Program can help fathers reach potential

The event

l What: Chris Scaffidi from the Pacific Institute will present “Mindset Matters: Helping Dads Understand How Their Thinking Impacts Parenting, ” a free program hosted by the Eastern Iowa Alliance for Fatherhood and Children

l Who: for fathers, agency directors and staff, educators, faith community and any interested community residents

l When: 9 a.m. to noon, June 26

l Where: National Czech and Slovak Museum and Library, Cedar Rapids.

l To register: www.NowBeADad.com or call (319) 241-1400.

The concept

The Pacific Institute specializes in helping organizations and individuals address habits of thought that impact performance, either personally or organizationally. Relying on research in cognitive psychology, the heart of what we do centers around helping individuals develop their sense of self-efficacy.

Experts assert that self-efficacy, or the belief in one's ability to cause change, is the number one predictor of success, not education or genetic pre-disposition. From childhood, we form beliefs about our current abilities and future possibilities. These beliefs, often based on external circumstances such as our families of origin or our socio-economic environment, are either limiting or liberating. They either block or accelerate our success in life.

The other fascinating fact about self-efficacy is that it directly impacts our aspirations. According to Dr. Albert Bandura, “We do not allow ourselves to want that which we believe we cannot cause… .” In other words, self-efficacy impacts how we dream about our education, our careers, our personal relationships and even how we parent.

A person with low self-efficacy may not ever consider an advanced education or a meaningful career, even though they have the potential to succeed.When we work with at-risk populations, our aim is to help people discover some of their untapped potential; to take a look at the habits, attitudes, beliefs and expectations that might be preventing them from living the life they want to live.

The Pacific Institute's mission statement centers on “helping people discover their God-given potential.” By helping people discover some of their hidden treasure, they are becoming better equipped to serve their kids and those who depend on them.

- Chris Scaffidi, Pacific Institute Partner. Comments: cscaffidi@tpius.net