, both in your past studies and prospective studies at their institution.

Happy National Volunteer Month! - Heart Math Tutoring

Happy National Volunteer Month! - Heart Math Tutoring Happy National Volunteer Month! Happy National Volunteer Month! April 5, 2018 April is National Volunteer Month and we want to take a moment to extend our deepest gratitude for each and every one of our amazing volunteers. Across 17 partner schools, over 980 volunteers are dedicating their time every week to provide Charlotte students with the strong foundation in math and the confidence they need for long-term success. Our volunteers are on the forefront delivering the one-on-one instruction students need while also serving as mentors and advocates for our students and schools. We wanted to share some words of gratitude from our school partners who are appreciative of the support our volunteers are providing for their students. Not only are the students learning and getting caught up, but they are learning the new material much quicker and easier. They all also LOVE the time they get to spend with their tutors. 3rd Grade Teacher at Sterling Elementary I thank all the volunteers for showing up and supporting students, creating bonds and being a positive adult in their lives. The work that is done helps students start from the point of their initial academic gap and builds forward. 3rd Grade Teacher at Whitewater Academy I cant thank you enough for all that you do. You are needed on a daily basis. Thank you for showing my students you care about their future! 2nd Grade Teacher at Nathaniel Alexander Elementary I sincerely appreciate the time and effort put forth by my kids tutors. They always greet them with a smile of encouragement they all need. My scholars know their tutors care about them and that means the world to me as their teacher. 1st Grade Teacher at Shamrock Gardens Elementary We also want to thank the many organizations employers, civic groups, faith groups who spread the word and share their employees, members, and teams with Heart Tutoring at CMS elementary schools. Volunteer partners are listed here. Our volunteers are truly the heart of Heart Math Tutoring!If you are interested in getting involved with Heart Tutoring, it is never too late to make a difference. Sign up for the 2018-19 school year by completing the form here. -The Heart Math Tutoring Team

Trave

Trave The English spoken in the Scottish highlands is often quite different to the English spoken in the rest of the country. It is very influenced by Scotts Gaelic  yet has its own particular vocabularly.Here is a guide to the English spoken in the Scottish Highlands if you are planning a trip there.SocialIf you hear the word alba it is the gaelic name for Scotland.If you’re told to shut yer gub you might want to be quiet because it means to keep your mouth closed.If someone says gettae it means go away.To keep stum is to keep quiet.Food and drinkTottie scones are scones made with flour and mashed potatoes.A soda is called a ginger.An illegal drinking den is often referred to as a bothan.A bottle of beer is called a screw tap.One more drink for the road is referred to as deoch-an-doras.If you’re thirsty the word you need is druther.You might want to watch how many you have though because if people think you like one too many you will be called a wino meaning alcoholic.RandomYou might hear an old man called bodach.Cailleach is the word used for an old woman.A child is called a bairn.A glen is a river valley.A mull is a headland.A strath is a valley.A firth is an estuary.To tell a whopper is to lie.A teuchter is anyone living outside Scotland’s central belt.A ceilidh is an event of traditional scottish dancing.A westie is a West Highland terrier.An English person is called a sassanach.A white settler is someone from outside Scotland who settles in the country.A stupid person is referred to as a dunderheid.A fight is called fistie cuffs.The bagpipes  of the Scottish Highlands  are famous worldwide. Lets enjoy a taster of them now.Did you find this blog helpful? Please share it on Facebook and Twitter.

When should I start revising for GCSEs or A-Levels

When should I start revising for GCSEs or A-Levels The average recommended time to start your key revision is two to three months before your first exam. This gives you enough time to go over every subject and topic you need to ensure you remember it on the day. That said this is a very rough estimate. When to start revising for GCSEs or A-Levels really depends on where you are right now in terms of grades. Here's how to work out what you need to do. Look at the specification for each subject To work when you need to start your revision, you need to look at the subjects you are studying. Specific topics require a longer revision time than others due to the scope of the exam specification. For instance, revising for Chemistry and subjects like maths. physics and languages take more time than other subjects. These subjects all have a broad spectrum of topics that need to be learnt, which means you need to allow yourself enough time to break topics into digestible chunks so you can study them little and often. Consider your mock results Your mock results and the revision you did for your mocks will also give you a good indication of when you should start revision. If you did poorly because you didn't leave yourself enough time, then you need to factor in a longer league time and start as soon as possible. If your grades were good, then follow the same revision path as last time, but make extra time for more past papers so you can focus on exam technique. Check you know how to revise This may seem like an obvious point, but the fact is that not everyone knows how to revise. If you don't have a plan or a timetable, you run the risk of not covering all the topics you need in time for your exams. Also, GCSE revision tends to be different in scope to A-Level revision, so make sure you understand what you need to know before you start. Check out our blog posts on revising for A-Level Biology and History to find out more. Then spend time now coming up with a timetable that makes your revision an active process. A proper schedule should have set days and times for studying each topic. As well as time for writing revision notes on each topic, using flashcards and diagrams (where appropriate), and doing past paper examinations. Know your revision strengths Only you know the best revision technique for you to ensure better memory retention and recall, but always try to pace yourself, and not do too much too soon. Revision should be little and often. What can also help here is to form a study group with peers, so you are covering all the topic areas but still opening up to different opinions and insights on subjects. Know your revision weaknesses It also pays to be honest, and acknowledge your weaknesses before you start revision. What knowledge gaps do you have? Are you bad at organising yourself, or do you get distracted from the task at hand? All these factors point to a longer revision time period and extra help from a teacher or tutor. Don't dismiss the subjects with limited revision material It's easy to ignore the subjects that look like you don't need to do any work for like GCSE English so make sure you factor in revision time for them too. Past papers will help with your summarising and comprehension skills and analysing the writer's choice of language. Likewise, if you are doing English Literature make sure you know the set texts and precisely what the examining board want from you. Seek extra help It's never too late to work on upping a grade level or filling knowledge gaps. We have tutors across every subject and level who can help you.