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Friday, February 19, 2010

Characteristics of Success - 'Learner's Spirit' - Part 5

In our continuing study of 'Characteristics of Success' we introduced the attribute of: 'Lifelong Learning or being a Lifelong Learner'. We have been sharing tips/techniques/ideas that will enhance our ability to learn and have now shared twelve tips/techniques. The twelve techniques/tips were:

#1. Keep Learning New Things!
#2. Keep Practicing the New Things/Skills

#3. Vary Your Ways of Learning.
#4. Become a Teacher of Something You've just Learned.
#5. Learn to connect 'New Learning' with similar concepts all ready Learned.
#6. Gain Practical Experience
#7. Stop trying to 'Remember' all the Facts or Answers.
#8. Learn to Understand Your Best 'Learning Style'.
#9. Learn to Explore or Travel.
#10. Don’t or Stop Outsourcing Your Brain.
#11. Develop and maintain a Wide Variety of Stimulating Friendships.
#12. Take time to Laugh and Laugh Often.

If you are 'new' to my blog you may want to refer to the 'archived' section of this page to view the details and explanation of the above-referenced tips. Today, I would like to share a couple more ideas to think about implementing to improve or continue developing a 'Learner's Spirit'.

Before I begin with the last couple tips I want to share a conversation I had with my one daughter the other night that 're-enforces' step number 9 above: 'Learn to Explore or Travel'. As a family we have enjoyed watching the 2010 Winter Olympic Games and have thoroughly loved cheering for some of the 'local' athletes we know who are participating.

As we were watching the 'Opening Ceremonies' one of the things my daughter pointed out was the 'beautiful' outfits of all the different nations and how the 'colors used and outfits' gave you a glimpse into their culture as a nation and people. She went on to share how she 'loves' learning about different cultures and hopes to travel extensively throughout her life. She wants to be able to experience the beauty and wonder of different lands and their respective people. As many of the nations paraded into the arena she continued to comment on the beauty of their outfits and the wonderful heritages they represented.

As a father, I hope she never loses that sense of adventure and desire to 'learn and explore'. I do hope her dream comes true repeatedly and that she does get to travel and explore this big, beautiful world. If she does.......it will keep her growing and learning and that is such a wonderful benefit and blessing.

Now onto our last couple tips/techniques:

#13. Don't be afraid of Testing Yourself to Boost Your Learning

We often fall into the 'habit' that repetition is the 'best' teacher. While it may appear that spending more time studying is a great way to increase or retain what your learning, research has demonstrated that taking tests greatly impacts your 'retention'. Combining studying with tests has proven even more beneficial than just increasing your study time.

Studies have shown that taking tests impacts the 'long-term' retention of the information studied. The studies also validated that just 'increasing' your study time without testing didn't improve 'long-term' recall and in fact these students had significantly 'lower' recall of the materials studied.

So, the next time you are studying something, make sure you incorporate 'testing' in the process. Learn to 'make-up' your own tests or have a friend or family member quiz you. Get in the habit of having 'dialogue' with others that creates an 'impromptu' test. Next time you go to see a movie or go to a museum challenge those involved to come up with some 'quiz' questions for each other. Learn to ask questions about: What they enjoyed most about XYZ and why? What didn't they like and why? What surprised them the most about what you just experienced?

Just get yourself in the 'habit' of 'testing' each other and have some 'fun' doing it.......when you incorporate this into your time and schedule, all of a sudden the museum or movie becomes a 'game or fun competition' and you know what the 'result' will be......increased learning and better long-term recall of the information or material.

#14. We have got to Stop Multitasking

Now I know the above-statement just sent some of you into 'Cardiac Arrest'. I can hear you 'whining' and making all your excuses all ready. I'm a busy person.....if I don't 'multi-task I'd never get my job done.......you don't know how many responsibilities I have on my plate ....it is a 'differnet' world today, you HAVE to 'Multi-task'.......and the excuses go on and on and on and on...blah...blah....blah....blah!

We have been 'duped and lead to believe that 'multi-tasking' is the only way to survive and thrive in today's hectic business and personal world. We've been told; People who multitask, or perform more than one activity at once, have an edge over those who don't. We have been conned into the believe that 'multi-tasking' is the only way to make it......it has become almost a 'mantra' and a 'badge of honor'.

