Myer-Briggs Type Indicator

This is by far one of the most interesting tests I have ever taken. I found it pretty extraordinary that a computer could tell me exactly what I am good at and how I could find the most success in a career. At first I was reserved to think that a machine would be able to control my life, but now I see how this can be a great resource in preparing me to fulfilling my life purpose.

Here are my results:

INFP:

- I prefer to focus on the inner world of ideas and impressions.

- I take in information from patterns and the pig picture, focusing on future possibilities.

- I tend to make decisions based primarily on values and on subjective evaluation of person-centered concerns.

- Lastly, I prefer a flexible and spontaneous approach to life and wish to keep my options open.

In these results I scored "clear" in all sections in regards to my clarity of preferences.

Some of my strengths,

- Helping others develop or learn

- Working on projects that are personally meaningful

- Expressing creativity through writing or visual arts

- Focusing on future possibilities for a person or a situation.

- Working at tasks that allow you to step back and see the big picture and how all the pieces fit together.

All of these are dead on. I love to serve others, and I tend to focus on things that are creative, optimistic, meaningful, and clear.

Work Environment:

- Private time for long periods without interruption.

- Work has meaning beyond the paycheck.

- Offers opportunities to work in harmony with others who share your values.

-Fosters cooperation and helping.

- Trusts people to work autonomously without close supervision.

I definitely see myself finding a career that is very flexible, and has a positive and meaningful aura to it. Money is not my main motivation.

Here are a couple of strategies that I need to overcome:

- Missed opportunities due to reluctance of taking necessary steps for networking.

- Hesitate to sell potential contributions during an interview.

- May not appear sufficiently task oriented.

- May put off decisions.

- Overwhelm myself with possibilities.

I agree completely, these are all things that I have struggled with in the past, but It is nice to see them written, along with suggested steps to overcome them.

Potential Careers:

1. Commercial Art Director

2. Social Science Research Assistant

3. Psychiatrist

4. Musician, singer, music director

5. Technical Writer

6. Writer

7. Artist/Visual Artist

8. Graphic Designer

Knowing my strengths and weaknesses offer vital information for me to go forward with understanding and confidence.

experimenting with my demon.

Insight from BRILLIANT Ted Talk.

Creative minds must watch.

It's a good life.

Monday's Lecture: September 20, 2010

"How can we get them to think they are better than they think they can be".

This quote comes from the clip of Invictus that Adrian played. I feel this question is highly relevant to leadership. If we want people to follow us, our individual efforts are not solely the means by which this will be accomplished. There must be a significant portion of persuasion that stems from the followers own mind. If you saw Inception, maybe it will be clearer in that context. In the movie, Cobb (Leonardo Decaprio) focuses on convincing his client to do what he wants (Break up his Father's large corporation) by positioning his client to make the decision on his own. This proved to be much more influential rather than Cobb trying to convince him by means of his own ideas. If we recognize this concept, itthen becomes our aim, as leaders, to persuade using methods we feel will resonate with those who come along with us. I find we can do this sometimes through reasoning, emotions, and example. There is something, throughout this process, that appeals or "clicks" with those following. Perhaps saying "this seems true" or "It just feels right". So how do we provoke these thoughts? The answer to that is not always clear. People are different, and they open up differently. In the end though, we must break through these barriers to move our cause forward.There are instances, like the above quote suggests, that individuals become paralyzed in doubt, lack of confidence, and inaction. Although some think "I am not very good" or "Look how much better they are", the truth of the matter is that the individual has the greatest potential in the world to do great things. (Especially in a World like ours- with so many privileges that others are not afforded; Education, housing, freedom from hunger, or healthcare just to name a few). Great minds like Thomas Edison realized this, he quotes "If we all did the things we are capable of doing, we would literally astound ourselves." I challenge you to try this concept out sometime. Forget about all thoughts and circumstances that you feel limit and paralyze you- and experiment what things you are capable of accomplishing. We must free the minds of those we lead and allow them to understand for themselves their true potential. Imagine aworld where many lived according to their potential. It seems to me it would be a much grander place.

**If you are questioning why I didn't focus much content on the specifics of Adrian's lecture it is because I struggled connecting fully with it. But I did enjoy how he decoded how we can learn about leadership through the movie Invictus.

Interview:

I interviewed Lucy Brimhall of SID (Students for International Development); A club here on campus at BYU. (http://kennedy.byu.edu/student/sid/#)

I went to a club meeting on Thursday, where we heard from a man named Bishnu Adhikari from Choice Humanitarian who gave an extraordinary lecture on humanitarian work. He spoke about the need for sustainable improvemnts to poverty, not just one time projects. E-mail me if this interests you and you want my notes (mattpayne88@gmail.com). It was also highlighted at the meeting Bishnu's idea that "It's not about buildings, schools, or governments . . . It's about people." I really like this perspective. I know if we saw the world full of our brothers and sisters individually, I think so many misconceptions, as well as large amounts of apathy to those around us, would dissolve. Anyways, after the meeting, I asked Lucy if she would be willing to be interviewed on her leadership role as Co-President of SID. Here are some of the things I really liked from my interview with her:

Why did you get involved with SID?

