More and more of us have gotten degrees on line and that has forced us to develop many of these habits. If you don’t, you don’t finish. I think one of the key habits I identify with is viewing problems as a challenge. One reason I am effective at tackling challenges is that I pull from the other 7 ½ habits to do it. I pull from my learning toolbox (mentors, peers, online tutorials, etc), I have the goal in mind to keep moving forward and I usually have confidence that I can solve the problem. That being said, I also recognize that my learning has ebbs and flows. I tackle problems best in the morning when it’s quiet, or after a hike.I realize that sometimes I just need to walk away from it and I have figured out ways to get refreshed when I am not making headway. It’s not always smooth – sometimes I bang my head a few too many times before taking that break I need.
I struggle with the self-confidence habit. “Don’t say it unless you want it to be true.” I don’t know how many times I’ve said I’m a horrible writer to anyone who will listen. I’ve had lots of practice at it over the past 6 years and I am getting better. It’s time to let that negative thought go.
I’m looking forward to this class for lots of reasons. I used to be pretty tech savvy and I blinked. That’s all it takes to feel left behind. I also just took a four day Internet Safety class and walked away with lots of new information. Much of it goes back to understanding the tools kids use and that’s why I want to know. One interesting thought I left with is about the use of cell phones. When the average adult sees a cell phone – they see a phone. When a child/young adult sees a cell phone they see a portable computer, a game console, a MP3 player and a camera. One small goal I have over the summer is to have my 11 year old help me to shift my view of my cell phone.
