Pour Your Heart Into It

In Howard Shultz's "Pour Your Heart Into It", we once again are introduced to a man who worked his way up from nothing, who strived with determination to do more with his life than could be expected, to achieve his dreams. Howard Shultz grew up in the projects of New York City, his father consistantly mistreated and layed off by managers and corporate America. Howard dispised his father's way of life, living from pay check to pay check, too tired to be of any worth to his childhood. Shultz was determined to never become as his father was, to strive for something higher. He succeed. Howard Shultz, in an act of mere determination and integrity, created a company that values each employee, honors its product, and maintains an air of romance and respect. While he started from what may seem desolate conditions, Shultz rose to his dreams, never falling victim to the voices that told him he would never be able to do it, that his goals were too far fetched. Today Starbucks is one of the most popular corporations in America, numerous stores within blocks of eachother, but none of this would have been possible without the will of Howard Shultz, and his inability to let go of his dreams. Unlike many Americans and individuals in general who succomb to the discouraging whispers around them, settling for what is viable, Shultz stove for excellence and refused to settle for anything less than he was (or even wasn't) capable of. One wonders what may be accomplished if everyone pushed for what they truely want, for the dreams they so desperately desire. Perhaps the world would be a far more successful, effiecient, and joyful place to live and work. Never Settle.

Portrait Of an Artist

In contrast to the previous posts on my big question, Portrait of an Artist presents a character who chose to leave the comfortable, the familiar, the expected, and strive for his dream, to be an artist. While Stephen had grown up in a Catholic church going family, continuously engulfed in doctrine and lessons, he was not true to himself. It was not until later in his journey that Stephen had the courage to break free from the binds of his religion, but he did so to pursue his true identity, that of an artist. Stephen's character presents the journey of a man who took a chance, and succeeded in not only being true to himself, but in happiness. Through Stephen's example of refusing to settle for what was expected of him, we are able to see that it is beneficial to stive for higher goals, even if it means being looked down upon, or struggling for what you want. We are shown that there may be periods of transition, even relapse, to the easy life, the life of expectations and familiarity, but that in the end, if one is true to oneself, they must reach for the stars, go for their dreams.

issues cont.

If people were to enter into jobs that they truely loved, and were determined to turn that job into something that could provide for them and their family, I think that they would in turn be happy and successful. It is better to do something you love than to settle for less because you think what you love cannot sustain you, provide for you, or is too far fetched. Those that shoot for the stars often reach them. When individuals set their minds to something, the possibility that they will succeed increases exponetially. For Lance Armstrong, he was determined to beat the battle against cancer and continue his career. He did it. He is an exception to the trend, he went for the goal, didn't settle, he fought for what he wanted and he got it. What happens when individuals set out for the prize? What are examples of defeating the odds?

Issues, News

Do people settle for less?
Throughout society people are settling for less than they can achieve. In the work place and in relationships, people sell themselves short, taking jobs or entering relationships that are guaranteed to work rather than pushing themselves to wait and strive for what they are truely capable of. As a result, people are unhappy and find themselves in holes they have dug for themselves, tricking themselves into thinking that they cannot achieve. If everyone strived for their goal, society would benefit from happy individuals in careers and in relationships.

Crime and Punishment

Do people strive for their dreams or settle for what they think they can viably achieve?
In Crime and Punishment, Raskolinkov resorts to stealing and killing to get what he wants rather than going for his dream, using his intellect. This shows the human tendancy to settle for what they can get rather than push themselves for the goal. Raskolinkov suffers from his choices just as individuals suffer when they settle for less than they can achieve.

Henry IV Part I

In regards to what individuals turn to in times of struggle, the characters in Henry IV vary in their tactics. Falstaff turns to alcohol and food, always having fun, never taking anything seriously. On the other hand, Hal, when he realizes he must finally step up to the plate, takes on the responsibility that is expected of him and turns to family loyalty. He turns from his previous friends to the stability of his family and his fate as King. It seems as though characters turn to whatever has been the most stable for them throughout their lives. For Falstaff, indulgence and jokery had always proven well for him, and he led a happy carefree life. When things begin to run amuck, he returns to his 'foolish' ways, the habits he has always know. While Hal ran around with the pub crawlers for quite sometime, his family and fate was always well known to him. He knew in the back of his mind that he would one day have to assume his role as King, and when bad times arose, he climbed out of the pit he gotten himself into and latched onto the net of stability that had been woven for him by his father. King Henry gave Hal an opportunity to shine, and Hal knew that if he came through for his father, that he would succeed. Individuals turn to stability when struggle arises. 2) Instead of settling for something less than his dream, Hal avoided being King. He was not at the point where he desired to be king and therefore ran from the opportunity of greatness. This is almost the same as my question but with a different twist. Hal was afraid of the role of King, afraid of failure and therefore ran from the opportunity. It was not the long haul that he hestiated to step into, but the final product.

The Big Question

*In times of great struggle or suffering, what remains as an individual's saving grace?
*Do individuals strive for their dreams or settle for what they think they can viably acheive?
I have chosen these two questions because I know how they apply to my own life, but I am curious as to how they apply to other people's lives and to characters in literature. For myself, in times of great struggle or suffereing Christ is my saving grace, but for others, friends, family, school, sports etc. keep them going strong. I am wondering what the most common theme is that individuals turn to for help in a time of need. Also, during my senior year I have began to think about what I want to do with the rest of my life, what I want to study, what kind of career I wish to have etc. This has brought up my second question: Do individuals strive for their dreams or settle for what they think they can viably acheive? I wonder this because I would love to have a career in medicine but am unsure if I will gain entrance into med school or succeed in that field. Many of my peers also have high goals, but are considering settling for something that is more achievable. I wonder what makes us do this and what one must accomplish or realize in order to reach their goal, or even decide to start on the journey towards it.