Why You Need to Understand "Making Caring Common" For Successful College Applications
Alright. So you sent over some fascinating research on character skills. It's from Harvard. They're making Caring Common Project, and it seems like it's really got people talking.
Speaker 2:It's definitely a hot topic.
Speaker 1:These noncognitive factors like compassion, curiosity, everyone's saying those might be even more important than good old grades. You're looking to get ahead, so I think this deep dive is gonna be eye opening. What really struck me is how colleges are starting to factor this stuff in.
Speaker 2:Absolutely. They're realizing it's not just about academics.
Speaker 1:Right. But it's bigger than just admissions, isn't it?
Speaker 2:A 100%. It's about unlocking potential in any area of life. We spend so much time on IQ, talent, but research is showing that these other skills, they're huge GE indicators of success.
Speaker 1:It's like that secret ingredient everyone's trying to crack the code on.
Speaker 2:Exactly. And not just success in the traditional sense of talking academic, sure, but also your work, your relationships, even your own well-being.
Speaker 1:Okay. So first up, compassion seems straightforward, but give me the rundown. What's the official definition here, and why should we care?
Speaker 2:Compassion, at its core, is being concerned for others, especially when they're struggling. And it's not just feeling sorry for them, it's genuinely wanting to see them do better.
Speaker 1:Okay. That makes sense on a human level, but how does that translate to, say, doing better AT work or achieving my goals? I mean, is it really that connected?
Speaker 2:More than you might think. Mhmm. Imagine you hit a rough patch at work. Now if you've been compassionate, genuinely building people up around you, chances are you've built strong relationships along the way.
Speaker 1:You've got people in your corner?
Speaker 2:Exactly. A support system. People who want to see you succeed. It's not just about being nice. It's about those ripple effects.
Speaker 1:So it's almost strategic. Not that we wanna be calculating about compassion, but, like, the more you give, the more it comes back around.
Speaker 2:It's not about keeping score, but, yes, there's a positive feedback loop at play. Research from as far back as 2010, Causeley and others found that college students who showed more compassion for their peers actually had higher self esteem themselves. They felt more capable.
Speaker 1:Which makes sense. Right? Helping others can make you feel more confident in your own abilities.
Speaker 2:Exactly.
Speaker 1:That's fascinating. So it's not just about being good. It's about what that goodness does for you too. Now the research did say this isn't quite the same as empathy or altruism. Right?
Speaker 1:Those always trip me up.
Speaker 2:Good point. There are nuances. Empathy is more about understanding and sharing someone else's feelings.
Speaker 1:Putting yourself in their shoes.
Speaker 2:Exactly. Altruism is more about acting selflessly to help others even if it comes at a cost to you. Compassion bridges the 2. You feel for someone, and they had sparks that desire to help.
Speaker 1:So it's not enough to just think, oh, that's sad. Compassion makes you do something about it. Okay. Give me an example. I'm an example kinda guy.
Speaker 2:Absolutely. Picture this. Yep. A student who volunteers at an elderly home. But it's not just about clocking in hours.
Speaker 2:They're really trying to connect with the residents, understand their stories, maybe even advocate for better care. That's taking action based on compassion. That's the difference.
Speaker 1:Okay. Now that is interesting. It's about going beyond that surface level. Like, I can empathize with someone stuck in traffic, but compassion would be, I don't know, offering them water or something if they're clearly having a hard time.
Speaker 2:Exactly. And those small everyday acts of kindness, they add up. It's about noticing when someone needs a hand and being willing to offer it.
Speaker 1:Speaking of offering a hand, that segues perfectly into our next skill, curiosity. Now, I'm a naturally curious person. I always ask why.
Speaker 2:I can tell. It's striking me as someone who likes to figure things out.
Speaker 1:Guilty as charged. But humor me, what's the official definition we're working with here?
Speaker 2:Officially speaking, curiosity is that inherent desire to learn to understand new things. It's that drive to explore, to ask questions, you know, to go beyond just the surface.
