THE SIMPLE PENDULUM EXPERIMENT A simple pendulum consists of a small bob of heavy metal tied to a light inextensible string.

The experiment is aimed at determining the value of acceleration due to gravity, g. In this article we shall attempt to liken this very simple experiment in elementary physics to career development in the 21st century. Various procedures in the experiment help us realize ways of building, maintaining and excelling in a given career. Having in mind that a career is simply defined as a job or profession with prospects, we will also see how the society can benefit from one mans guest of excelling in a given career. The aim of the experiment is stated Our vision has to properly spelt out. Write down you vision It is important we choose a career that is in the line with our passion in life. What are you passionate about? Our dreams must be actualized. No dream in life will come to pass without the right attitude to work. Will you be diligent? Need for inner drive and interest. Our weakness verses strength must be analyzed. Without the opinion of other, what career would you desire? Your chosen career must be within the limit of your ability-your strength. Focus on your goal. The apparatus is carefully setup Discipline is essential. Your career is all about you. Time use be properly managed. Appropriate study approach must be used. A proper study schedule and time must be established. The right study materials are essential if one is to excel. Which study approach will you apply? You must have the will power to succeed. Are you willing to succeed even when you face hindrances in your guest for excellence? The pendulum is displaced through a small angle and it is allowed to oscillate freely. Seek counsel from those more knowledgeable than you. When we do thus, we will be more equipped to face the challenges associated with our career objective. Learn to ask questions freely. It is necessary one develop the attitude of being inquisitive. Parents, educationalist, guardians and academicians should advise and supervise the student. Students should be allowed to pursue their vision. It is wrong to impose a career on the student. A stopwatch is used to measure the time taken for say thirty (30) oscillations. Measure your achievement daily. Learn to assess the progress you have made so far. Is your level of success commensurate with the time

you have put into the career? Are you pursuing the right career. Is your approach right? A daily assessment will help you answer these questions and much more. The experiment is repeated by varying the length of the string used. There is need to adjust your present study techniques especially when it is not yielding the desired result. Flexibility promotes success. Try out new ways of doing things. Variety is the spice of life. Associate with likeminded individuals that will help boost your resolve for excellence in your career. Dont quit after a failure. Failure is a catalyst for success. No man can boast of success without first overcoming failure. Various precautionary measures must be taken during the experiment. Laziness must be avoided like a plague. Laziness is countered when you have a goal to strive towards. Fear must give way for self-discovery, self-actualization and selfconfidence. Your health should be given priority. Preserve your life and career by taking good care of your health. Wrong company must cease. Evil communication corrupts good manners. Procrastination weakens vision. In today lies a future, a present and a past. Make wise use of your today. The experimental result is tabulated and recorded. The nation will flourish when its citizens meet their career objectives. Crime rate will be minimal because idleness of the will and purpose is futile when individuals are goal driven. Productivity rate will certainly increase. A man that meets his or her career goal is termed a productive man. Others can likewise benefit from your wealth of experience. Your setbacks and success stories will some day be a reference point to others. Indeed the simple pendulum experiment is filled with lifes lessons. Let us be courageous and determined to achieve excellence in all we do. No man on earth is born a failure. It is our choice to allow mediocrity or excellence to rule our lives. The strongest muscle is the heart. Prepare and nourish your heart with hunger for your lofty dreams. See you at the top. OKEKE CHINEDU TOCHUKWU Lagos, Nigeria 10th October, 2009