Playing Your "A" Game with Kantis Simmons

Does Your Posse Suck?

Kantis Simmons — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 14:46:12 +0000

It is with great pleasure to see this new month of December in the year of 2008. There has been great successes and only a few minor setbacks. All in all, this year has been the best of its kind.

I often wonder, what I can do every month to improve the livelihood and quality of every student I come in contact with.

Just the other day, while waiting to board a flight to New Jersey I sat next to a college student. As we both played with our Apple laptops, and both with ear plugs in our ear I said to myself…"I wonder if he is playing his ‘A’ game in school?" Now I assumed he was a college student, because he wore a bold sweat shirt with a school’s name on it.

With a nosiness about me, I asked, "do you attend the University on your sweatshirt?" With a relieved look of breaking the silence, he nodded "yes". I introduced myself and gave him some "dap" and the universal "wsup Nod". We began chatting about his first year of school.

Being from Texas and going to school in upstate New York, he commented that his biggest challenge was managing academics and football. Playing on a team with as 3-8 record as a freshman wide receiver, he had more than football issues. He had challenges adjusting to being a football scholar, working with his coaches (who are rumored to being fired) and living so far from home.

From his soft voice, you can tell that he was not pleased with his all around first semester performance. I sat there and listened as he spoke about grades, studying, his major, time and being physically exhausted for the football season.

But there is still hope……

As I was packing my things listening to him to board my plane, I simply said this to him.

If you want to be GREAT, then hang with GREAT people.

If you want to be the BEST, then find out what the best do and learn from them.

The scripture in Proverbs says it this way, "He who hangs with wise men, shall be wise, but a companion of fools, shall be destroyed."

In academics, in business, in sports and in any aspect of life, you must find someone greater and learn from their failures and successes.

It is said that you are the average of the five people you associate with the most. Your GPA is probably the average of the five colleagues you hang with the most. Your salary is probably the
average of the five people you associate with the most.

Does your posse suck ?

That’s the question I want to leave with you. I challenge you to upgrade every area of your life by strategically examining your posse.

Here’s the Gameplan for you:

Make a detail list of the circle of 5 friends/associates/mentors who will best position you for your "A" Game. Who in your group of 5 do you need to cut, and who do u need to add?

Ps: I would love to be in your five, consider dropping me a return email and let me know how I can personally help you. If it’s answers to academic challenges, locating money for school or just need an ear for motivation…just email me at info@playingyourAgame.com

Here’s to Your "A" Game,

KantisSimmons.com | Blog | Need Speaker for Your School’s Event?

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Right or Wrong College Major? Is it Time to Change [Video]

Kantis Simmons — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 15:57:37 +0000

Right or Wrong College Major? 5 Signs its Time to Change from Kantis Simmons on Vimeo.

(if you can’t see above video)

Ever considered that your current academic performance is linked to your current college major?

Ever considered that your current major will not lead you to a career that you are passionate about?

Ever considered that you picked your current major for the right or wrong reason?

Well in this short video, I give some signpost to determine if you are in the right or wrong reason college major. Take the time to watch this video, and do a personal check to see if you have these 5 symptoms. If so, consider changing, it will be in your best interest to do so.

You can also get more in depth material on selecting a college major from my talk on “7.25 Questions to Identify Your Life’s Assignment Regardless of Your College Major“.

Also take some time to forward this video blog to some worthy high school or college student, andalso subscribe them to my FREE newsletter the GamePlan

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Does Your Posse Suck?

How to Prepare for School Tests And College Exams - Academic Survival Skill #7

Kantis Simmons — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 17:23:56 +0000

Taking test, preparing for exams, studying for midterms, and studying for final exams traditioanlly give students challenges. With so many things taking place before test time, there seems to be a rush of adrenaline to the mind containing fear, stress, overload and anxiety. I have experienced these same symptoms before test time, until I learned a few key ways to prepare for test.

Understanding how to prepare for test or exams is a vital academic skill that every student must develop.