Speaker 1:Okay. That tracks with my constant Googling. But let's be real, beyond satisfying, like, my need to know random trivia, how does being curious actually translate into, you know, a good life?
Speaker 2:Well, studies show a strong link between curiosity and overall well-being. It's less anxiety, more fulfillment, a more positive outlook on life in general. And it makes sense, right, when you're curious, you're engaged with the world, you're less likely to get stuck in your own head.
Speaker 1:So more joy, less worry. I like where this is going, but you said it goes deeper than just feeling good.
Speaker 2:Absolutely. Curiosity makes you a better learner. Hands down. You retain information better. You're more likely to make connections between different ideas and that naturally leads to higher academic achievement.
Speaker 2:Could even make you better at your job.
Speaker 1:It's almost like curiosity is the spark that ignites this lifelong love of learning, which then helps you in all areas of life. It's like that saying, knowledge is power, but curiosity is what gets you that knowledge in the first place.
Speaker 2:Exactly. And here's a fascinating tidbit. Curiosity can actually help build empathy and stronger relationships. Yeah. When you're curious about others, you're more likely to connect with people from different backgrounds with different experiences and opinions.
Speaker 2:It breaks down those barriers we often build up.
Speaker 1:I love that it's like that old saying curiosity killed the cat. But in this case, curiosity brings people together. Now the research mentioned 2 types of curiosity, interest based and deprivation based. Break that down for me. What's the difference?
Speaker 2:Great catch. It's a subtle but important distinction. Think of interest based curiosity as that open ended exploration, like stumbling upon a new topic and being totally fascinated by it, wanting to learn just for the joy of it. Deprivation based curiosity is more about filling a specific gap in your knowledge. You feel like you have SPT to know the answer.
Speaker 2:It's that itch you need to scratch.
Speaker 1:Okay. So one is more about enjoyment. The other is about needing that missing piece of the puzzle. Either way, it sounds like curiosity is a good thing. No wonder colleges are starting to look for this in applicants.
Speaker 2:And they should imagine a student who joins a robotics club out of pure fascination then ends up starting a cultural exchange program because they're curious about different cultures. And on top of that, they try out a new sport just for the challenge of it that's curiosity fueling their growth, leading them to all sorts of new experiences and connections.
Speaker 1:It's about embracing new things, new people, new ideas, and that can only lead to a richer, more fulfilling life, right, which, let's be honest, is what we all want. Now let's shift gears a bit to another character trait that often comes up, gratitude. What's the deal with gratitude, and why is it so important?
Speaker 2:Gratitude is that warm feeling of appreciation when you recognize something good in your life, whether it's someone doing something kind for you or simply acknowledging the good things you already have. It's about taking the time to be thankful, big or small.
Speaker 1:Okay. That makes sense. But it's more than just a nice feeling. Right? We're talking about tangible benefits here.
Speaker 2:Oh, way more. Gratitude's not just a warm fuzzy feeling. There's real science to back it up.
Speaker 1:Okay. So it's like that old saying count your blessings, but with research to prove it. Give me the specifics. What kind of science are we talking about?
Speaker 2:Well, research by Emmons, he's a big name in gratitude studies, found that gratitude is linked to greater optimism. And not just generally, but in every area of life.
Speaker 1:Really? Work, relationships?
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 1:The whole shebang?
Speaker 2:The whole shebang. Even your health people who practice gratitude are more likely to exercise regularly, take care of themselves. It's like this positive feedback loop that spills over into everything you do.
Speaker 1:Okay. So gratitude makes you happier and be healthier? Sign me up. But how does this play out in, say, our relationships? You said gratitude can make those stronger too.
Speaker 2:Exactly. Harvard Health Publishing highlighted research that shows when we express gratitude to loved ones, we actually tend to feel more positively towards them.
Speaker 1:Interesting.
Speaker 2:And it's not just that. We communicate better too, especially about tricky subjects. Yeah. Because you're coming from a place of appreciation, it's easier to talk about concerns without things getting heated.
Speaker 1:That makes a lot of sense. Gratitude kind of disarms you, makes you more approachable. So good for our personal relationships, but it sounds like the benefits go even further.
