Soy - Good or Bad?

Soy is indeed a good source of nutrition, especially for the sake of keeping a heart-healthy diet.  Just 25 grams of soy per day may reduce the risk of heart disease by lowering your cholesterol.  Most soy foods are also low in saturated and trans fats, another reason why soy is good for your heart.  Recent research suggests that soy may also lower risk of prostate, colon and breast cancers as well as osteoporosis and other bone health problems, and alleviate hot flashes associated with menopause.

Consumers purchase soy because of the protein it provides.  You may have heard of people having soy burgers or soy milk.  Soy has what is called a "complete" protein file, which means, like animal proteins, it has all of the amino acids humans need in their diets except it doesn't have the fat that comes along with eating meat.  Vegetarians eat soy foods because the soy protein replaces the animal proteins that non-vegetarians intake.

Though soy definitely has a major positive effect on one's health, there is still some concern about consuming soy protein.  One concern is soy's effect on the thyroid gland.  Some research has shown that soy may have a negative effect on the thyroid gland, but further research and more evidence is needed to prove this.  Phytoestrogens, the cause of thyroid problems, are found in soy-based infant formulas, another source of apprehension.  Another concern is soy allergies.  People with a soy allergy can suffer everything from hives and diarrhea to breathing difficulties upon eating this food.  With all of this unease, anti-soy activists think soy is not as good as it is cracked up to be.  Keep in mind that all of these claims have not yet been proven completely true.

I personally think soy is great for your health.  Through my research, I found no clear evidence of negative side effects to health.  So to all of you vegans and vegetarians out there, keep doing what you do!  Soy is good for your heart and is chalk full of many other nutrients to keep your body healthy!  

Conflict Resolution

Here's a 7 step process for resolving conflicts that I find quite effective.  I found it online, but I find myself doing these same steps when I need to resolve a conflict with someone.

1. Remain calm. Be still and say nothing. Let the storm run its course. Often times the angry person wants to provoke you. Arguing is ineffective because it raises barriers. 

2. Let the other person do the talking. He or she will soon grow tired of it. Sometimes that’s all they want. To be heard. To feel important. Everyone wants to feel important. Some people just express it in ways that are counterproductive.

3. Genuinely consider the other person’s point of view. Imagine yourself in his shoes. Never say “you’re wrong.” In fact, try hard to look for areas of agreement and build on them.

4. There’s power in the words “Yes, yes, I see exactly what you’re saying. You mean…….” This shows the other person you hear him/her. That’s all they usually want — to be validated. By agreeing with them, you gradually break down the other person’s anger.

5. If the situation turns verbally abusive, put a stop to it. Firmly but calmly state: “You’re very angry right now and you’re saying things you don’t mean (give them the benefit of the doubt). I’m going to excuse myself. We can talk again after you calm down.” Then leave the room or ask them to leave.

6. If you are wrong, quickly admit it and take responsibility. You could say, “You’re absolutely right, it is my fault and here is what I’ll do to fix it.” Even if you’re NOT wrong, at least give them the benefit of the doubt, “I may be wrong, let’s look at the facts together.” It’s hard to argue with that!

7. Use the power of visualization. If you’re dealing with someone you interact with on a daily basis (like a boss or co-worker), try to imagine that person as a loving spiritual being. I did this with a boss I had at a Wall Street bank several years ago. He was an absolute tyrant and gave everyone a hard time. In retrospect, he was clearly unhappy and insecure.

Like I said earlier, I really like this method.  It is a very peaceful method that helps you resolve disputes fast.  When I'm playing any game, especially in gym class, I get too competitive.  I often say things I don't mean, so I use this method to apologize and work things out with a person I had a quarrel with.

 The only step I don't like is step 5.  Telling someone that they are angry may ignite more anger in that person, and could cause the conflict to last longer.  From personal experience, I hate it when people tell me I need to settle down when I'm angry.  It just makes me angrier!  Overall though, this method is really useful for me, and I hope other people will use this method too.  

Decision-Making Models

The first decision making model I found was called "The 7 Step Decision Making Model".  It's purpose is to help people make a career choice or decide what to do with a job offer.

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• 7 Step Decision Making Model: 
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• Identify the decision to be made - exactly what are you trying to decide?

• Know yourself - what are your strengths, weaknesses, skills, values and interests

• Identify options - list the various choices so far
• Gather information and data - about each alternative
• Evaluate options that will solve the problem, pros, cons and risks of each alternative
• Select the best option- may be necessary to loop back and gather more info
• Develop a plan of action - and implement it!

Another model is called the SWOT analysis.  It's purpose is to analyze these aspects of a company or organization: Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats.  This model helps companies decide weather they are ready to take on an opportunity that presents itself.  If their strengths are greater than their weaknesses, or if the opportunity is greater than the threats, then the company should take advantage of the opportunity.

I like the Seven Step Decision Making Model for deciding on careers, but for everyday decisions that must be made, I would have to say the GREAT decision making model is the best way to go.  GREAT stands for:

Give thought to the problem

Review your choices

Evaluate the consequences of each choice

Asses & choose the best choice

Think it over afterward

I like this model over the other two models because it incorporates a model that I use every so often, Pros & Cons, but goes further by suggesting to talk it over with a parent and thinking over your decision after it has been implemented.  Not only can this model be used on a personal level, but can be used for other decisions as well.  However, for choosing a career, I would prefer to use the Seven Step Model because it requires research, a very important aspect to deciding a career.