7 1/2 Habits

I have to constantly redefine what being a lifelong learner means. Sometimes I get caught up in thinking I have to take a formal class and do assignments in order to learn. Other times I think it is just managing to get through day-to-day life experiences and sometimes struggles. The biggest thing is I need to take the time to mentally summarize what I have learned.

The habits I am strongest in are beginning with the end in mind and teaching/mentoring others. I am naturally a procrastinator, but if I know where I'm going I can push through to the end.

My biggest struggle is with using technology to my advantage which also ties into the two habits that I put between being strengths and weaknesses -- viewing problems as challenges and having confidence. I am relatively good at viewing problems as challenges until it comes to anything involving technology -- then I have an incredibly low frustration level and am willing to give up after just one or two tries. As far as having confidence as a learner, I used to be extremely confident. Then I went back to get my master's degree about five years ago and found that my brain had atrophied (or something). I could no longer read or listen to a lecture once and have it stick -- I actually had to use the study skills I had been teaching for 20 years. Big surprise they actually worked! Still when faced with technology, I tend to freeze. I just have no alternative ideas when my first attempt doesn't work.