Speaker 2:You're right. It's not just about our inner circle. Gratitude can actually foster compassion, generosity towards others in general. It helps combat loneliness and isolation.
Speaker 1:Wow. It's amazing how something as simple as expressing gratitude can have such a huge EE impact. Now this research you sent over also talked about looking for signs of gratitude in, like, college applications, but that feels a little narrow, honestly. How does this translate to life beyond college?
Speaker 2:Great question. You're right. Gratitude isn't just about getting into college. Think of it this way. Someone who always remembers your birthday, not just a quick text, but a thoughtful gift, a gesture that shows they really get you.
Speaker 2:That's gratitude in action.
Speaker 1:It's about those small but meaningful things.
Speaker 2:Exactly. Or in a work setting, that colleague who always acknowledges others' contributions even for the small stuff. They express appreciation genuinely, and it makes everyone around them feel valued.
Speaker 1:It's about making people feel seen, appreciated, and that goes a long way in any setting. Okay. Shifting gears here. Let's talk about a skill that's closely tied to success. Grit.
Speaker 1:We hear this word a lot, but what does it really mean and why is it so important?
Speaker 2:Grit is basically passion and perseverance for long term goals. It's about setting your sights on something and sticking with it. Even when things get tough, when you face setbacks, when you wanna give up.
Speaker 1:So it's that stick to itiveness, that ability to power through obstacles, almost like having a high pain tolerance, but for challenges.
Speaker 2:That's a great way to put it. And, you know, research suggests that grit might be a more accurate predictor of success than IQ or natural talent alone.
Speaker 1:Really? So you're saying someone with, say, average intelligence but a ton of grit might actually outperform someone who is naturally gifted but gives up easily? That's actually kind of encouraging, honestly.
Speaker 2:That's what the research suggests. Duckworth, a psychologist who's done groundbreaking work on grit, found that it was a better predictor of success in tough environments like West Point Military Academy than traditional measures like test scores.
Speaker 1:Wow. Okay. That says something. So it's not just about having the talent. It's about having the tenacity to see it through.
Speaker 1:It makes sense, but it's not always easy to cultivate, is it?
Speaker 2:You're right. It takes effort, but it's definitely possible. Think about a time you accomplished a challenging goal. Maybe you ran a marathon, learned a new language, started your own business. What got you through the tough moments?
Speaker 1:Honestly, it was this, belief that I could figure it out, that I could learn and grow along the way. Speaking of which, that brings us to another important concept, growth mindsets, like the mental foundation for developing that grit
Speaker 2:right now. Growth mindset, a term coined by researcher Carol Dweck, is the belief that your intelligence and talents, they're not fixed, they could be developed through effort, dedication.
Speaker 1:It's that I can learn and grow attitude.
Speaker 2:Exactly. Instead of seeing challenges as threats, you see them as opportunities to learn and improve.
Speaker 1:So it's the opposite of thinking, I'm just not good at math or I'm not a creative person. It's about believing you can improve with practice and hard work.
Speaker 2:Exactly. It's about embracing challenges as opportunities for growth rather than threats to your ego. With a growth mindset, you're less afraid of failure because you see it as a stepping stone, a chance to learn, do better next time.
Speaker 1:That's a powerful shift in perspective. It's about focusing on what you can control, your effort, your attitude, rather than getting stuck on things you can't. So how does a growth mindset actually show up in someone's life? What are some signs?
Speaker 2:People with a growth mindset, they're often curious, eager to learn new things. They're not afraid to ask questions, seek feedback
Speaker 1:Yeah. Yeah.
Speaker 2:Even admit when they don't know something.
Speaker 1:So it's about being open to feedback even when it's tough to hear. It takes a lot of self awareness, humility.
Speaker 2:You're right. It's not always easy, but the rewards are significant. Dweck's research actually showed that students with a growth mindset tend to achieve at higher levels because they're not afraid to put in the effort. They find joy in the process of learning and improving, not just in the end result.
