Learning curves are hard! In the past few weeks, I have tackled learning: WordPress, OBS, IReal Pro, and Chordie. I have tackled: how to undercut a door jamb, leveling a floor, laying luxury vinyl planking. And: alternative accounting methods because my Quickbooks crashed. This means examining different products, starting to use Wave, applying to join Navy Federal Credit Union, and how to do small business accounting simply using Excel spreadsheets. In the class I’m currently taking, I have also tackled: Jazz improvisation, modes, extended scales and arpeggios, chord stacks, micro-improvisation, listening to my coach and mimicking, and much more.
Yep, my brain is kind of spinning. And this is how I start my summer “vacation”! Let me say it again: learning curves are hard! Here are some of my tips:
- If you don’t know what a term means or how to do something, enter it into a Google search or a YouTube search. If I find a particularly clear explanation, I save it on a document in my files. Right now, I have a folder for “House – bathroom”. In the folder, I have separate Word documents for things like, “replacing sink”, “replacing light fixture”, “floor”, etc. On each document, I have links to articles or YouTube videos.
- Don’t be afraid to ask questions. I bought LVP from a local flooring store but I’m installing it myself. I don’t hesitate to call the store and ask all my questions. I pose questions on Facebook sometimes. I have smart friends. I ask my coach/mentor/teacher anything that comes to mind.
- Sometimes it’s most beneficial to hire a tutor. I have occasionally used www.wyzant.com. Make a list of all your questions on a subject so that you can fill an hour of tutoring.
- I know I’m never going to learn everything about the things I’m doing. I make lots of mistakes. I remind myself to be satisfied with and energized by the journey. It’s OK! I hit roadblocks and have to put it aside or change direction. It’s OK!
My piano tuner, Bob Bonner called me today. He is starting to scale back on his business. He and I both have worked more years than the average worker – 47 years in my career so far for me, and more for Bob. We talked for quite a while and he brought up a Scripture that has been important to him. Psalm 103:1-5 – Bless the Lord, O my soul; And all that is within me, bless His holy name! Bless the Lord, O my soul, And forget not all His benefits: Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases, Who redeems your life from destruction, Who crowns you with loving-kindness and tender mercies, Who satisfies your mouth with good things, So that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.
I love that last bit! I’m not limping into my old age. Well, I do have a bit of a bum knee… but…I want to be renewed. I want receive every blessing! I hope you can be encouraged in your journey.