Yes reviewing your class notes regularly can make studying for exams easier and more efficient, but here are some other key ways that you can prepare for those exams. These may seem easy and simple, but they are very effective.

7.25 Ways to Prepare for those Tests

1. ASK THE INSTRUCTOR - When was the last time you just walked into your teacher’s office and asked, “Excuse me instructor? What shall I expect on the test? What material will be covered? Will the test be essay or objective? and What should I concentrate on when preparing?” Now what is the worst thing the teacher can say? NO, I’m not telling?

2. LOOK UP PAST COPIES - I can assure you that what you are being tested on is not the first time it is in exam form. So check with your library or older student to see if old exams are available. This can give you a general idea what of what to expect on the test. But please don’t rely heavily on this, it’s just for your preparation.

3. MAKE YOUR OWN TEST - From everything your instructor has talked about, put yourself in the shoes of your instructor and make up your OWN test. put down on paper ten good questions you think would be great test questions, and answer them.

4. REVIEW YOUR NOTES - Go over and reread all highlighted sections of your text again. Don’t re-read the entire text, just highlighted areas that are also in your notes. If possible, mkae up test questions from these hihlighted notes as mentioned above. If you are still having challenges taking good notes, then review the academic survival skill on note-taking.

5. CALL A STUDY GROUP - Have a true “TEST PARTY”. Gather 5 people or less, and form a circle. Going one by one, have each person ask a potential test question to another person in the circle. Individually this will help you prepare your answers, and see how others answered the questions in the game. At the end of the game, discuss among your classmates all the correct answers and why.

6. GET A GOOD NIGHT SLEEP - Sleeping is so amazing. It refreshes the body and refreshes your mind to think strong and clearly. In a previous post on Sleeping your Way to better grades. I go into more detail of why sleep is so important to your academic success.

7. EAT LIGHTLY - this is really simple, but really needed. Don;t bog your tummy down with greasy foods, but eat something in the morning that is living (fruit vegetables, pure juices). This will help get your “test motor” running. Similar to putting dirty gas in your car. Get it?

7.25 HAVE A WINNING ATTITUDE - this alone has caused so many people to fail that i must address it. However you invision your self, that will you be. if your inner voice is saying you will fail or that youa re not prepared - then in most cases you will. As a cheerleader is to a football team, you must be to your inner mindest and attitude. After preapring and properly studying for the exam, cherr yourself up and tell your self that you can Play YOUR “A” Game and ace this exam. I believe you can, and YOU must believe you can.

Well there it is..there’s some simple things you can do to pass those exams and tests. I would love to hear how you have done. Leave me a comment or email me at info(at)playingyouragame(dot)com.

If there are other key ways you suggest preparing for test, then leave me a comment below and let me know what works effectively for you.

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Kantis Simmons is a college speaker, youth motivator and the author of Playing Your “A” Game and other resources. He is acclaimed for receiving three college degrees but didn’t pay a single penny to receive them (Which is equivalent to $400,000 in scholarship money). Visit http://www.kantissimmons.com to see how his academic expertise and keep it real style can help bring value to your students and your next event. Also subscribe to his free newsletter the GAMEPLAN for secrets tips on academic success, scholarships and special updates at http://www.playingyourAgame.com

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Perfect Your Daily Study Strategy - Academic Survival Skill #6

Kantis Simmons — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 18:42:54 +0000

Every Sunday in the fall I normally do two things - go to church and watch NFL Football.

One thing that is apparent about every football game is that both teams come with a STRATEGY to beat their opponent.The determination of the winner is based solely on who carried out their strategy with the least amount of mistakes.

When it comes to academic success, preparing for test, succeeding as a college or high school student; studying is a skill you must develop This skill will definitely help your daily regimen

Here are some simple guidelines you can use to better your reading-studying strategy, as well as make the post of your time spent studying.