Speaker 1:It's that love of the game that makes all the difference. Instead of being fixated on the finish line, you're enjoying the journey, learning along the way. Now let's talk about another crucial skill, perspective taking. It's about stepping outside your own bubble, seeing the world through other people's eyes. Right?
Speaker 2:That's a great way to put it. Perspective taking is about understanding and empathizing with the thoughts, feelings, experiences of others, especially when they're different from your own. It's a cornerstone of empathy, a skill that can really enrich your life in countless ways.
Speaker 1:It sounds especially important in today's world where it's so easy to get caught in our own echo chambers, forget that other people see things differently. But how do we actually get better at perspective taking? It seems like one of those things that's easier said than done.
Speaker 2:It definitely takes effort, but it starts with being curious about others. Ask questions, listen attentively, really try to understand their viewpoints even if you don't agree with them.
Speaker 1:It's about really listening to understand, not just waiting for your turn to speak.
Speaker 2:Exactly. Research shows that engaging in these practices, at least to more positive social interactions, can even make us more compassionate individuals.
Speaker 1:It makes sense. The more you understand someone's story where they're coming from, the easier it is to connect with them on a human level. It's about recognizing our shared humanity even when we disagree. Now let's talk about another important skill, purpose. It's a big word, but what does it actually mean to have a sense of purpose?
Speaker 1:Why is it so valuable?
Speaker 2:Purpose is that deep seated feeling of knowing what matters to you and w h y. It's about aligning your actions with your values, working towards something bigger than yourself. Think of it as your North Star, guiding you through life's decisions.
Speaker 1:So it's not necessarily tied to a specific career, a life path, but more about having a guiding principle, a reason behind your actions.
Speaker 2:Exactly. It's about finding that sweet spot where your passions and skills intersect with a need in the world. Research shows people with a strong sense of purpose, they tend to be happier, healthier, more resilient.
Speaker 1:It's like having that inner compass that keeps you grounded, moving in the right direction even when things get tough. You know, when I think about all these skills we've talked about today, compassion, curiosity, gratitude, grit, growth mindset, perspective taking, and purpose, it strikes me that they're all kind of interconnected. You know? It's like they build on each other, create a sort of upward spiral.
Speaker 2:I love that. It's true. They all work together.
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:And, you know, there's one more essential skill that acts as the glue that holds everything together, self control. That ability to manage our impulses, resist temptations, to make choices that align with our long term goals even when they're not the easiest or most immediately gratifying.
Speaker 1:Delaying gratification, staying focused, resisting those distractions that can totally derail us. It's like having a strong willpower muscle.
Speaker 2:Yes. Think of it as your personal willpower battery. Needs to be recharged, but the more you use it, the stronger it gets. And the research on self control is fascinating. Studies show a strong connection between high levels of self control during childhood and adolescence and then positive outcomes later in life.
Speaker 1:Like what? Give me some examples.
Speaker 2:The better health, stronger relationships, even greater financial stability.
Speaker 1:It's amazing how these skills developed early on can have such a ripple effect. So it's not just about resisting that extra cookie. It's about building a foundation for a more fulfilling life, making choices today that our future selves will thank us for.
Speaker 2:Couldn't have said it better myself.
Speaker 1:Well, there you have it. Another deep dive in the books. It's been fascinating exploring these character skills with you. It really makes you think about what it takes to not just succeed, but to truly thrive in all areas of life.
Speaker 2:Absolutely. And yet, it all starts with awareness. Now that you have a better understanding of these skills, you can start to cultivate them in your own life.
Speaker 1:Exactly. It's a journey, not a destination. And like with any skill, the more you practice, the better you become. So to our listeners out there, we encourage you to reflect on these skills, identify the ones you wanna strengthen, and start taking small steps every day.
Speaker 2:Small steps lead to big changes.
Speaker 1:That's right. And remember, you don't have to be perfect. Just be a little bit better today than you were yesterday. That's how we unlock our full potential, one character skill at a time.
Speaker 2:I love that.
Speaker 1:Thanks for joining us on this deep dive, everyone. Until next time, keep exploring, keep growing, and keep those character skills sharp.
