First, one must believe in ones self.
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Those who succeed in life possess an attitude that motivates them to do what others perceive as impossible. People are too quick to label things as unachievable without understanding how capable we actually are. In the muscle section of Human Anatomy and Physiology I (BIOL 243) we learn everything there is to know about muscles; from the different types of muscles, to each step that occurs when a muscle contracts. While learning about muscle contraction we also discuss The Central Fatigue Theory (WTC) which is broken down into two types of fatigue. One being Muscle Fatigue which is the physiological inability to contract, even though the muscle still may be receiving neural stimuli. This means that the muscle is incapable of contracting. Conversely there is Psychological Fatigue. This occurs when the flesh is still able to perform, but the person feels tired. Meaning that, even though our body and our brain is telling the muscle it can’t do anything more; it can.
This WTC experience is significant because it explains in physiological terms the reason we think we are unable to do anything more. It is our bodies safe guard against self harm, but it is not our absolute stopping point. If we overcome this barrier we can accomplish more than we imagine.
Comparable to the Central Fatigue theory is the psychological concept of Self-Efficacy (WTC). This idea is defined as one's belief in one's ability to succeed in specific situations or accomplish a task. We discussed this idea in Introduction to Psychology (PSYC 101). This WTC experience has impacted my life in an extremely positive way. After realizing my own self-efficacy I have accomplished more than I ever could have imagined before. Our Self-efficacy impacts how we make everyday decisions as well as how we overcome barriers placed before us. The simple act of telling ourselves that we are capable of anything is the first step towards achieving any goal. My psychology professor equated this to placing Mind over Matter. Even though barriers are in your path, if you are willing to believe in yourself and push through the tough times a new, more suitable avenue will come to light. Facing obstacles and overcoming them is simply a part of life.
We are all human and make mistakes that create inadvertent problems we must overcome. My fall semester of my sophomore year I had the overwhelming task of being the captain of the soccer team, working a minimum of 20 hours a week, taking sixteen credit hours, finishing my homework, working as a research assistant and maintaining somewhat of a social life. I also had the added pressure of trying to make the highest grades possible in Pathophysiology, Microbiology, Microbiology Lab, and Evolution of Nursing Science in order to be accepted into Upper Division of the nursing program. I was at capacity, and multiple times I wanted to just give up, lie down and get some sleep. During those moments I was reminded of Self-efficacy and the influence it can have on our lives. I slowly began to convince myself that I was capable of doing everything I had on my plate with ease. Just before I started to convince myself that my goals were achievable; I gave up on being a research assistant and with that pursuing GLD. Thankfully, Dr. Easley who I just considered to be a mentor at the time. Encouraged me and helped me see just how capable I was. She is now one of the most influential people that have been placed in my life.
Needless to say, I finished the semester strong with all A’s and B’s, was accepted into Upper division, received a raise at work, and had my poster accepted for presentation at Southeast American College of Sports Medicine (SEACSM). By far the most gratifying thing that came out of all those tasks was attending and presenting at the SEACSM conference. I had the amazing opportunity to fly to Chattanooga, Tennessee and stay in a hotel that was completely paid for by a grant I co-wrote. The conference gave me a new-found love for presenting. The thrill of having someone come up to you is an adrenaline rush.
I loved every minute of disseminating the knowledge I learned from working in an exercise science lab. It was also extremely nerve racking. The first time someone came up and asked me about my poster (BTC)(see below) I panicked. I just started stumbling and stuttering and I had to stop myself and start again. My Self-efficacy helped push me through. I just kept telling myself that I was doing an AWESOME job and that my project was AMAZING. I got over the nerves quickly after reminding myself of those two things. From then on, presenting felt just like having a regular conversation. While at the conference I also gained new insights to how healthcare and exercise science work together in order to provide the public with the knowledge and help they may require in order to live a life full of wellness.
As a result of implementing and practicing Self-efficacy in my daily life I have seen dramatic changes. I have become a more strong-willed person that believes I am capable of overcoming anything. I no longer allow thoughts of doubt to get in the way of undertaking my life’s goals. I want to help others discover their own Self-efficacy and see how capable they are in accomplishing whatever they set their minds to. I feel that an important responsibility of a nurse is to encourage patients and their families that overcoming this complication is possible despite being told it’s impossible. Making this skill one of the most important ones I have gained thus far in my journey.
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