BEFORE YOUR READ

Before you read the text book or chapter in the textbook which is assigned for your class, make sure your do the following:

READ the chapter title and introductions
READ all subheadings and topic sentences
READ the bold face words and italicized words
READ the chapter summary and any review questions

AS YOU READ

During your study time, as you are reading the text or chapter, make sure you add these to your strategy:

Pay attention to all main ideas and supporting details
Pay attention to graphs, charts, or any illustrations
Pay attention to what you read. Evaluate the content. Do you agree with it? Does the material answer the questions about the subject?

AFTER YOUR READ

Once you have completed your reading and applied the strategies above:

Think about what you,ve learned. And verbally (speak aloud) summarize the content of the material. This will improve your retnetion.
Identify and note in points you don’t fully understand so that you can bring those questions up in class to your professor or instructor

Having a study strategy is key to winning and Playing your “A” Game in the classroom. Some other things you can do to improve your study strategey is to change some bad habits you are currently doing, improve your memory retention techniques, and get better sleep. Having these study skills and more like it will definitely improve the grades you are currently getting.

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How to Become a Better Reader - Academic Survival Skill #5

Kantis Simmons — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 13:29:44 +0000

Ever heard the powerful phrase…”Readers are Leaders and Leaders are Readers?”

What about the one … “Rich People Read books, and Poor People Watch TV ?”

Well whatever you have heard about reading, one thing is for sure; People who read well are more likely to do well academically.

I remember growing up as a student, that I hated to read books because it seemed like a long process or it seemed like the prelude before sleep. I even remember reading Cliff Notes, and the beginning and ends of chapters of books just to TRY to get an advantage over reading the entire text. But after three college degrees, I saw the direct correlation between my poor test grades and my reading efforts. I was always under prepared when I did not FULLY and EFFECTIVELY read.

Maybe you are presently like I use to be, dreading to read? Today I would like to share with you the fifth Academic Survival Skills that every Student most develop - READING.

Eliminate Bad Reading Habits

When you are reading a book, article, paper or journal entry, begin today to eliminate these bad habits that slow your reading down.

Don’t move your lips while you are reading, but “SAY” your words in your mind, or use your finger as a fluid pointer.
Train your eyes to take in large group of words, at every glance - not just one word in each since.
Avoid backtracking. Stop rereading that sentence that you keep reading over and over. Keep it moving.

Adjust Your Speed

According to what you are reading, and the purpose of the material you are reading, adjust your speed of reading accordingly. Hear are a few examples:

Skim material if you’re looking for the answer to a particular question
Slow down when you are reading technical subjects, like equations, science or math.

Expand Your Vocabulary

If at all possible, strive to expand your vocabulary when you read.

I suggest using a dictionary, or web program that will easily help you learn the definition, synonyms and antonyms of new words
Understand what certain prefixes, suffixes, and roots of words mean. You can find books in the library or search the web for resources to help you.
And when giving the opportunity, use new words that your learn in your everyday speech. It will help your vocabulary as well (Ps: I try to do this a lot in my speeches, just make sure you really know the full definition of the word).

Get Help if You Need It

If you are ever having challenges in reading,

Enroll in a reading class. It’s okay! It’s actually a cool thing to read.
And check with your school or university to see if they may have some helpful speed reading courses.

Okay here’s my challenge for you. Better your reading skills, by reading on a daily basis.

Tell me below (in comments) what books you are presently reading. What are the last three books you have read or in the process of reading.

The three books I am currently reading:

Book Yourself Solid, by Michael Port
The Maxwell Daily Reader, by John Maxwell
Playing Your “A” Game, by Kantis Simmons (yep rereading cause I’m finishing the second version)
The 22 Immutable Laws of Marketing, by Al Ries & Jack Trout

You can also see me speaking about this concept of reading to some students.

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Kantis Simmons Dropped His Pants for a Good Cause

Kantis Simmons — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 13:44:00 +0000

Yes the subject is correct. This is not SPAM. And no one has taken over my PYAG Blog. Kantis Simmons here!

Today I don’t have a Success Tip, but wanted to show you one of my memorable life moments. I couldn’t hide this any longer.

I CANT BELIEVE I DID IT!

I can’t believe I did it, but I did. It took a lot out of me, but I found the courage to drop my pants LIVE in front of hundreds of people on stage. Yes down to my draws.

