Thing #1 Lifelong Learning

Whether we realize it or not, human beings are capable of learning something new every single day.  Regardless of age, gender, ethnic background, or any other factors, the human mind has infinite possibilities.  Our minds are fascinating, full of potential if we choose to take advantage of it.  This makes us lifelong learners.  A tutorial was created by training specialists at the Public Library of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County entitled "7 1/2 Habits of Lifelong Learners."  Through these 7 1/2 habits, people can take advantage of their mind's capability and become lifelong learners.

While going through this tutorial one of the points that stuck out to me the most was "attitude is everything."  I completely agree with this quote.  If you do not have a willing attitude and are pessimistic about the task at hand, you will not accomplish or learn anything.  A positive attitude should be present in every student, no matter what their age or no matter what they are learning.  I plan to reiterate this to my future students.  Do not be a pessimist, it gets you nowhere. 

As I continued looking through the 7 1/2 habits I came across habit number 4.  This habit is probably the hardest for me personally.  "Have confidence in yourself as a competent, effective learner."  I am my own biggest critic, and often times loose confidence in myself when everything does not turn out perfectly as planned.  As a lifelong learner I have to strive to remember to be confident in myself so I can learn efficiently and not let minor bumps in the road throw me off course.  Habit number 7 is the easiest for me.  "Teach/Mentor others."  This habit is easiest for me because when I teach others something that I am in the process of learning, it helps to drill the concept into my head.  This one is also easiest for me because while teaching or mentoring others they may be able to present an idea to me that I had not thought of, thus continuing my own learning process.

These 7 1/2 habits can help anyone understand what it means to become a lifelong learner.  As Brian Tracy (CEO of his own company that helps train and develop individuals and organizations) once said, "“The potential of the average person is like a huge ocean unsailed, a new continent unexplored: a world of possibilities waiting to be released and channeled toward some great good.”