The 71/2 Habits of Life Long Learners...

I've always considered myself to be a life long learner. One of the things that I enjoy most in life is learning. It seems to me that the more I know, the more I long to know (and the more I find out I have left TO learn).

I've never really thought about there being actual steps or habits to becoming a life long learner, so I found it very interesting to sit down and listen to the descriptions of one.. to descriptions of myself in a lot of aspects.

Of the seven habits the ones that I found easiest were steps three through seven and a half.

Step 3
I long ago learned that all obstacles that come my way are merely steps in my life, all the things that I come up against shape me and help me become who I am. I attempt to view most things as learning opportunities, as with all people I have my share of moans and groans, but on the other side of a problem, it's wonderful to see how I've grown or what I've learned.

Step 4
I was taught early on to have confidence in myself and my abilities. There is little in life I won't try, and I rarely give up (some might label me as stubborn). I have lots of dreams and continue to plod along at them even though they may seem a little overwhelming from my current vantage point (ie- learning four languages before I die).

Step 5
My environment is a constant influx of learning materials. I love books, people, traveling and the Internet. I surround myself with other people who share my desire for learning and use them as part of my learning toolbox as well. Learning is a joy to me, so I find it easy to stick things in my learning toolbox.

Step 6
This is probably the easiest goal for me. I love technology and all that it allows you to do. I already have several personal online blogs and writing journals. I have created a network of online friends from around the globe, from California and Canada to Japan and Singapore. They almost all share my desire to learn and grow, and we are always connecting and sharing our resources. In this quickly growing technological world, there will always be something new to learn, but I enjoy attempting to stay connected and current.

Step 7
For me it is natural to want to teach and/or share my love of learning with others. I do this both consciously when I sit down and helps students and patrons who come in for advice or help, and unconsciously when I sit down and chat with someone for hours about the things that I have learned in life, and have yet to learn.

Step 7 1/2
Play! This is never a hardship. I can easily get lost online, in a library or just wandering a city. I love to observe, watch and learn. Sometimes (like now even) I may feel a little guilty about spending time figuring things out that are fun for me, but I know that in the long run it is worth it when the skill is gained and a sense of accomplishment felt.

The two of the skills that are the hardest for me would be beginning with the end in mind and accepting responsiblity for my own learning. I create goals, but I usually have a vague sense of where I want to go with them. I usually don't set good time tables, and often allow things to distract me or deter me from my goals. While these things are often learning adventures in themselves, they may leave the first goal unfinished. Which touches on the second habit, accept responsibility for your own learning. I know that I am responsible for my learning, but there will always be a little side of me that wishes that all the vast wonders of the world will come flying through the air and implant themselves upon my brain without all the effort on my part. I am currently trying to learn Japanese and Spanish, but have been having trouble forcing myself to sit down and actually focus on say, one lesson a week in each language. Instead I prefer attempting to learn through experiences and interactions with other people. This method of learning will eventually work, but the knowledge will come at a much slower pace than if I sat down and studied.

Well, it looks like I have done a good job of rambling on and on in my first blog here, but I hope that all who read this will gain a small insight into the things that I find interesting and challenging about being a life long learner.

Until next time~
Amy Hilliard (Dunbar Library)

For the curious- a side note on my user name Michan. It is derived from the later part of my given name Amy (mi) and the Japanese honorific chan (there are several honorifics or titles used with names in Japan, chan is a word that you would add to a young person, or someone - often female- you are very familiar with). It was a nickname given to me ages ago online and has somehow stuck as my online persona.