Research show us differently and now suggests that multitasking can actually impact learning in a negative way and overall reduces the ability to recall and retain information.......thus making learning less effective. In studing groups of individuals who 'multi-task' and those who 'focused on one task at a time' the results were telling. Participants who attempted to 'multi-task' lost significant amounts of time and increased 'errors' as they switched between multiple items. When the 'task' they were working on grew in complexity, these 'multi-taskers' lost even more timeand the 'error' rate increased exponentially.

The bottom-line results were fascinating: By switching from one activity to another, people learn more slowly, become less efficient and end up making more errors.

Now, I know some of you are 'pushing' back against this thought with all your being.....I know you are....you are now in 'defensive' mode and are not nearly ready to 'surrender' the 'multi-tasking' badge you so proudly wear......you are being defensive right now aren't you? ......Aren't you..... Just admit it .....You are! (Just try and remember this; admitting and vocalizing the 'challenge' is the first step in many 'recovery' programs.......so, go ahead, smile and just admit it.....say it out loud and then just 'laugh' at yourself....it will do you some good and you'll be re-enforcing step #12 mentioned above!)

So now that we've diagnosed a significant challenge that many of us face the question remains: How can we avoid the dangers of multi-tasking? It sounds way to simple but I think many challenges we face in life are simple......we like to complicate them so we feel better about ourselves but many answers remain 'simple'. The answer lies in us creating a 'new and different' habit of working. We need to start by focusing our attention on the task at hand and continue working for a predetermined amount of time.

Now please don't go and try to schedule 8 hours to work on something. You and I both know, that is not realistic and we also know that in a 'normal' business day, we need to deal with the 'unexpected' things come that pop-up throughout the day. Why not try scheduling thirty minutes or an hour and 'focus' your attention on the specific task at hand. Don't answer your phone, check email or do all the other 'multi-tasking' type things we normally do that do nothing..... but disconnect us from the 'task at hand......causing more errors and in the long run......a lot more time......try staying focused... try it!!! (You know what frightens you about this.....you KNOW I'm right.

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Until the next post I'll leave you with this challenge: Over the weekend and next Monday, why not try one of the 'above-mentioned' tips/techniques. Just stop defending and being afraid that there might be a 'better' way......try something different that will cause you to stretch and learn......and as we have said all along, .......your mind will enjoy the 'exercise.'

Have a great rest of the day and a wonderful weekend. On Monday, I'll capture our 'insights' and share some photos of our trip to 'Winterlude' in Ottawa tomorrow. Until next time, thanks for listening/reading and remember to: 'Dream Big and Dare to Fail!'

12:06 pm est Comments

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Characteristics of Success - 'Learner's Spirit' - Part 4

In our continuing study of 'Characteristics of Success' we introduced the attribute of: 'Lifelong Learning or being a Lifelong Learner'. We have been sharing tips/techniques/ideas that will enhance our ability to learn and have now shared eight tips/techniques. The eight techniques/tips were:

#1. Keep Learning New Things!
#2. Keep Practicing the New Things/Skills

#9. Learn to Explore or Travel.

I have shared this example in a previous post a month or so ago but it warrants repeating as I was able to experience it again this past weekend. This past weekend was a very busy one for my family as it was 'Winter Carnival' in our town and my daughters both volunteered as 'Characters, Mother Goose, (Sierra) and a Moose', (Mariah). As 'Characters' in Winter Carnival you attend many functions and greet the children (and Adults) in attendance. I had just travelled back from California on business and had flown all night Thursday arriving home Friday afternoon. Sleep deprived but excited for 'Carnival' I then spent the weekend being the 'Character' chauffeur to all the different events.

Monday was a 'Holiday' and we were able to 'relax' a little as a family. Sierra spent a few hours on Monday, 'hanging with her friend' while Mariah and I did some household chores. On Monday afternoon we took our two Black Labs to the the Railroad Tracks to run and play. We took our shovels along and shovelled a 'running/skating' path all around the frozen bog next to the tracks. One person threw 'sticks' to keep the dogs entertained while the other two shovelled. We ended up making a pretty long circular winding path through the the dead tree stumps coming out of the ice.

While we were 'creating' our trail on the ice a couple was walking down the tracks and stopped to ask us: 'What we were doing?' I said just making a track to run/skate on. By the time they came back our track was done and now we were having 'races' around the track and 'sliding' contests on the larger area we had cleared. The couple stopped and watched our 'races' and 'antics' for a few minutes; then a few minutes later, smiled, waved at us and continued their walk.

The girls had brought their camera and were taking pictures and 'videos' of their slides. When we were ready to come home both of the girls shared how much fun they had and also asked if the next time we do this can we 'invite' some friends. I said sure and told them I would bring our little portable grill and we could heat water for 'Hot Cocoa' while we were there playing.