If I had the opportunity to do it again….YES..I would do it again and again. But you see, I was ONLY dropping my pants for a good cause.

See what had happen was…….

I was honored to emcee this event called Stompin at the Savoy, which is an re-inactment of a 1940s event - Stompin at the Savoy. As the emcee the last three years, including this coming year (November 8th) it had different themes.

Last year when I dropped my pants, the theme was “Dreamgirls”, so I did a special performance from the movie Dreamgirls - you know the one with Beyonce, Jennifer Hudson and Jaimie Foxx; the one where Eddie Murphy played Jimmie Earlie and song the rebellious song ” Jimmy Got Soul”?

Well that was the song I dropped my pants to. You gotta see this. It was hilarious, but I did it for a great cause.

IT WAS A GOOD CAUSE THOUGH!

http://www.stompinatsavoy.com/Entertainment.html

This event alone raised thousands of dollars from the attendees and its sponsors to gather resources for homeless shelters and homeless facilites. And we are doing it again.

Last year alone, I and Howey Hudson Lowe Foundation joined together to take this young man off the street and give him a new fully furnished crib and help him get his life together. In past years we have assisted Katrina victims as well as given toys to homeless families and under privileged kids.

This holiday season, I won’t be dropping my pants again but will be sharing the stage again with comedian A.J. Jamal from the show In Living Color, and introducing superb jazz artist like Delores Major and Rhapsody, saxophonist Ron James and Trumpeter Melvin Miller. (See what they did last year)

As the third year hosting this event I always have a table of 10 with my friends and family. I consider you that, so I’m inviting you to come out and enjoy a lovely dinner, entertainment, and holiday cheer as we re-inact the 1940s.

Ever heard of the Cotton Club, or Stompin at Savoy? Seen the movie Idlewild, or remember the club scene “Boom Boom Room” in the movie Harlem Nights? Well that’s how this event will be popping off.

Tickets are $50 per person, and you can easily purchase it securely online.

You can get nicely dressed up in your suit or nice dress for great food, and live entertainment and fun.

Join me for a great cause on November 8th in downtown Decatur at the Holiday Inn ballroom. You can bring your mate, your fellas, your date or come alone. This is so much fun, or I would not be doing it for a third year.

I will keep things clean and not drop my pants on stage this year as I did last year.

But you can still see what I did on stage along with others.

http://www.stompinatsavoy.com/Entertainment.html

Seriously consider coming…it’s on November 8th at 7pm in Decatur, Georgia.

Check it out here, and other artist performing this year

http://www.stompinatsavoy.com/Entertainment.html

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Interview with Justin Driscoll - How to Land that Dream Career After College

Kantis Simmons — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 11:39:41 +0000

In this business of professional speaking, I get the “perks” of meeting some awesome people. I meet some of the best students, teachers, administrators and other professionals who have similar passion as mine.

A few years back, I met a guy name Justin Driscoll who is the expert on deciding on a career and locating a career after college. Justin gives clear advice on what to do, where to go, and how to say it where locating a future career after college.

When he and I first met he shared with me some great things he had learned in college, and now has put them in his book “7 Things I Wish I Knew Before I Graduated“.

In a one on one interview with Justin Driscoll I ask him some key questions about his book.

Click here to view more details

THE INTERVIEW

Kantis: Why did you decide to write this book Justin?

Justin D: After five years of speaking to, advising, and mentoring high school and college students about their future careers I felt it was time to put all of my thoughts together in one resource. The book a is the result of that work.

For the first five years of my career I spent time working for a non-profit technology association, The Pittsburgh Technology Council, meeting with companies and colleges. I would meet with hundreds of companies and schools per year with a few things in mind:

What are your needs as a business?
How business and education more closely together?
Does your company hire interns?
Does your company hire entry-level candidates?
What type of background do you look for in employees?
What are your company’s current challenges?
Do you know what companies told me year and year their major challenge was?

