Marisha Statham, CVR 2019

I became aware of court reporting through a friend, who is a lawyer, who suggested it. Once I learned that I could potentially take down the confession of a serial killer or be involved with transcribing significant events like 9/11, I was sold. I love to learn about anything psychology related or crime related because it fascinates me. Obviously the pay and ability to make my own schedule was a huge draw too. I originally started stenography because I like a challenge, but learning to get my brain and fingers working together at a high rate of speed would take at least a few years for me to master. Therefore, I switched to voice reporting because it was a quicker way into the court reporting field. I was eager to start this new career especially because I have a child and home to care for, and I found that I excelled in voice reporting. Voice reporting is a lot of work, but it's also very rewarding to see the finished product knowing that I created it using only my voice, and of course, the Eclipse and Dragon programs, and knowledge I've gained through CCR.

"Whether you are 15 years old or 50, your outlook toward life is always under construction."

Attitude can be our best friend or worst enemy, the librarian of our past, the speaker of our present and the prophet of our future. In short, I believe attitude is the biggest determinant of our quality of life.

There are people who seem perpetually perky and whose good nature appears as innate as their eye color. But attitude is not a fixed state. Whether you are 15 years old or 50, your outlook toward life is always under construction. It’s never too late to change it. If your attitude is deflating you, here’s how to pump it up.

1. Evaluate your current attitude.

This is the hardest step in the process. You need to detach from yourself and take a hard look at how you respond to situations.

• Identify your problem feelings. What attitudes make you feel most negative about yourself?
• Identify your problem behaviors. What actions create conflict between you and others?
• Identify your problem thinking. What thoughts cloud or control your mind?

2. Write a statement of purpose.

If your biggest flaw is impatience with others, for example, vow to take a deep breath, listen to them more carefully and develop empathy—an ability to see situations through other people’s eyes. If your downfall is complaining, learn to smile, speak positive words, or if all else fails, silence yourself entirely.

3. Find new words.

If you were trying to motivate other people, you’d pump them up, wouldn’t you? You’d offer words of support, encouragement, and inspiration.

Do you do the same for yourself? So many people I’ve met—people with tremendous potential—shortchange themselves with a self-defeating internal voice. I can't. I doubt. I don’t think. I don’t have the time. I’m afraid. I don’t believe.

This self-doubt darkens our attitudes, limits our success, and casts a shadow over our lives. The fix is easy: Change the language. I can. I expect the best. I know. I’ll make the time. I am confident. I believe.

4. Rewire your thought patterns.

Our feelings come from our thoughts. We can change them by changing our thought patterns.

It’s our thoughts, not our circumstances, that determine our happiness. Often, people are convinced they will be happy when they attain a certain goal. When they do, they are surprised and disappointed to discover that they don’t feel fulfilled. What they don’t realize is the act of filling one’s mind with good thoughts every day, regardless of what’s going on in their lives, will bring more overall satisfaction than the one-time high of a job well done.

5. Develop good habits.

An attitude is nothing more than a habit of thought. Habits aren’t instincts; they’re acquired actions. They don’t just happen; they are caused. Many people allow their habits to control them. That’s good if the habits enhance our quality of life. If not, well, life becomes cloudy indeed. You can change your habits. Here’s how:

• List your bad habits.
• Determine the root cause(s) behind them.
• Determine a positive habit to replace a bad one.
• Take action to develop that.
• Act upon this new habit daily.
• Reward yourself by noting one of the benefits of this new habit.