OHSU Graduate Programs in Human Nutrition Presents

Discussion Questions for Confidence Code and Failing Forward

Diana Nyad’sTedTalk: Never, Ever Give Up:

This is the Theodore Roosevelt quote she paraphrases in its entirety:

“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.”

-Theodore Roosevelt “The Man in the Arena” April 23, 1910

  1. Does this quote relate to a personal mantra, feeling, or experience?
  2. In the pitch-black night, stung by jellyfish, choking on salt water, singing to herself, hallucinating, Diana Nyad kept on swimming. With the mantra “find a way” she achieved an extreme 100-mile swim from Cuba to Florida at age 64. What motivates you to “find a way” to reach your goals?

Failing Forward by John C. Maxwell / Confidence Code by Katty Kay and Claire Shipman
  1. Did the stories of perseverance in Failing Forward remind you of a personal struggle? Do you ever avoid opportunities where you think you may fail?
  1. What are some tools or methods you use to cope and move forward when an action fails or doesn’t go as planned?
  1. How has this book prepared you for life’s inevitable moments of "failing" in the entry years of your career?
  1. Which of the principles listed in this book would you prefer to strengthen and why?
  1. Did any of these stories of famous companies or people in Failing Forward surprise you? Why?
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  1. Do you believe that your confidence is related to the decisions you make within the workplace?
  1. Do you believe topics listed in this book may assist you with your current/future profession?
  1. Is a lack of confidence in oneself gender specific? If not, why do you believe Confidence Code focus on the female perspective?
  1. In the introduction, the authors state, ". . . We found that success correlates more closely with confidence than it does with competence . . . there is evidence that confidence is more important than ability when it comes to getting ahead." Do you find this to be true in the dietetic field? Why or why not?
  1. According to WNBA Mystics coach, Mike Thibault, “The propensity to dwell on failure and mistakes, and an inability to shut out the outside world are the biggest psychological impediments for his players…” What strategies do you use to move on from your past failures, or do you find this is something you struggle with as well?