I have recently been finalising some new learning of my own. I usually manage to undertake one main programme a year with a series of other shorter events that I attend. Some are good, some less so – always though there is some new learning and development for my portfolio. As I grow older my thirst for learning increases, keeping my own skills sharp and up to date are important for the work I do and the clients I work with. I also have a lot of fun with it too.
Sometimes when we are in the midst of things we can wonder why we started though…..as I found out a few weeks ago. I had committed to complete a major piece of learning this year. So a couple of months ago I was completing what is call an ‘open book’ examination paper (so called as you can use the books you have been studying). It was a paper we could complete at home too so all seems a little odd compared with my early education when two or three years of learning all hinged on a three hour examination.
This paper took me over 30 hours to complete – which apparently is normal. It would have been so easy to just give up, head off with some friends or watched the TV. One of the things that did inspire me was the diversity of our student group – young and not so young and from many diverse work backgrounds all sharing in a common interest. There seemed few barrier between us as we worked to our goal with a vast amount of peer support and encouragement. Just fantastic.
It is interesting that when we are working towards something and sharing a common interest and goal all other issues seem to be secondary. Something that I had known, but had unfortunately forgotten. This was a brilliant reminder and rather humbling too.
So perhaps a good time to think what you may have forgotten that could be valuable. Could it be that there are some great people you are ignoring who are also working towards a common goal? Pick up the phone or drop them an email they may just value your help in their own learning and development.
My best wishes,
Peter
