Week #1 Thing # 2 and discovery exercises

I have viewed the presentation and found it informative and useful, but a bit dry. I am grateful for the "My Learning Contract" because it helped me begin my focus. It also made me organize a bit more than I usually do. It is still in the embryonic stage, but that will change and grow through a dynamic process.

The presentation "7 1/2 Habits of Highly Successful Lifelong Learners" is very similar to who and what I am. Many of the habits seem to be a part of me already. If I were to choose the easiest habit it could be 3 or 4 of the 7 1/2 habits. I take responsibility for my own learning. I remember taking a drafting class at BYU in order to learn 1 skill I needed and wanted. I did enough to get a "C" and let the rest go because see a need for other parts of the class. I didn't blame anyone for a mediocre outcome. I was satisfied with the knowledge I needed. In other instances, I delve deeper than is required to get personal knowledge about topics I study, in or out of a classroom setting. I see knowledge and use of the knowledge as my reward-not a grade. I deal with grades because they are a necessary evil of the status quo. I have a great deal of confidence in my abilities and effectiveness as a learner. I am not foolish enough to leave a question unasked when I need the direction or clarification. I truly am a follower of habit 7 1/2. I break up many learning or working sessions with play in order to stay focused and fresh as I continue. They may not be long, but they are beneficial. My Mother-in-law taught me well. She continually asked me, "What are you doing for you?" I realized that I can't be as effective for my self or others if I have ignored myself to my detriment.

The most difficult is also difficult to pinpoint because I am involved with all of the habits to some extent. Therefore, I am going to sidestep the answer slightly as I did the first part. I really have two aspects that need work. One is viewing problems as challenges. The other may be using technology to my fullest advantage. Often I get frustrated easily, but am like the dog that doesn't give up and works on a bone until there is nothing left. I have encountered a number of situations in my life that I had to step back and reevaluate the situation or problem. Over time and by gaining a new perspective, I was able to find a resolution or a positive outcome. My mother always said I had "stick-to-it-iveness", meaning I never gave up. I need to shift the frustration sooner and change gears to the reevaluation mode. This will improve performance, outlook, and efficiency. I also need to find the time to go beyond the basic and simple uses of technology. I need to master more of the depths of that which is available. I need to practice using a variety of thought processes as I approach print and electronic searches in the library. I need to work on thinking outside the box.