Preparing your mind (part one)

One of the steps in becoming a great learner involves turning inward and taking stock of one’s own state of mind. In recent posts I’ve explored the benefits of becoming a great learner, and most recently how to generate motivation for learning.

Because mental preparation is so important in any learning task I’ll spend today and tomorrow on this topic.

There are two steps in mental preparation. We’ll briefly discuss the first step—examining your general tendencies, and reinforcing your motivation for learning—today.

In the second, which I’ll explore tomorrow, you engage in specific preparation before any learning event, be it a class, a reading, or some other learning experience.

General preparation

As an adult learner, you bring countless past experiences with you when you begin a new learning task. You therefore carry your past experiences with learning—whether positive or painful—into this new experience. It is helpful to identify such experiences at the outset of any learning experience.

Try sitting in a calm quiet environment for a few minutes, identifying any obstacles to learning, or doubts you may have about yourself or about the program. Then gently set aside these doubts, affirming that you have the will and the skill to take on this new learning challenge. Visualize yourself enjoying the material, making meaningful contributions, and being successful in the learning task. 

Before engaging in the learning process, spend a few minutes writing down several specific questions or goals for the learning ahead. If a class, you’ll then be able to watch for the answers to your questions or the fulfillment of your learning goals and jot these down as they occur. 

Find ways to connect positively with the subject and your ability to learn. Remember how much you once enjoyed a particular learning experience, how your passion for certain topics led you to excel in one way or another, how challenging some learning task was at first but how it’s ‘second nature’ today. 

Next: specific preparation. 

-David Luke, Senior Consultant at FocusFit (2007) Inc.

© 2011 D. G. Luke and FocusFit (2007) Inc.