Thrivapy: Live, Learn, Have Fun

Back in 2013, I self-published a very short e-book titled, The Golden Apple Manifesto . One of the chapters is about finding the joy, which serves as an introduction to one of the purposes of Thrivapy (bringing more joy into the world). An episode about joy for The Thrivapy Show is in the planning stage, but until then, here are a few tips for how to find and bring more joy into the world. Boring is not joyful. Find something that you are interested in and engage in that topic. Easy is boring. Thus, easy is not joyful. If you have video games at home, look at your shelf. I bet there are a number of games that haven't been played in quite some time. Why? Probably because they were either mastered or a newer/more challenging version was released. In other words, the "old" game is boring. Find a "new game to play" and engage in the challenge. Joy feels good. Reward yourself for making progress. Find a "win" you had recently (no matter how in

Inspired by the students all over the United States who are working to find and share their voices concerning finding real practical solutions to the issue of violence in schools, I recently did an impromptu Facebook Live! session of  The Thrivapy Show  on the  Thrivapy Facebook Page . The topic was a discussion about advice I have given to students for years, "If it matters, then do something about it." The session was also recorded for use as Episode 11 of The Thrivapy Show podcast. If you haven't already, please consider subscribing to  The Thrivapy Show  on  iTunes ,  Google Play , or  Pocket Casts . For a preview from the  anchor.fm station , check out the clip below.

"Focus cycle" is a term I use for a block of uninterrupted concentration on a task. It is one of the strategies I use for time management and dealing with procrastination . Using focus cycles is based on the Pomodoro Technique . It requires the user to define a set amount of "work time" followed by a set amount of "rest time." I advise learners to experiment with the amount of work time in order to find their "sweet spot." This helps build agency in the learner. Here is how it works. First, set your initial work time. Start with your age and use that number as your work time in minutes. Work time must be uninterrupted focused work. No multi-tasking! No breaks during work time. Do not use more than 25 minutes no matter how old you are. Second, divide your work time by 4 to get your rest time. If needed, round this number up to the nearest minute. Rest time is no stimulation time (i.e. no TV, Video games, etc.). Close

A reflection on this past week cannot ignore the tragedy in Florida. In terms of reflecting on the issue of school shootings, I doubt that anything I write here is groundbreaking. However, I do believe that all human beings share a universal connection. This connection is based on the many things people have in common - starting with the desire to ease pain and experience pleasure. Hopefully, we can move forward as a people with a spirit of support, empathy, solution finding, and action that makes such events less likely to happen. Shifting focus, here is what happened this week on the Thrivapy Blog. February 12 : I love The Learning Scientists ! It is one of my favorite resources for helping break down the science of learning. On 2/12, I shared a video about retrieval practice that explains how this powerful learning strategy works . I also stepped away from "learning stuff" and did a post-North London Derby episode of The Thrivapy Show . #COYG February 13 : I

On February 14, I hosted a Facebook Live! session of The Thrivapy Show  on the Thrivapy Facebook Page . The topics were purpose and partnership in living the learning lifestyle. The session was also recorded for use as Episode 10 of the podcast. If you haven't already, please consider subscribing to The Thrivapy Show on iTunes , Google Play , or Pocket Casts . For a preview from the anchor.fm station , check out the clip below.

Concentration is the ability to focus for an extended period of time. Like many skills, it can be improved with practice. Concentration is also an important skill for learning. Learning is work and work requires effort over time. Concentration is required to sustain effort. So, what can you do to build your ability to concentrate? Here are 3 Thrivapy centered ways to improve concentration. 1. Make reflection a habit. When you take time to reflect on your learning, you can identify how to adjust your process to achieve better results. This type of reflection goes much deeper than a superficial examination of results. Also, this type of metacognition exercise can help you better align your priorities with your greater purpose - your personal mission. Begin by scheduling one focus cycle per week to reflect and provide yourself with useful feedback. One focus cycle is the amount of time (in minutes) equivalent to your age + 2 (up to a maximum of 25). Use that time to concentra

On this Valentine's Day, I want to send a most sincere, "Thank you" to the entire Thrivapy community. In January, when I made the decision to resurrect the blog, start a podcast, and be more active through the Thrivapy Facebook Page ; I never anticipated the level of support I have received in such a short time. For that, I am extremely thankful. Your support helps motivate me to continue to provide additional content. My gift to you is my continued commitment to helping you live a learning lifestyle, create more knowledge, and bring more joy into the world. With gratitude, TPR, Ph.D.

Episode 9 of The Thrivapy Show took a break from the "learning stuff." Instead, I explored one of my personal interests, Arsenal FC. In the wake of an awful 1-0 performance against Tottenham, I decided to offer my own thoughts and observations about the squad, the rest of this season, and what I hope happens in the summer. You can listen to and subscribe the show on iTunes , Google Play , Pocket Casts , and on my anchor.fm station . Here is a preview:

One of my favorite learning resources is The Learning Scientists . If you are looking for a resource that takes somewhat complex learning science and breaks it down into easy to understand concepts, that is the place for you to go. In addition, their podcast is equally awesome ! Here is one of their videos. It explains retrieval practice which is one of a few proven to work learning strategies.

This was quite an active week on the Thrivapy Facebook Page . Here are three of the best shares of the week: 7 Damaging Parenting Behaviors That Keep Children From Growing Into Leaders Do Students Utilize Effective Learning Strategies? The Power of Purpose In addition, check out this wonderful episode of the Mindful Podcast about using the "Yes" brain technique for parenting by Dr. Dan Siegel . Peace, TPR, Ph.D.

Episode 8 of The Thrivapy Show features tips on how to give (and what to look for when receiving) useful feedback on learning. The show is available on the following platforms: iTunes Google Play Music Pocket Casts Anchor.fm Here is a preview clip:

Places do not create value. People create value. The value of an experience is based on memories and emotions; all of which are constructed by the person evaluating the experience. People create experiences. Learning is relational, experiential, and reflective. It is both personal and social as the value of learning benefits both the individual and the community in which the individual chooses to engage. Learning always has both personal and social value. If you take up running, do you not strengthen both legs? People create knowledge. There is no best way to learn. There are, however, unlimited (and yet to be discovered) better ways to learn. However, the common element that runs through all learning is that benefitting people should drive the work.

Learning can be tough. Even though every lesson isn't equally difficult, it still takes work to learn. In Episode 7 of The Thrivapy Show, I discuss how to reflect on your "work" in order to examine your learning process. You can listen to the show on iTunes by clicking here . If you have a suggestion, question, or feedback - please send me an email: troy.roddy.phd@gmail.com Also, please consider subscribing to the show. It can be found by searching for Thrivapy in iTunes podcasts or the Google Play Music Store. Finally, you can help others find the show by sharing the episodes on social media and by leaving a rating and review. Here is a clip to get you started.