As soon as the girls had gotten home they 'up-loaded' their photos and videos to their respective 'Facebook' pages to share their fun with their friends. This up-coming weekend we are travelling for the day on Saturday to Ottawa for their 'Winterlude' winter carnival. The girls are so excited to 'practice' their 'French' and also to explore how winter is celebrated in another country.

The point of this story is this: Exploring, doing new things, seeing and adapting to new locations, forces you to pay more attention to your environment. It causes us to make new and different decisions and stimulates our brains........and Oh, by-the-way.......once you do it, you'll also realize......It's a whole lot of FUN!!!!

#10. Don’t or Stop Outsourcing Your Brain.

We need to learn to 'critically think' and get our minds off 'auto-pilot'. Don't just 'believe' media personalities, politicians, your smart neighbor, articles you read, without critically examining and thinking about what was said or reported. Read or look for 'contrasting' views which cause you to see 'another' side and then make your assessments from there.

Remember, just because someone has a 'degree', is an 'actor', has made a lot of money, is on TV or has written a book doesn't make them any 'smarter' than you. Learn to make your own decisions, your own mistakes and in that way you'll end up learning from not only from the good decisions you make but from your 'failures' too. It is through this process of examining 'pros and cons', success and failure, where you begin and continue to 'train your brain'.

#11. Develop and maintain a Wide Variety of Stimulating Friendships.

I am blessed to have a 'wide variety' of friends. I have 'conservative' friends, 'liberal' friends, friends that are CEO's of major companies and friends who are hourly employees. I have friends who are doctors, lawyers, contractors, plumbers, maintenance men, mechanics and professors. I have friends who like to hunt, fish, do ballet, boat, kayak, water-ski, hike, read books, cross-country-ski, snowshoe, bird-watch and like different kinds of music.

Some of their hobbies, interests and career choices I have 'no-interest' in; but I still enjoy watching them or hearing them explain their passion for a certain endeavor. Having a 'wide-variety' of different friends and learning to appreciate them and their interests is a wonderful experience and helps me grow as a person

The bottom-line is this; we are “social animals”, and need social interaction.......the more varied our 'social' interactions, the more we grow as a person........ and if you're growing as a person........you're 'stimulating your brain!'

#12. Take time to Laugh and Laugh Often.

As I have said in previous 'posts' I'm not a huge TV fan. However, I do have several 'sitcoms' I enjoy watching. The shows that are the 'funniest' to me are the ones that 'parrot' daily life as a family. The writers who come up with the scripts and the actors who carry out the 'verbal and physical comedy' are amazing. After I watch one of these shows and have thoroughly 'laughed' I often smile as I think about the 'creative' talent of all involved.

Go to a comedy club, or an 'Improv' club where there is cognitively complex humor, full of twists and surprises. Invite friends over and have a 'game' night........ Try your hand at 'pictionary' or another fun game and watch how much time you spend laughing. That old adage is true........'Laughter is Good for the Soul' especially when shared with friends. (Tip #11)

Until the next post I'll leave you with this challenge: Why not continue having some 'fun' learning today and try some of the 'above-mentioned' tips/techniques. Do something that will cause you to stretch and learn......have a discussion with some friends or family members about a topic where you might share 'opposing' views.....continue 'having fun' learning.....and as we have said all along, .......your mind will enjoy the 'exercise.'

Until next time, thanks for listening/reading and remember to: 'Dream Big and Dare to Fail!'

1:06 pm est Comments

Monday, February 15, 2010

Characteristics of Success - 'Learner's Spirit' - Part 3

In our continuing study of 'Characteristics of Success' we introduced the attribute of: 'Lifelong Learning or being a Lifelong Learner'. We have been sharing tips/techniques/ideas that will enhance our ability to learn and on in Friday's Post shared the first four tips. Those four tips/techniques were:

#1. Keep Learning New Things!
#2. Keep Practicing the New Things/Skills

#3. Vary Your Ways of Learning.
#4. Become a Teacher of Something You've just Learned.

Today, I would like to give us four more ideas to think about implementing to improve or continue developing a 'Learner's Spirit':

#5. Learn to connect 'New Learning' with similar concepts all ready Learned.

When you are reading a book by your favorite author learn to take a moment and 'compare'. What I mean by this is instead of reading the book for pure enjoyment and then putting it away and venturing onto the next book, take some time and compare. If this book is by the same author, are there comparisons in plot and characters to the other book? How is it the same? How is it different? Which book did you enjoy more? Why? If you didn't enjoy this one as much; how would you have changed it or written it to have an 'ending' you would've liked?

