Personal Narrative: My Struggle With Literacy

Words: 2062
Pages: 9

My biggest struggle with literacy has been having the self-confidence to speaking in public. When I was in elementary school I remember how anxious I would get when I had to stand up in front of my class and answer a question, recite a poem, spelling bees, anything that would need me speaking in front of the class. I never really thought about why I felt this way until reading Drive, by Daniel H. Pink. Pink suggests people are driven by: Motivation 1.0, Motivation 2.0 and Motivation 3.0. Motivation 1.0 was the beginning which was our survival instincts (eating and finding a mate). Motivation 2.0 came next, this is external motivations, reward, and punishment or “the carrot and stick.” Motivation 3.0 which is about people wanting to learn, …show more content…
Today, I am trying to master this skill, it will be a continual process and will always have room for improvement. Setting smaller goals and working within myself to face my fears has helped me try to overcome this problem. Even though it may never go away, I have gained more self-confidence and achieved so many goals. Having this confidence allowed me to look for a new career at the age of 47. As much as I loved my job, I hated going to work and I hated the people worked with. Daniel H. Pink stated, “As Carol Dweck says, ‘Effort is one of the things that gives meaning to life. Effort means you care about something, that something is important to you and you are willing to work for it. It would be an impoverished existence if you were not willing to value things and commit yourself to working toward them.’” (123). I relate to this because I always put into my work 110% but was treated very poorly. I have always been a dedicated employee and finally had enough. I knew I had specialized skills and it took less than a month to find the career that I am in today. I know I made the best decision to change companies, it’s just unfortunate that I had to be treated so badly for so long, I’m just happy I said enough is enough. I love my career and would tell anyone if you are not happy with what you are doing, there is something else out there, find your passion and achieve your goals. I am proud of myself for what I have accomplished and I feel I can only soar