What could have or would have happened if we had the opportunity to sit and discuss future plans and how our actions then affected our future? Too tough to tell, but a very interesting thought nonetheless.
I'll admit that when I was younger I was a horrible student in my formal education. My free-thinking, creative and questioning mind got me into several debates with teachers. Each quarter and semester we were not only given letter grades for performance, but also citizenship grades for behavior. "U" or "unsatisfactory" and "N" for "needs improvement" were the two most common on my report cards. I doubt that there are many of my teachers that have a picture of me on their wall with fond memories in their mind. Such are the mistakes of a creative youth.
As I matured in life I leaned that one of the biggest challenges I had was that I didn't understand my learning style. As a visually dominant artist I struggled to sit and listen to my high school teachers lecture. As a practical, analytical mind I struggled to retain knowledge that didn't fit into the larger world and the only "practical" answer when asked "how does this apply to life" was "shut up, you'll need it when you're older." As you can imagine that answer never sat well with me and the debate was on.
Over time I learned that in order for me to learn concepts, ideas and skills I need to be effective in life I needed to first learn what made me tick and how I learned best. I made it my personal mission to figure this out. I read books, took tests and tried several approaches. Through the combination of all the personality, learning style tests, assessments and trial and error I found the approach that worked best for me. Meyers Briggs, Color Code, Love Language, basic psychology, you name it, I studied and tried it.
With effort, through study, trial and error I have essentially "learned my language." I now know well what works for me and how I need to learn in order to maximize retention and improve skill.
Investing time into understanding your basic patterns can pay great dividends in the long run. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
1. Once you've found out what your language is don't keep trying to reinvent the wheel. Find what works and stick with it.
2. Realize that there is no "right" or "wrong" way to learn. What works for you is the real "right" way.
3. Invest time into taking assessments, tests and evaluations to get a comprehensive look at your individual language. Your personal tapestry of talent, knowledge and skill will become more prevalent with study, practice and time.
4. Above all utilize the scientific method and truly test out the theories on yourself. Not every assessment will peg you perfectly. Experiment. Test them out. Be bold and don't be afraid to try new ideas.
Recently I saw a video where legendary investor Charlie Munger complimented his business partner Warren Buffett by saying "that in many ways Warren has become a better student with age." He and Buffett both contribute their wealth to their love of lifelong learning. Two men who know their language are also two very financially successful men.
Before you can create success in finance, business or relationships you need to first learn what makes you tick. How do you work best? You may not have had all the tools and resources available as our children at a young age. But, you do have those resources now. The school of life is always in session. What excites me most about this school is I really don't mind getting those "unsatisfactory" citizenship grades anymore. Learn your language and you will be able to lead others better. Learn on, lead on.
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