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I. Positive Habit #6
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III. Science Fair Contest
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Positive Habit #6
Know What Controlling Force Directs Your Life...

Everything we do in life comes from our need to avoid pain and our desire to gain pleasuere - both are biologically driven and constitute the controlling force in our lives.

We will do far more to avoid pain than we will to gain pleasure - pain is the greater motivator.

At any moment in time, whatever you focus your attention on is what is most real to you. Therefore, if you want to change your behavior, you must focus your attention on two things:

1. How not changing your behavior will be more painful than changing it.

2. How changing will bring you pleasure.

So how does this relate to science fair projects?
Well, for all the desperate emails I get from parents and high school kids about how they only have a couple of days to do their project, I would say that many of you are in a lot of pain. And you expect me to fix it!!!

For Students: What can YOU do?
Question 1. Ask yourself this question: What is stopping me from doing my project? Write the answer down.

Question 2: What could I do immediately so that I can move forward? Write your answer down.

Question 3: What could I do differently so this NEVER happens again? Write your answer down.

There are no right or wrong answers. whatever you write is right for you.

This is serious stuff. Don't ignore the above exercise. It will change your life.

Teachers and parents
1. Ask your kids the above questions.

2. Your question: What do I have to do to learn how to coach rather than take on my kids pain? (project, procrastination, fear, etc)

To Parents
Now I may be stepping on your "toes" but I must be honest with all of you... when I get emails from parents telling me that THEY have a project due, I cringe. Parents, it is not YOUR project. It is your child's project. Stop taking on their work. When your child owns their school work, NEXT TIME they will be more responsible. Natural consequences are wonderful learning and growing experiences.

Here is what I suggest: When your child comes to you and says, "My project is due tomorrow. Help!"

Ask your child. "When did you receive your assignment?" (Wait for the response) If s/he said today continue on...

In a very loving tone say, "There are no consequences to telling the truth, but there are consequences to lying. The consequence to lying is that I would find it very hard to EVER believe what you say. Is that the kind of relationship you want us to have? (Wait for a response.) Now I am going to ask you again, 'When did you receive this assignment?'

If your child insists that it was today or yesterday, then it is time to have a conversation with the teacher, and tell your child that you are going to call immediately (or the next morning).

If your child is telling the truth then the teacher needs to know that assignments given the last minute are unacceptable because it causes a lot of anxiety for your child. Insist on an extension for the whole class.

You are your child's advocate in primary and elementary school. In high school you are your child's coach and support system.

For Teachers: Science Fair Projects take one month to three months to effectively complete.

Experiments take a couple of days. There is a HUGE difference.

Science Fair Projects involve completing all 6-steps of the scientific method. A very bright middle school and most likely a high school student are equipped to do a science fair project. Kindergarten thru middle school age students, with an adult's guidance, can do a science experiment.

Next Success Habit will address various techniques on how to overcome F.E.A.R.

II. We are switching to a new company who will mail out these ezines, so when you receive the notice, remember to sign up for the ezine. You will receive a notice and then once you sign up you will be asked to confirm your signup in another email. Thanks for your cooperation.

III. Remember the Free Super Science Fair Virtual International Contest. All you have to do is mail in you signature with one of your parents and email in your project. The contest rules are on this page and download the release form to sign where it says, Microsoft Word.

Have a great week!
Madeline
Super Science Fair Projects