"Me and my friends started a club called New Global Citizens in high school which got me very interested about poverty- so when I came to college I searched for anything that resembled that experience. I joined a whole slew of clubs and narrowed it down to this one."

[It is interesting to me how things that inspireus have a profound impact on us for the rest of our lives. For instance, Lucy's interest in poverty in High School transforming into a very dynamic and involved leadership position in college.]

What motivates you to be involved with international development?

"I had this idea before I went to Romania, but even moreso when I came back. I have been put in the right country, the right church, the right family, I have a higher education, I have the opportunity to do whatever I want. I feel like I need to capitalize on that opportunity, to give my blessings to those who don't have them."

[This is what inspires me most about Lucy. She recognizes how privileged she is, but instead of capitalizing on her blessings for her own self advancement- she seeks out to give back to those who weren't afforded such opportunity]

What advice would you have for someone beginning this journey of making an impact, and gaining valuable knowledge about the world?

"Get involved. I'm not an expert on International Development, but I do love it. I have put myself out there, despite not being the most educated on the topic. I get to know people, talk to them, and opportunities have opened up because I have gotten involved."

Analysis:

Lucy is a humble and confident leader. She doesn't let the fact that she may not be a connoisseur of international development hinder her from putting forth her best effort. Her method of leadership is to "convince others to convince themselves". She attempts to re-create the transformation of understanding that she goes through, for those she wishes to lead. For example, she is apart of a campus wide event called the Hunger Banquet, which presents a visual representation of how hunger exists in the world. This in turn allows others to better understand the shocking nature of the problem and can inspire them to action. Lucy leads a club that draws participation from hundreds of students and highlights some very real global issues. Coordinating these humanitarian events throughout the year and leading the Students for International development club endows Lucy as a vehicle to inspire others to do good in the world. I have learned from Lucy that doors will open if you go confidently in the direction of your passion. Also, that it seems like we have been placed in such circumstances that are incredibly privileged- we mustn't take advantage of these means, but instead use them as a vehicle to spread the message of service that Christ offers us.

Thank you Lucy for your time and inspiration.

"Facets of my life . . . One of which, A --> B."

Lecture On Monday: (Nathan Ward)

"The best leaders inspire." Instead of threatening and cajoling. Shocking, isn't it. It seems to me, within my own life, that I accomplish things in a much grander fashion when i have been inspired to action. Inspiration breeds enthusiasm and purpose- two things that are like fuel to the fire of getting things done. In the future when I am faced with leadership obstacles, this knowledge will come in handy.

Group Presentations:

I feel like I gained some valuable knowledge after researching Blake Mycoskie of TOMS shoes. I learned what it really takes to make an effective leader in our current generation. It takes compassion, passion, and determination. I love that Blake's company is offering an example of social responsibility. Or the idea that it is good to help people who cannothelp themselves. It has always seemed odd to me that everyone seems to be focused more on their own self-interests than anything else. Blake truly has accomplished his dream of"being the change" that he wishes to see in the world. If Kim or Katieare reading this (by happens chance) I just wanted to say thank you for your support and patience!

S E R V I C E : Probably the most important thing.

This week, my friend Brayden asked me to design a shirt for the contemporary dance company at BYU. Him and his mentor were excited about the design- and it made me appreciate the idea that we all have talents to share with each-other. I think that this type of service encourages people to realize that if we work off each-other talents, then we can get so much farther than wewould have by ourselves.

FREE CD'S: So basically something that I have been doing for a really long time is burning music for my friends. (Now disregardwhether or not you believe in the morals of music sharing).This week, when one of my favorite artists Brandon Flowers of The Killers came out with his debut album "FLAMINGO" - I had a desire to share it with others. So before class one day this week, I burned 4 copies of it, put them in CD sleeves with the album artwork. I wrote FREE on the front and left them in random places around campus. I imagine some recognized who it was, and picked them up.

This week my roomate/childhood friend was having abusy week, so I made his bed. He really appreciated it.

Random acts of service, no matter how obscure, creategood karma. It shifts the focus from worrying about your own selfish desires and allows you to shift your concern to others.

LEADERSHIP ROLE ON CAMPUS:

This week, I joined theStudents for International Development club. Because I am very interested in global poverty, I felt this would be a good avenue to explore ways I could help. I went to a meeting and learned a great deal.

They played an excellent video that exposes some misconceptions to global suffering and poverty. If you have 15 minutes spare time- I really encourage you to watch this. It is very influential: She has a very thick accent, but you eventually get over it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0zvrGiPkVcs

At the SID Meeting, I found out I had an opportunity to present the board members with a cause that I am passionate about. I plan on in the coming week, coming up with a presentation on NIKA WATER. I will be posting further about this cause. But essentially what it is is a for-profit water bottle company that donates 100% of it's profits to poverty alleviation. This week I did some research into some options to initiate this cause onto the college campus. I am really excited about this and look forward to telling you more about it as well as possibly getting your help!