It wasn’t health care, or new business development but TALENT, with a capital T. You see the dirty little secret is if businesses do not have a talented workforce the best product in the world won’t sell itself. My book is designed to help the future talent understand what business needs!

Kantis: But Justin, aren’t all career advice books the same? What makes your book unique?

Justin D: Maybe some of them are similar but this book is special since the information came from years of interaction with actual hiring managers not so-called career experts. If you want the straight-dope on job searching talk with hiring managers not career experts.

Kantis: The second chapter of your book is titled “Real Life Work Experience Matters More Than Textbooks,” can you elaborate on this?

Justin D: Sure, first let me say that I am not knocking the value of a good education. School is absolutely important in all faucets of life. However, my main point is to emphasize how important internships, co-ops, job shadows, and any other type of work experience is before you graduate from college. I landed my first job out of college via an internship. Then for the next five years I helped hundreds of students connect with companies across southwest PA through internships. Did I wake up one day and say I know I want to work for the Pittsburgh Technology Council as a resource between education and industry. I think you will find that quite often your jobs or internships will find you rather than you trying to find it.

Kantis: Do college students always need to know what they want to do with their life after they graduate?

Justin D: I get this question a lot. First let me say an emphatic no. I bet if you asked a mid-career friend they might tell you they still don’t know what they want to do with their life yet. The fact of the matter is you must strive toward the last chapter of the book, Find Your Passion and NOT your job. If you can find what you are passionate about you won’t have a job, you will have employment happiness. It may take one or two different jobs to realize what you are really passionate about but be patient and look for different opportunities. When you finally do figure out what you are passionate about it will be like someone flicked on a light switch and everything suddenly became clear.

Kantis: If you had to search for a job today Justin, what would be on your “must do” list?

Justin D: I would immediately open my address book on my Mac Book and begin to email and call people I know. Yes, I probably would look at Monster, Hot Jobs, and all of the major job boards, but networking would be my number one priority. Then I would try to attend events where professionals hang out so I could get their business cards and learn what is going on in the industry. Sitting in your dorm room applying for hundreds of jobs online is like trying to find a needle in a haystack. The other thing I would do is start talking to recruiters who recruit in my industry, they have a create pulse on the industry. Get out there and network, you will be amazed at what you find and how open people are with talking to you. Does it take time? Yes of course. If it were easy everyone would be doing it.

Kantis: If you had five minutes with a student, what is one piece of advice you would give?

Justin D: I would strongly recommend you “specialize” in something. Students typically come out of college being “the jack of all trades and the master of nothing.” That isn’t the way business works any more. When a recruiter is looking at your resume they are looking for keywords and very specific information. Their hiring managers or clients gave them a list of items to look for when sourcing resumes. If your resume doesn’t meet those standards you will never even get a call back. The more you can learn about an industry you hope to work in the better off you will be. Simply being good at IT won’t get you an IT job. Know the keywords, talk with recruiters, hiring managers to learn about what they are looking for so you know what to put on your resume. Be specific about your track and the jobs will be easier to find.

Kantis: So why is there only seven things? Are there more things students need to know?

Justin D: Well yes of course but I couldn’t think of any more than seven… no just kidding. As I speak to college students and employers I continue to see a need for more resources like this because it isn’t anywhere near comprehensive. It was designed to get the student thinking about their future and their ability to be ready for the workforce. If you have seven more you feel strongly about let me know.

Click here to view more details

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Budgeting Your Time as a Student - Academic Survival Skill #4

Kantis Simmons — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 10:46:35 +0000

Managing time, budgeting time, and utilizing the 24 hours accurately is a mandatory skill to develop if youwant to succeed academically and beyond. In the 4th part of our Academic Survival Skill Series we will look at time management - how successful studying starts with budgeting your time.

Recently, I was speaking to a friend of mine who is raising a family, working a forty hour a week job, and receiving her Master’s degree. And she simply said, “Kantis I need more time!”

Now you and I know we can’t get more time, but only use the time we have effectively.