I enjoy having my 'daily' devotions and one of the things things I do is read through the Bible, cover-to-cover 2 to 3 times a year. One of the things that makes this process so enjoyable for me is the mindset I always keep as I'm reading: As I read I really try to keep this thought in focus: The people I'm reading about were just like you and me......they had to eat, sleep, work, take care of families, etc. etc. When I keep that in mind the characters I read about 'come alive'. There begin to be two lessons for me as I read: The lesson of what the overall passage is teaching and Secondly; what is the individual going through personally at this moment in time. The joy of connecting the learning by asking these questions is amazing and very enlightening for me.

#6. Gain Practical Experience

Learning for many of us seems to equate to 'boredom'. We associate learning to reading textbooks, attending lectures or doing research in the library or on the Web and basically memorizing a plethora of facts, most of which will never have any substantive use in our lives. Now I will admit that although seeing information in print or hearing it and writing it down is important, what is more important is to actually put the new knowledge and/or skills into practice.

Next time you are 'reading or learning' something new, make your goal to use what you're learning in a 'practical' way. Learning something and then trying to put the skill or knowledge to practice in your day-to-day life is one of the most effective ways of 'cemeting' the things you've learned. If you have learned a new 'sport' or 'ability' try and perform the activity regularly. If you are learning a new language, practice speaking with another person and surround yourself with immersion experiences. My girls (who are both taking French) will get the opportunity to 'practice' their skills as we head to Ottawa for the day next weekend to attend their 'Winterlude', Winter Carnival. All of the Canadians in Ottawa are bi-lingual and it is a great opportunity for the girls to put their 'classroom' skills into practical action!

#7. Stop trying to 'Remember' all the Facts or Answers.

One of the things we need to realize is this: The world is changing and it is changing rapidly. Growing up, my generation had 'Encylclopedia's' and every year or so a 'new' volume would come out with 'up-dated facts and data'. That isn't the case anymore; information is accumulating so quickly and so instantaneously that to keep abreast of it all is impossible.

We also need to realize that learning isn’t a perfect process and sometimes, we forget the details of things that we have learned. Research has now shown that when we 'struggle' to retrieve a piece of information, you are much better off simply looking up the correct answer. One study found; the longer you spend trying to remember the answer, the more likely you will be to forget it again. The reason is this: Your attempts to recall previously learned information actually results in learning the 'error state' instead of the correct response.

So the next time you are 'struggling' to remember a fact or some data. Relax, you aren't losing your mind and on the 'downhill' road to ageing........just go to the 'web' or a book and look it up. When you find the answer you will be 're-enforcing' a good behavior instead of beating yourself up because you 'forgot'.

#8. Learn to Understand Your Best 'Learning Style'.

One of the challenges with 'learning' is this: People don't all 'learn' by the same methods or techniques. ' What works for one person might not work for the next and that is why it is important for all of us to 'understand' our best learning styles. Once we understand that 'learning style' we need to make sure we employ the identifyed habits and styles in order to maximize our understanding of the content.

For those of you that have more than one child you were quickly introduced to 'different' learning styles. What worked well for one child doesn't seem to meet the needs of the next and so on down the line. That is why it is best to research and try as best we can to understand some of the different theories about learning styles. Once again it is important to understand that one style is not right and another wrong and the goal is to simply find the 'right' learning environment for us, so we can be as effective as possible.

The web-site: www.About.com, is a wonderful resource to help gain a better understanding, 'of how you/we learn best'. One of the articles at the www.About.com is Gardner’s theory of multiple intelligences which describes eight different types of intelligence. This article can help all of us understand our/your individual intellectual strengths. Another article which can help us see and understand which learning styles might work best for you us is: Carl Jung’s learning style dimensions . (Click on either link and let the 'learning' begin!)

Until the next post I'll leave you with this challenge: Why not continue having some 'fun' learning today and carry your efforts into your 'work-week'. Make it a point in the next day or so to 're-read' the last two 'posts' and try something different. You could also make it a point to read the two articles referenced above and see what insights into yourself are revealed........whatever you do, do something different....... Try one of the tips/techniques and do something that will cause you to stretch and learn......discuss it with some friends or family members.....learn to 'have fun' learning.....as we have all ready established.......your mind will enjoy the 'exercise.'

Until next time, thanks for listening/reading and remember to: 'Dream Big and Dare to Fail!'

11:09 am est Comments

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