Till next time,

Matthew

You were born...

JUST A THOUGHT:

A pretty incredible song by a new band "Cloud Cult".

These are lyrics from their new song "You were born."

"You were born into a strange world.

Like a candle, you were meant to share the fire...

You were born to change this life.

You were born to chase the light."

I always get so lost in my own mind as to what my personal purpose is. I know I want to do good. But too often the uncertainty of the everyday can lead me to paralyze my own good intentions. But this song puts into such simple terms. I am a candle. I seek light, as well as the ability to share it. The winds of the world will seek to extinguish my fire, but I mustn't retire. If I were to compare the world to the confines of a dark room- I know I must not lay lost in a corner with a flickering light. I instead must stand tall, disregarding all certainty, and allow my candle to serve it's purpose. I think i'd be amazed at how much there is to be discovered.

9/8

Leadership to me is sacrifice and service. I feel I must sacrifice my own selfish desires and replace them with genuine concern for others. I do this through service. I have found that it is in the joy and gratitude of others that I have found fulfillment and purpose beyond imagination. For example, in high school I was greatly humbled by my opportunity to work with disabled children. I saw how my daily actions were directly affecting the life of another soul. It was quite extraordinary. In class last week Macy recited a quote by Gordon B. Hinkley that said "You can be a leader. . . You must be a leader". I have strong knowledge of this simple truth and I desire to share it with others. We have a responsibility, like our prophet says, to step up and be servants. I sometimes fear of being peculiar. Because others make it seem that they are perfectly content in life without making sacrifice, only concerned for themselves and perhaps their family. But my fear subsides when I feel the hearts of the millions suffering, dying, and pleading for help. Thousands of human beings (our brothers and sisters) will not live throughout this week. While many of us, the most privileged and able beings of this world, will recede to ignorance while we pursue selfish pleasure. I feel the crime we are committing against humanity every day. We have the greatest capacity to solve the problems of our modern world- and we must. Despite what our friends, neighbors, or family are doing. We know better. I know better. This is why I plan on dedicating a life of humble service to humanity. By no means do I mention this in pride, or assume I am somehow better than those around me. I am not. I have a firm belief that "One can change the world." I know that individually, now matter what other things occupy our lives, we can make time to serve others. We all have our own paths and purpose. We will have great opportunity to serve others in the awfully short existence- we must seize it. In regards to my leadership at this stage in my life- I am enthralled by the array of opportunities for service here at BYU. I see so many people willing to help and so many programs to do so effectively. In my search for a leadership role that is best for me I have come across a club called "Service to the World" who operates through Y Serve. "This program works with LDS Humanitarian Services to organize service projects that help meet worldwide humanitarian needs. Volunteers help organize, plan, and execute the service projects." I have emailed the program directors about my interest in being apart of this club. Although I have not officially obtained a leadership role on campus, I see so many open doors. I will be updating you on where I am directed to serve and where opportunities arise. I want to leave you with a experience in service I had earlier this week. The time for me to do my laundry had dreadfully and imminently made its way into my life. Contemplating how much I missed seeing my clothes magically cleaned and on hangers (by no effort of myself) back home, I filled my basket with dirty clothes and proceeded to the basement laundry room in my dorm. Not long after I had put my 3 loads into the washers, I got a call from my aunt wanting to take me out to dinner. When I got back later that night, I was surprised to find my wet laundry on three different areas of the dirty laundry floor. I guess I just wasn't familiar with the inner workings of the college laundry process. Although I wasn't expecting anyone to put my clothes into the dryer or make room for them on the clean table, I just felt this sense of disconnect from the others in my dorm; as if we were in it for ourselves- a "dog eat dog world". I rationalized that it was labor day, so people were anxious with so many people doing laundry that they wanted to just get theirs done. As I was folding my clean laundry later that evening, a thought came to my head. It was a sort of instantaneous thought of "Be the change you wish to see in the world"; but not the actual words, more just the understanding that embodied the phrase. So when I was completed with my laundry, I proceeded to put wet clothes into the dryer, fold those that were already dry, and sweep up the dirty laundry room floor. Someone walked in to find their laundry more complete than they were expecting. I could tell this kid was so grateful- he kept telling me how much he appreciated it. I felt a simple spirit in helping these other kids with their laundry (although some may have seen it as creepy) I felt that it took away from that "dog eat dog" process of doing laundry. I know this is simple, but the principle remains true to life. "We must be the change we wish to see in the world."-Ghandi

Till next time.

"It hit me square in the face"

College. Enough said. I am joining this blog in order to fulfil a requirement for my leadership class. I am greatly looking forward to all that BYU has to offer in order to help me grow as a leader. I am looking forward to the humble service opportunities that await me. Time will tell of the hopefully great experience this next year will be.

All is well.

Matthew Payne