We all learn and grow in different ways. Some people are natural learners, while others have to work a little harder. But no matter how you learn, certain things can help you learn and grow more effectively.
I recently had an experience that really reinforced these principles for me. My wife and I were trying to install a magnetic screen door. I thought it was some sort of tension install since we were trying to get a tension-installed one from Costco. Turned out to be one that installs with tacks on a wood frame or, since our frame has a vinyl cover, sticky Velcro. I couldn’t install it myself very easily but got it in with Amy’s (my wife) help.
It was a frustrating experience at first, but I eventually figured it out. And in the process, it reinforced a few things about how we learn and grow.
There is a difference between a growth mindset and a static mindset. A growth mindset means believing that you can learn and grow, no matter what your age or circumstances. When you have a growth mindset, you’re more likely to take risks and try new things. You’re also more likely to persevere when things get tough. There is that joke that once you turn 35, you are no longer open to new things. Now that I’m passed that it is sometimes hard to remember to be open to things.
It’s also important to be open to feedback to yourself. When you’re open to feedback, you’re more likely to learn from your mistakes. You’re also more likely to be able to see things from other people’s perspectives.
Here are some additional tips on how to learn and grow:
Set goals. When you have something specific to work towards, you’re more likely to stay motivated.
Break down big goals into smaller steps. This will make them seem less daunting and more achievable.
Find a learning style that works for you. Some people learn best by reading, while others prefer to watch videos or listen to podcasts.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help. There are plenty of people who are willing to help you learn and grow.
Celebrate your successes. When you reach a milestone, take some time to celebrate your accomplishment. This will help you stay motivated and keep moving forward.
- Learning and growing is a lifelong journey. There will always be new things to learn and new ways to grow. So embrace the process and enjoy the journey.
What I learned from my experience with the screen.
First, it’s important to have the right tools and knowledge. If I had known how to install a magnetic screen door before I started, it would have been much easier. But I didn’t, so I had to learn as I went.
Second, it’s important to be patient. Learning something new takes time and practice. If I had given up after the first few tries, I would never have gotten it installed. But I kept at it, and eventually, I was successful.
Third, it’s important to ask for help when you need it. I couldn’t have installed the magnetic screen door without Amy’s help. I thought I could get it installed by myself, but it would not have turned out good.
This experience taught me a lot about how we learn and grow. It showed me that it’s important to have the right tools and knowledge, to be patient, and to ask for help when you need it. And it also showed me that learning something new can be frustrating at times, but it’s also very rewarding.
If you’re looking to learn and grow, I encourage you to keep these principles in mind. They will help you on your journey to becoming the best version of yourself.
Thanks for reading!