In your quest to improve your grades, live your life and get it all done within 24 hours a day, here are a few “time tips” below:

Develop a schedule that includes all “regular” activites, such as classes, a part-time job, meals, family, or practices (with an athletic team or group).
Reserve time for sleep, exercising, and recreation
Schedule review time for right after a lecture or right before a discussion of possible.
Plan ahead for all major projects and exams. Don’t wait till last minute.
Break up all your tasks and set them as time goals (Goal #1- search sources, Goal #2-review notes, etc)
Attempt to study the same subject at the same time each day
Take short breaks to reward yourself - you deserve it

Start today with budgeting the time you need for studying. As you daily budget this time, then budget time for those other key aspects in life. To amplify this topic of time management, you can also look at my book, Playing Your “A” Game to discover How to Ride on 24’s.

You can do it, and you can Play Your “A” Game!

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Who Says Class Participation is Not Cool? Academic Survival Skill #3

Kantis Simmons — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 11:00:08 +0000

Have you ever been called or known as the “teacher’s pet” ?

Or accused of “brown nosing” the teacher ?

What about “kissing up“?

How about trying to “Suck up” or “Get In good” with your professor or teacher?

Don’t confuse these terms with someone who accurately participates in class for the purpose of improving their grades and understanding of the subject. There is a difference - one is after the favor of the teacher, and the other is after the content from the teacher.

Just recently while speaking at a high-school, I had a conversation with a student and he asked me the following question:

” Kantis, how can I better participate in class? For a percentage of our overall final class score is based on class participation. Yet I don’t really know what to say in class because I don’t want to seem stupid in front of my classmates. Plus, I’m very very shy. What can I do about this?”

As I began to have a few words with this young man in the lobby of the auditorium, I proceeded to let him know that active class participation is a great way to enhance what you are learning in the classroom through open discussion. It also gives your teacher a clear viewpoint that you are seriously trying to ace his or her class.

Here are the few things I recommended to the student for effective class participation and I recommend them to you as well.

Come prepared to class - this is done by always being ahead of your teacher where class “reading” is concerned, completion of all home work problems or given assignments and the updating of all your class notes. Those three things will prepare you for every class session.

Ask clear questions - if you are confused about anything, don’t hesitate to ask clear questions that help remove any mental blockage. This is also one of the best ways to learn; so ask questions.

Verbally summarize what has been previously said - This will ensure that that you understand what someone else has said or what your teacher has said.

Participate and don’t dominate - don’t be too active in class by having all the attention on your questions and comments. Know when to listen is just as important as knowing when to speak.

Always respect your other classmates’ opinion. Don’t embarrass others by their comments or questions, but be open to what others have to say. You could learn a lot for others

Be respectful and courteous - if you don’t want it done to you, don’t do it to others. This is the Golden Rule for class participation. Just be courteous!

I believe participating in class is another Academic Survival Skill that every student should develop.

So what examples do you have that are effective in participating in class? and did these open doors for you to be verbally labeled ? and what was the name?

Playing my “A” Game

-Kantis

Here is also a great recource to help you improve your grades and G.P.A.

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Acdemic Success Starts with Parents - LIFE Coaches

Kantis Simmons — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 23:13:55 +0000

As I have traveled the country to various colleges, high schools and elementary schools I look for a few things. I first of all check out the architecture of the building I am going to, secondly I notice if the people are moving around slowly or swiftly; and lastly I ovserve the leadership and if there are any supportive parents around.

I must be honest, out side of God Almighty, my parents have been the #1 support to my success. I thank them for their discipline, love, long lectures and the thousands of woopings I received.

(In the above video, I even give the AGE of my last wooping. Can you guess it before watching the video? Leave me your guessed answer in the COMMENTS section below.)

I was honored to be the keynote speaker of the Million Fathers March, hosted by the Black Star project in Atlanta. This event encouraged fathers nationwide to drive their children to school the first day of class, and throughout the country men marched for this cause from school to school througout the neighborhood. I was the the closing speaker after marching from one elementary school to this location outside of a middle school.

Enjoy and let me know your thoughts on this video.

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